Hearty Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

Comforting Hearty Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Recipe for Families

Comfort food reaches new heights with this mouthwatering macaroni cheeseburger soup that blends classic burger flavors into a creamy, satisfying bowl.

Savory ground beef mingles with tender pasta shells, creating a delightful twist on traditional comfort cuisine.

Every spoonful delivers rich, meaty goodness packed with cheesy warmth and depth.

The recipe brings together beloved burger ingredients in a surprising, soul-warming format that feels like a culinary hug.

Melted cheese and seasoned beef create a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Perfectly balanced and incredibly satisfying, this soup transforms ordinary weeknight dining into an extraordinary experience.

Prepare to fall in love with a new dinner favorite that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Storage Tips for Leftover Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

  • Cool soup completely before refrigerating in airtight containers within 2 hours after cooking.
  • Store soup separately from garnishes to maintain crisp textures and prevent soggy ingredients.
  • Freeze soup without pasta or dairy for best quality, adding fresh noodles and cheese when reheating.
  • Warm soup slowly over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally and adding splash of broth to restore creamy consistency.

FAQs

  • Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great lean alternative that works perfectly in this soup. Just make sure to season it well to maintain the rich flavor profile.

  • Is this soup gluten-free friendly?

Not naturally. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free flour for the roux and swap regular macaroni for gluten-free pasta. Always check your ingredient labels carefully.

  • How can I make this soup more nutritious?

Add extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or spinach during the sautéing stage. You can also use whole wheat macaroni for added fiber and nutrients.

  • What type of cheese works best?

Sharp cheddar provides the most classic cheeseburger flavor, but you can experiment with a blend of cheeses like monterey jack or pepper jack for extra depth and complexity.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 380 kcal

Servings: 7

Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Ingredient Essentials

For Meat:
  • Ground Beef: The star of the cheeseburger flavor, packed with savory richness and protein that gives the soup its hearty base.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a tangy, umami depth that enhances the meaty flavor profile.
For Vegetables and Aromatics:
  • Onion, Carrots, Celery: Create a classic flavor foundation with a subtle sweetness and aromatic base for the soup.
  • Garlic Powder: Provides a warm, rounded garlic essence without overwhelming the other ingredients.
  • Parsley, Green Onions: Fresh herbs that brighten the soup with a pop of color and light, herbal notes.
For Thickening and Creaminess:
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, velvety texture.
  • Flour: Crucial for building the roux and thickening the soup to a luxurious consistency.
  • Milk: Brings a creamy smoothness that mimics the classic cheeseburger experience.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Melts into a gooey, flavorful sauce that captures the essence of a cheeseburger.
  • Beef Broth: Provides a deep, meaty liquid base that intensifies the soup's flavor.
  • Macaroni: Adds a classic pasta element that makes the soup hearty and satisfying.
  • Dill Pickles: Optional garnish that brings a tangy, crisp cheeseburger-like accent.

Tools to Simmer Up a Bowl of Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

  • Large Pot or Dutch Oven: Essential for cooking ground beef and building the soup, providing ample space for all ingredients.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for breaking up beef and stirring ingredients smoothly throughout cooking process.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurately portioning ingredients like butter, flour, and seasonings.
  • Colander or Strainer: Helpful for draining excess fat from ground beef.
  • Cheese Grater: Ideal for shredding fresh cheddar cheese, which melts better than pre-shredded varieties.
  • Ladle: Great for serving soup evenly into individual bowls.
  • Sharp Knife: Needed for chopping onions, carrots, and celery, and for garnishing with parsley or green onions.

How to Make Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

  • Launch the Meat Blast

Toss ground beef into a hefty pot and sizzle it over medium heat. Sprinkle in your favorite seasonings and break up the chunks until they’re golden brown. Ditch the extra grease and set the meat aside.

  • Wake Up the Veggie Party

Melt butter in the same pot and toss in chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Dance them around until they soften and become tender, releasing their delicious aromas.

  • Create the Thickener

Splash more butter into the pot and dust with flour. Stir everything together and let it bubble for a couple minutes to remove that raw flour taste.

  • Build the Flavor Foundation

Pour beef broth slowly while stirring, creating a silky smooth base. Add a dash of Worcestershire sauce for extra punch. Bring to a rolling boil, then dial back to a gentle simmer.

  • Pasta Transformation

Drop in uncooked macaroni and let it swim and cook until perfectly tender, about 10-12 minutes.

  • Cheese Dream Finale

Lower the heat and introduce milk and shredded cheddar. Stir until the cheese melts into a creamy, dreamy swirl.

  • Serve with Swagger

Ladle into bowls and top with fresh herbs. Slide some dill pickle slices on the side for that classic cheeseburger vibe.

