The Ultimate Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Recipe For Cozy Nights

Whipping up a macaroni cheeseburger soup can turn an ordinary dinner into a delightful culinary adventure.

Comfort meets creativity in this hearty dish that blends classic burger flavors with creamy pasta goodness.

Savory ground beef and tender macaroni swim in a rich, cheesy broth that promises warmth and satisfaction.

Memories of backyard barbecues dance alongside each spoonful, bringing nostalgia and excitement to your kitchen.

Pantry staples combine effortlessly to craft this crowd-pleasing meal that feels both familiar and innovative.

Every ingredient tells a story of classic American comfort food reimagined.

We promise this recipe will make you the hero of dinnertime, so grab your ladle and let’s get cooking!

Pairing Ideas To Serve With Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

Refresh the rich soup with a light, tangy salad featuring mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty vinaigrette to balance the soup’s heavy flavors.

Serve warm, buttery garlic bread slices alongside the soup for dunking, adding a crunchy texture that complements the creamy soup.

Select a medium-bodied amber ale or pale lager that cuts through the soup’s richness and enhances its hearty beef and cheese notes.

Choose a light, fruity red wine like Pinot Noir to provide a smooth counterpoint to the soup’s robust and cheesy profile.

How To Store Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Safely

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Properly stored, the soup stays good for 2-3 months. Leave some space for expansion.
• Pour soup into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming. Stop when soup reaches desired temperature.
• Pour soup into a pot, add a splash of milk or broth to restore creamy consistency. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. Heat until steaming and thoroughly warm.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a different flavor profile.

• Is this soup freezer-friendly?

Absolutely! Cool the soup completely, then store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat gently on the stovetop.

• How can I make this soup more nutritious?

Add diced carrots, celery, or spinach during the sautéing stage to boost the vegetable content and nutritional value of the soup.

• What if I don't have elbow macaroni?

No problem! You can use other short pasta shapes like shells, rotini, or penne that will work just as well in this recipe.

Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup That Hits The Spot

Dive into Deliciousness: Reasons to Love This Soup

• Comfort Food Champion: Combines the irresistible flavors of a classic cheeseburger with hearty macaroni soup, creating a nostalgic and satisfying meal that hugs your taste buds.
• Quick Kitchen Magic: Requires minimal ingredients and simple cooking steps, making it perfect for busy home cooks who want a delectable meal without complicated techniques.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Appeals to all ages with its familiar cheeseburger taste and creamy texture, ensuring everyone from kids to adults will clean their bowls with big smiles.
• One-Pot Wonder: Minimal dishes and streamlined cooking process mean less cleanup and more time enjoying your delicious creation, perfect for weeknight dinners or lazy weekends.

Ingredients To Whip Up Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

• Ground Beef: A hearty meat that provides the classic cheeseburger flavor and substantial texture to the soup.

• Onion: Adds a sweet and savory foundation to enhance the overall depth of flavor.
• Garlic Powder: Provides a mild, aromatic garlic essence without chopping fresh garlic.

• Beef Broth: Creates a rich, meaty liquid base for the soup's foundation.
• Diced Tomatoes: Introduces a tangy and slightly acidic element to balance the soup's richness.
• Milk: Helps create a creamy and smooth consistency for the soup.

• Elbow Macaroni: A classic pasta shape that captures the comfort food essence of the dish.
• Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully to create a creamy, cheesy texture reminiscent of a cheeseburger.

• Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky warmth to the soup's flavor profile.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance and balance the overall taste.

Step-By-Step Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Heat a large pot over medium flame. Crumble ground beef into the pot and cook until it turns completely brown.

Drain away any excess fat using a colander or slotted spoon.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

Toss diced onions into the pot with the browned beef.

Cook until onions become translucent and soft, stirring occasionally for about 2-3 minutes.

Step 3: Build the Soup Base

Pour in beef broth and diced tomatoes.

• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Increase heat and bring the mixture to a rolling boil.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Add elbow macaroni to the boiling liquid.

Reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Cook pasta until tender and fully cooked, approximately 8-10 minutes.

Stir periodically to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Create Creamy Texture

Pour milk into the pot.

Gradually add shredded cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until cheese melts completely and soup becomes smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Ladle the hot soup into serving bowls. Optional: Sprinkle additional shredded cheese on top for extra richness.

Serve immediately while piping hot.

Pro Tips To Master Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

• Opt for ground beef with lower fat content to reduce greasiness and create a healthier soup without compromising flavor.
• Add macaroni towards the end of cooking to maintain its perfect al dente texture and prevent mushy noodles.
• Remove pot from direct heat when adding cheese to ensure smooth, creamy incorporation without potential separation or graininess.
• Adjust liquid levels by adding extra broth or milk if soup becomes too thick during cooking, maintaining desired creamy texture.
• Top soup with crispy bacon bits, green onions, or crushed crackers to add extra crunch and depth of flavor profile.

Flavorful Twists To Try On Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

• Vegetarian Macaroni Burger Soup: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans for a meatless version that maintains protein content and hearty texture.
• Gluten-Free Macaroni Option: Swap regular elbow macaroni with gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or quinoa to accommodate wheat-sensitive diets.
• Spicy Southwest Variation: Add diced green chilies, jalapeños, and swap paprika for chili powder to create a zesty, southwestern-inspired soup with extra heat.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Substitute elbow macaroni with cauliflower rice or small cauliflower florets to reduce carbohydrate content while keeping the soup's rich flavor profile.

Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

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4.9 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty macaroni cheeseburger soup delivers classic comfort with a playful twist on two beloved favorites. Creamy, meaty, and packed with rich flavors, this soup brings classic diner nostalgia directly to your dinner table, inviting you to savor each comforting spoonful.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) elbow macaroni
• 4 cups (960 milliliters) beef broth
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) shredded cheddar cheese

Dairy and Liquid Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) milk

Seasonings and Aromatics:

• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) diced onion
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. In a large pot over medium heat (375°F), thoroughly brown the ground beef, ensuring no pink remains. Carefully drain away excess fat to prevent greasiness.
2. Introduce finely chopped onions into the pot, sautéing until translucent and fragrant, approximately 2-3 minutes.
3. Incorporate beef broth, diced tomatoes, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Elevate heat to create a robust boil, allowing flavors to meld together.
4. Gently add elbow macaroni to the bubbling liquid, reducing temperature to a gentle simmer. Stir intermittently, cooking pasta until perfectly tender, around 8-10 minutes.
5. Transform the soup into a luxurious, creamy texture by streaming in milk and gradually introducing shredded cheddar cheese. Continuously stir until cheese completely dissolves, creating a smooth, velvety consistency.
6. Taste and fine-tune seasoning, ensuring a balanced flavor profile. If desired, sprinkle additional shredded cheese on top for enhanced visual appeal and extra cheesy indulgence.
7. Ladle the piping hot soup into serving bowls, presenting a comforting, hearty meal ready to be savored immediately.

Notes

• Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier soup base.
• Allow pasta to cook gently to prevent overcooking and maintain perfect texture.
• Swap regular milk with lactose-free or plant-based alternatives for dietary restrictions.
• Enhance flavor by adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or using smoked paprika for deeper taste complexity.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg