Is there anything better than a comforting, warm bowl of soup when you’re craving a hearty meal? Imagine your two favorite dishes—cheeseburgers and mac and cheese—coming together in one bowl to form a savory, cheesy, and utterly satisfying soup. This Cheesy Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is the ultimate comfort food, packed with flavor and creamy goodness that the whole family will love. Whether you’re a fan of a rich and cheesy bite or a beefy, satisfying broth, this soup delivers the best of both worlds. Plus, it’s quick to make, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something indulgent yet simple.
In this recipe, ground beef, elbow macaroni, cheddar cheese, and beef broth create a velvety, savory soup that’s as good as it sounds. The broth carries all the flavors, the cheese adds a creamy texture, and the macaroni soaks up the rich goodness of the broth. Ready to make your next favorite dish? Let’s dive into how to create this Cheesy Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
Step 1: Brown the Beef
In a large pot over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion together. Stir frequently until the beef is browned and fully cooked, ensuring that the onion becomes soft and translucent. Once the beef is ready, drain any excess fat to keep the soup from becoming too greasy.
Step 2: Cook the Macaroni
Pour the beef broth into the pot with the browned beef and onions, and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, add in the elbow macaroni. Cook the macaroni for 7-8 minutes, or until it’s al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Step 3: Add the Cheese and Milk
Lower the heat to a simmer. Stir in the milk and shredded cheddar cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese has fully melted and the soup becomes creamy. This step is where the magic happens, as the soup transforms into a smooth and rich cheesy delight.
Step 4: Season to Taste
Before serving, give the soup a taste and season with salt and pepper according to your preference. Adjust the seasoning as necessary to bring out the flavors of the beef and cheese.
Step 5: Serve Hot
Ladle the soup into bowls and serve it piping hot. For an extra touch, garnish with additional shredded cheddar cheese, fresh parsley, or even some crumbled bacon for added texture and flavor.
Serving Tips:
- Serve this soup with a slice of warm, crusty bread or garlic toast for dipping.
- To balance the richness, consider adding a side salad with a tangy vinaigrette to complement the creamy, cheesy flavors of the soup.
- Want a fun twist? Serve in a bread bowl for extra indulgence!
Storage Tips:
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, you may need to add a bit of extra broth or milk to restore the soup’s creamy texture.
- Freezing: You can freeze this soup for up to 3 months. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating on the stovetop.
Helpful Notes:
- For a thicker soup, reduce the amount of broth by ½ cup or add an extra ½ cup of cheese.
- If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or add diced jalapeños when browning the beef.
- Feel free to use different pasta shapes like small shells or ditalini if you don’t have elbow macaroni on hand.
- For a healthier option, swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. You can also use whole wheat pasta for added fiber.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs:
- Gordon Ramsay’s Tip: “Always season in layers. Add salt to your ground beef while it’s browning to ensure that it’s well-flavored from the start.”
- Ina Garten’s Tip: “Use freshly grated cheddar instead of pre-shredded for the creamiest result. Pre-shredded cheese often has anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly.”
- Jamie Oliver’s Tip: “Add a handful of finely chopped pickles or a dash of pickle juice to your soup for an extra cheeseburger-inspired tang.”
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use a different type of cheese? Yes, you can experiment with other cheeses such as Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even a smoked cheddar for a unique flavor.
- Is it possible to make this soup gluten-free? Absolutely! Simply substitute the elbow macaroni with your favorite gluten-free pasta, and make sure your broth and cheese are gluten-free as well.
- Can I use vegetable broth instead of beef broth? While beef broth provides a richer, more robust flavor, vegetable broth works as a lighter alternative, especially if you’re reducing red meat intake.
- Can I make this soup in a slow cooker? Yes! Brown the beef and onion first, then transfer to the slow cooker. Add the broth and cook on low for 4-5 hours. Stir in the macaroni in the last 30 minutes, followed by the cheese and milk.
- How can I make this soup spicier? To add a kick of spice, try mixing in some chili powder, cayenne pepper, or diced jalapeños.
- Can I add vegetables to this soup? Definitely! Diced tomatoes, corn, peas, or even spinach can be added to the soup for extra nutrition and flavor.
- What is the best way to reheat this soup? The best way to reheat the soup is over low heat on the stovetop. Add a splash of milk or broth to revive its creaminess as it heats.
- Can I use milk alternatives like almond or oat milk? Yes, plant-based milk alternatives will work, though they may change the flavor slightly. Be sure to use an unsweetened version to avoid unwanted sweetness.
- What type of ground meat works best? Ground beef with an 80/20 fat ratio is perfect for flavor and texture, but you can use leaner cuts or even ground chicken or turkey for a lighter version.
Conclusion:
This Cheesy Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is a delightful mashup of comfort foods, blending the familiar flavors of a cheeseburger and macaroni and cheese in a single bowl. With its rich broth, creamy cheese, and tender macaroni, this soup is perfect for cozy nights in or family gatherings. Whether you’re looking to warm up during the colder months or just craving something indulgent, this recipe will hit the spot. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile, allowing you to tweak ingredients based on what you have in your kitchen. Try it out today and elevate your soup game!