Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup: So Creamy & Easy

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Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup has a way of bringing pure comfort to my table, especially on those chilly evenings when only a hearty, flavorful meal will do. I remember the first time I tried to recreate that classic cheeseburger taste in a soup, and it was surprisingly simple! The aroma of savory ground beef mingling with onions and garlic, then transforming into a rich, creamy broth with tender macaroni, is just heavenly. This delightful cheeseburger pasta soup captures all those beloved flavors in a warming bowl. If you’re looking for a truly satisfying and easy cheeseburger macaroni soup that the whole family will adore, you’ve found it. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup

You’ll absolutely adore this cheeseburger macaroni soup for so many reasons! It’s a flavor explosion that tastes just like your favorite burger, but in a comforting bowl.

Incredible cheeseburger flavor soup that’s incredibly satisfying.
Super quick prep time, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Packed with protein from the ground beef, making this ground beef macaroni soup a hearty meal.
Budget-friendly ingredients mean you can enjoy it often without breaking the bank.
A guaranteed crowd-pleaser for picky eaters and adults alike.
This ground beef macaroni soup is a one-pot wonder, meaning less cleanup!
It’s a wholesome way to enjoy classic comfort food flavors.
The creamy, cheesy texture is simply irresistible!

Ingredients for Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup

Gathering the right cheeseburger soup ingredients is the first step to creating this delicious meal. It’s surprisingly straightforward!

2 tablespoons olive oil – for sautéing the aromatics and beef
1 pound ground beef – the hearty base of our soup
1 medium yellow onion, diced – adds sweetness and depth
3 cloves garlic, minced – for that essential savory kick
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour – this helps thicken the soup beautifully
4 cups chicken broth – the liquid foundation for our soup
1 cup heavy cream – makes it wonderfully rich and creamy
Salt to taste – to enhance all the flavors
Pepper to taste – for a little warmth
1 teaspoon onion powder – boosts the oniony notes
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – a blend of herbs that complements everything
1 teaspoon paprika – adds a touch of color and mild flavor
1 cup matchstick carrots – for a bit of sweetness and texture
1.5 cups macaroni noodles – the classic pasta shape that makes it a cheeseburger soup with macaroni
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – for that irresistible cheesy goodness
0.5 cup shredded Parmesan cheese – adds a salty, nutty finish

How to Make Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup

Creating this delicious one pot cheeseburger macaroni soup is easier than you might think! Follow these simple steps for a comforting meal.

Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat until it shimmers. This ensures your beef browns nicely.
Step 2: Add 1 pound ground beef and 1 medium yellow onion, diced. Cook, breaking up the beef with a spoon, until the beef is browned and the onion is softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. The smell of the browning beef and onions is wonderful!
Step 3: Stir in 3 cloves garlic, minced, and cook for just 1 minute more until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 4: Sprinkle 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour over the beef and onion mixture. Stir continuously for about 3 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste and create a light brown roux. This is key for thickening your soup.
Step 5: Slowly pour in 4 cups chicken broth while stirring constantly to prevent any lumps from forming. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
Step 6: Stir in 1 cup heavy cream until everything is well combined.
Step 7: Season your soup with salt to taste, pepper to taste, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, and 1 teaspoon paprika. Stir well to distribute the flavors evenly.
Step 8: Bring the soup to a boil, then add 1 cup matchstick carrots and 1.5 cups macaroni noodles. This is where it really starts to look like a hearty cheeseburger soup with macaroni!
Step 9: Cover the pot, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure the pasta doesn’t stick to the bottom.
Step 10: Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese and 0.5 cup shredded Parmesan cheese until they are completely melted and smooth, creating a wonderfully cheesy broth.
Step 11: Ladle the hot cheeseburger macaroni soup into bowls and serve immediately. Enjoy this delightful one pot cheeseburger macaroni soup!

Pro Tips for the Best Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup

I’ve learned a few tricks over the years to make this soup absolutely perfect. These simple tips will elevate your cheeseburger soup game!

Always brown your ground beef well; this develops a deeper, richer flavor base for your soup.
Don’t skip the roux! Cooking the flour with the beef and onions is crucial for achieving that signature creamy thickness.
Stir in the cheese off the heat. This prevents it from becoming oily or grainy, ensuring a smooth, luscious finish.
Taste and adjust seasoning before serving. A little extra salt or pepper can make all the difference.

What’s the secret to perfect cheeseburger macaroni soup?

The secret to the best cheeseburger macaroni soup lies in building flavor layers: browning the beef properly, creating a good roux, and adding the cheese off the heat for ultimate creaminess. For more tips on building flavor, check out this guide on flavor layering in cooking.

