Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup: Your Favorite Comfort Foods in One Pot!
Get ready for the ultimate comfort food mash-up with this incredible Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup! Imagine all the savory, meaty goodness of a classic cheeseburger blended with the creamy, cheesy comfort of mac & cheese, all simmered together in one gloriously rich soup. This one-pot wonder is incredibly easy to make, deeply satisfying, and guaranteed to become a new family favorite. It’s the perfect hearty meal for chilly evenings or any time you’re craving a bowl of pure, delicious nostalgia!
Why You’ll Love This Soup
- Two-in-One Comfort: Combines the beloved flavors of cheeseburgers and mac & cheese into a single, cohesive dish.
- One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup makes this a perfect weeknight solution.
- Hearty & Filling: Packed with ground beef, pasta, and cheese, it’s a complete meal in a bowl.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will devour this flavorful, cheesy soup.
- Customizable: Easily adaptable with your favorite cheeseburger toppings or cheese blends.
What You’ll Need
Gather these delicious ingredients to create your satisfying Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup:
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 lbs ground beef (lean recommended)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 4 cups beef broth (low-sodium recommended)
- 2 cups milk (whole or 2% for creaminess)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried mustard powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni (or other small pasta)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided (plus more for topping)
- ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (for extra meltiness, optional)
- Optional toppings: Diced pickles, shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, extra shredded cheese, sesame seeds (for that burger bun feel)
Instructions: Brown, Simmer, Stir, and Melt!
1. Brown the Beef & Aromatics:
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large Dutch oven or a large, deep pot over medium-high heat. Add the 2 lbs ground beef and the diced onion. Cook, breaking up the beef with a spoon, until the beef is fully browned and the onion is softened, about 8-10 minutes. Drain off any excess grease thoroughly. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
2. Build the Soup Base:
Stir in the 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (undrained), 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce, 4 cups beef broth, 2 cups milk, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tsp dried mustard powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp garlic powder, and ½ tsp smoked paprika. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
3. Cook the Macaroni:
Add the 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni to the simmering soup. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or according to package directions for al dente pasta, stirring occasionally to prevent the macaroni from sticking to the bottom. The macaroni should be tender but still have a slight bite.
4. Add the Cheese:
Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese and the optional ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese until completely melted and smooth. Stir continuously until the soup is creamy and lump-free.
5. Rest and Serve:
Let the soup rest for 5 minutes off the heat to allow the flavors to meld and the soup to thicken slightly. Ladle the Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup into bowls. Garnish with extra shredded cheddar cheese and any of your favorite cheeseburger toppings like diced pickles, shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, or even a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips for a Top-Notch Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup
- Lean Ground Beef: Using lean ground beef reduces the amount of grease you need to drain, making the process cleaner and the soup less oily.
- Don’t Overcook Pasta: Cook the macaroni only until al dente. It will continue to absorb liquid and soften slightly as the soup rests, preventing it from becoming mushy.
- Grate Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can make them melt less smoothly. Grating your own cheddar and Monterey Jack will give you the creamiest, most luscious result.
- Adjust Consistency: If the soup is too thick for your liking, add a bit more milk or beef broth until it reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce.
- Spice It Up (Optional): For a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce along with the other seasonings.
- Toppings are Key: The optional toppings truly elevate this soup and bring home the cheeseburger experience! Don’t skip them if you want the full effect.
- Storage & Reheating: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. The pasta will absorb more liquid as it sits, so you may need to add a splash of milk or broth when reheating on the stovetop or in the microwave.
This Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup is a hearty, flavorful, and incredibly comforting meal that combines two beloved classics into one irresistible bowl. It’s guaranteed to be a hit with everyone at your table!