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
FAQs
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.
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.
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.
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:For Vegetables and Aromatics:For Thickening and Creaminess:Tools to Simmer Up a Bowl of Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup
How to Make Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup
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.
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.
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.
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.
Drop in uncooked macaroni and let it swim and cook until perfectly tender, about 10-12 minutes.
Lower the heat and introduce milk and shredded cheddar. Stir until the cheese melts into a creamy, dreamy swirl.
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
Serve Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup with Toasty Bread
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Hearty Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
- 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
- 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
- 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.
- Vegetable Foundation: In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté onions, carrots, and celery until softened and translucent, releasing their aromatic essence.
- 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.
- 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.
- Pasta and Cooking: Add macaroni to the simmering liquid, cover, and cook until pasta reaches perfect al dente texture, absorbing the rich surrounding flavors.
- Creamy Finalization: Reduce heat, stir in milk and shredded cheddar cheese until completely melted and incorporated, creating a smooth, luxurious consistency.
- 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
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
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