Can I make cheeseburger macaroni soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the soup base (up to adding the pasta and cheese) a day in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat the base, add the uncooked pasta and carrots, and cook until tender, then stir in the cheese. This is a great way to save time, similar to how you might prepare other make-ahead meals.

How do I avoid common mistakes with cheeseburger macaroni soup?

A common pitfall is undercooking the flour, which can make your cheeseburger noodle soup taste floury. Another mistake is overcooking the cheese, which can make it grainy. Ensure you cook the roux for at least 3 minutes and add cheese off the heat. Understanding the science behind cooking, like how ingredients interact, can help prevent these issues.

Best Ways to Serve Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup

This hearty soup is a meal in itself, but it’s also fantastic when paired with a few simple sides. It truly captures that comforting cheeseburger inspired soup vibe!

Serve it topped with a dollop of sour cream or a spoonful of your favorite burger sauce for an extra burst of flavor.
Pair it with some crispy baked fries or onion rings for the ultimate diner experience.
A simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette provides a nice fresh contrast to the rich soup.

Nutrition Facts for Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup

This hearty and delicious cheeseburger macaroni soup is a satisfying meal. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional content per serving:

Calories: 500 kcal
Fat: 20 g
Saturated Fat: 10 g
Protein: 25 g
Carbohydrates: 45 g
Fiber: 3 g
Sugar: 5 g
Sodium: 900 mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

How to Store and Reheat Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup

Got leftovers of this fantastic cheeseburger soup with macaroni? Great news! Storing and reheating this soup is a breeze. First, always let the soup cool down completely on the counter for about an hour before packaging it. This prevents condensation buildup, which can make leftovers soggy. Once cooled, portion the soup into airtight containers. For the refrigerator, it will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers or bags. It’s perfect for freezing for up to 3 months, which is super convenient if you’re planning meals for the week or want a quick option for the kids. For more on proper food storage, consult food safety guidelines.

When you’re ready to reheat, you have a couple of options. You can gently reheat individual servings on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. If you’re reheating a larger batch, use a saucepan and stir frequently. If the soup seems a bit thick after storage, just add a small splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up. You can also reheat it in the microwave, covered, stirring halfway through for even heating. Enjoy your delicious leftover cheeseburger macaroni soup!

Frequently Asked Questions About Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup

What is cheeseburger macaroni soup?

Cheeseburger macaroni soup is a hearty, comforting dish that captures the delicious flavors of a classic cheeseburger but in a creamy, cheesy soup form. It typically features ground beef, onions, garlic, tomatoes, macaroni pasta, and a rich, cheesy broth, making it a delightful twist on a familiar favorite.

How do I make cheeseburger macaroni soup?

To make this soup, you’ll start by browning ground beef with onions and garlic. Then, you’ll create a roux with flour, add broth and cream, and season it well. Finally, you’ll add macaroni noodles and carrots, simmer until tender, and stir in cheddar and Parmesan cheese until melted. It’s a straightforward process, especially for an easy cheeseburger macaroni soup!

Can I make this soup dairy-free?

While the cheese is essential to the cheeseburger flavor, you can adapt it. For a dairy-free version, try using a dairy-free shredded cheddar alternative and nutritional yeast for cheesiness. You might also need to experiment with dairy-free milk alternatives for the creaminess, though the texture may vary. For more on dairy-free cooking, explore dairy-free alternatives.

What beef is best for cheeseburger macaroni soup?

For the best flavor and texture in your ground beef macaroni soup, I recommend using a ground beef with about 85-90% lean meat. This ensures there’s enough fat to provide richness and flavor without making the soup overly greasy. If you use leaner beef, you might need to add a little extra oil when sautéing.

Variations of Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup You Can Try

This versatile cheeseburger soup recipe is a fantastic base for all sorts of delicious twists! You can easily customize it to suit your preferences or dietary needs, ensuring you always have a great cheeseburger flavor soup on hand.

Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño along with the onions for a little heat that complements the rich, cheesy broth.
Veggie Boost: Feel free to toss in other vegetables like diced celery, bell peppers, or corn along with the carrots and pasta for added nutrition and texture.
Lower Carb Option: Swap the macaroni noodles for a low-carb pasta alternative or even cauliflower florets for a lighter, more veggie-forward meal.
Cheesy Extravaganza: Elevate this to a true cheeseburger macaroni and cheese soup by adding a bit of Velveeta or Gruyere cheese along with the cheddar and Parmesan for an ultra-creamy, decadent experience.