Add-Ons and Substitutes for Cheeseburger Soup Fun

  • Adjust consistency by adding more broth if too thick or simmering longer to reduce liquid.
  • Remove pot from heat before adding cheese to prevent separation and ensure smooth, creamy texture.
  • Store soup in airtight container for 3-4 days; reheat gently, stirring occasionally to maintain creamy consistency.
  • Swap ground beef for ground turkey, use gluten-free flour, and choose lactose-free cheese for low-carb or dairy-sensitive diets.
  • Add crispy bacon bits, diced jalapeños, or a splash of hot sauce to enhance the cheeseburger-inspired flavor profile.

Serve Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup with Toasty Bread

  • Cheeseburger Comfort Combo: Pair the soup with a side of crispy garlic toast or buttered crusty bread for dipping and soaking up the delicious cheesy broth.
  • Pickle Paradise: Serve with extra dill pickle slices, chopped pickles, or a small pickle relish on the side to enhance the classic cheeseburger flavor profile.
  • Topping Extravaganza: Sprinkle crispy bacon bits, additional shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, or crushed hamburger-style potato chips on top for extra texture and flavor excitement.
  • Hearty Meal Companion: Create a complete dinner by adding a simple side salad with tangy vinaigrette to balance the rich and creamy soup.
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Hearty Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

Hearty Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Recipe


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4.6 from 11 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 7 1x

Description

Rich, creamy macaroni cheeseburger soup blends classic comfort food flavors into one hearty bowl. Cheesy goodness meets burger-inspired ingredients in a quick, satisfying meal perfect for weekend comfort dining.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
  • 4 cups (946 ml) beef broth (or chicken broth)
  • 2 cups (473 ml) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 ½ cups (355 ml) milk
  • 8 ounces (226 grams) elbow macaroni, uncooked
  • 4 tbsps (60 ml) butter, divided
  • ¼ cup (30 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, sliced
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp Worcestershire sauce (optional)
  • Fresh parsley or green onions, for garnish
  • Dill pickle slices, for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Meat Preparation: Brown ground beef in a large skillet, seasoning with salt and pepper. Drain excess fat completely to ensure a clean, concentrated flavor profile.
  2. Vegetable Foundation: In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté onions, carrots, and celery until softened and translucent, releasing their aromatic essence.
  3. Roux Creation: Sprinkle flour over vegetables, stirring continuously for 2-3 minutes to eliminate raw flour taste and create a thickening base for the soup.
  4. Liquid Integration: Pour beef broth and Worcestershire sauce into the skillet, whisking thoroughly to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing flavors to meld harmoniously.
  5. Pasta and Cooking: Add macaroni to the simmering liquid, cover, and cook until pasta reaches perfect al dente texture, absorbing the rich surrounding flavors.
  6. Creamy Finalization: Reduce heat, stir in milk and shredded cheddar cheese until completely melted and incorporated, creating a smooth, luxurious consistency.
  7. Serving Presentation: Ladle soup into bowls, garnish with fresh herbs and crisp dill pickle slices to echo the classic cheeseburger experience.

Notes

Manage Meat Precision: Select lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10) to reduce excess grease and maintain a cleaner soup texture without sacrificing flavor.

Control Cheese Melting: Remove pot from direct heat before adding cheese to prevent potential separation or grainy texture, ensuring smooth, creamy consistency.

Pasta Timing Strategy: Add macaroni near end of cooking to prevent overcooking and maintain ideal al dente texture, preventing mushy or soggy pasta experience.

Dietary Adaptation Hack: Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles, use gluten-free flour, and choose lactose-free milk for creating inclusive dietary versions without compromising rich, comforting taste profile.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 7
  • Calories: 380
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 20 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
John Nicholson

John Nicholson

Lead Writer & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Recipe Testing and Development, Kitchen Hacks and Time-Saving Tips, Flavor Pairing and Ingredient Selection, Engaging Food Writing and Storytelling

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Program: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: A hands-on curriculum emphasizing farm-to-table cooking, local ingredient sourcing, and creative menu development. Students gained real-world restaurant experience, learning both classic techniques and modern approaches to sustainable cooking.

John Nicholson honed his skills at Johnson & Wales University, learning how to use fresh, local ingredients and down-to-earth techniques to make cooking simple and satisfying.

His recipes blend Southern comfort flavors with a modern touch, inviting everyone to cook with ease and confidence.

Living in Charleston, John takes cues from the city’s lively food scene, local markets, and seasonal produce. He’s all about making meals stress-free through easy tips, flavor pairings, and fun experiments in the kitchen

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