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