A Perfect Blend of Comfort Foods
This soup takes everything you love about a cheeseburger and combines it with the creamy goodness of macaroni and cheese. The result? A hearty, satisfying dish that warms your soul.
One Pot, No Stress
Cooking everything in one pot not only saves time but also makes cleanup a breeze. This recipe is perfect for busy days when you need a quick but delicious meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Soup Base
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Toppings
- Crumbled bacon
- Fresh parsley or chives
- Extra shredded cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces. Once browned, drain any excess grease.
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot, cooking until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
2. Build the Base
Pour in the beef broth and diced tomatoes (with their juice). Stir well to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Add the Macaroni
Bring the mixture to a boil, then stir in the uncooked macaroni. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer until the pasta is tender, about 8–10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
4. Make It Creamy
Once the macaroni is cooked, reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese has melted and the soup is smooth and creamy.
5. Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the soup into bowls and top with your favorite toppings, like crumbled bacon, extra cheese, or fresh herbs.
Pro Tips for the Best Cheeseburger Soup
1. Choose the Right Beef
For maximum flavor, use ground beef with a little fat content (80/20 is ideal). It adds richness to the soup.
2. Use Freshly Grated Cheese
Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the soup’s creaminess. Grate your own for the best results.
3. Adjust the Consistency
If the soup is too thick, add a splash of beef broth or milk to thin it out to your liking.
Variations to Try
1. Bacon Cheeseburger Soup
Add crispy, crumbled bacon to the soup for a smoky twist that mimics the flavor of a classic bacon cheeseburger.
2. Spicy Cheeseburger Soup
Kick it up a notch by adding diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
3. Gluten-Free Option
Swap out the elbow macaroni for gluten-free pasta to make the dish celiac-friendly.
4. Veggie-Packed Version
Throw in diced carrots, celery, or spinach to boost the nutritional value without compromising on taste.
Serving Suggestions
1. Crusty Bread
Serve with a side of crusty bread or garlic toast for dipping. The soup’s creamy broth is perfect for soaking up every last drop.
2. Side Salad
Pair with a light green salad to balance out the richness of the soup.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Refrigeration
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing
This soup freezes well. Place it in freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or milk to restore the creamy texture.
Why One-Pot Meals Are Game-Changers
1. Saves Time
Cooking everything in one pot cuts down on prep and cleanup time, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
2. Full of Flavor
When ingredients cook together, the flavors meld beautifully, creating a dish that’s greater than the sum of its parts.
3. Versatile
You can easily adapt one-pot recipes to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
The Origins of Cheeseburger Soup
While the exact origin of cheeseburger soup is unclear, it’s believed to be an American innovation combining two classic comfort foods: burgers and soup. Over the years, recipes have evolved to include pasta, creating the delicious hybrid we know today as macaroni cheeseburger soup.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I Use a Different Cheese?
Absolutely! While cheddar is the classic choice, you can experiment with Monterey Jack, gouda, or a mix of cheeses for a unique flavor.
2. Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?
Yes, this soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. Just reheat it gently and stir in a bit of milk or broth to refresh the consistency.
3. Can I Use Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Ground turkey or chicken works as a leaner alternative, though it will slightly alter the flavor profile.
The Comfort Food You Didn’t Know You Needed
One-pot macaroni cheeseburger soup is more than just a meal—it’s a hug in a bowl. Perfectly blending cheesy, meaty, and creamy goodness with the satisfying bite of macaroni, it’s the ultimate comfort food for any day of the week. So grab your pot, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a dish that will have everyone asking for seconds!
