Hearty Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup: A One-Pot Wonder (Print Version)
Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is a comforting one-pot meal that brings together classic flavors. This easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights!
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 30 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Meat, Dairy
# Ingredients:
→ Soup Base & Meat
01 -
1 lb ground beef (80/20 lean)
02 -
1 large yellow onion, finely diced
03 -
3-4 cloves garlic, minced
04 -
6 cups beef broth (low sodium)
05 -
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
→ Dairy & Flavor Boosters
06 -
1 (16 oz) box elbow macaroni
07 -
1.5 cups whole milk
08 -
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
09 -
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
10 -
1 tsp Dijon mustard
→ Seasonings
11 -
1 tsp salt (or to taste)
12 -
1/2 tsp black pepper (or to taste)
→ Optional Toppings
13 -
Diced pickles
14 -
Crispy bacon bits
15 -
Fresh chives, chopped
16 -
Sour cream
# Instructions:
01 -
In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown your ground beef over medium-high heat. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once it's nicely browned, drain most of the grease, but leave a little for flavor – that's where the good stuff is, hon. Toss in your diced onion and cook until it's softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for just another minute until it smells fragrant; don't let it burn, that's a mistake I've made too many times!
02 -
Pour in the beef broth, diced tomatoes (undrained!), Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. Give it a good stir, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot – that's called fond, and it's pure flavor! Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook for about 10-15 minutes, allowing all those flavors to meld together. This is where the Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup really starts to develop its depth.
03 -
Add the elbow macaroni directly into the simmering soup base. Stir it well to make sure it's fully submerged and doesn't stick together. Cook according to package directions, usually about 7-10 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente. Keep an eye on it; you don't want mushy pasta! This is where I always forget to stir occasionally, and then I get a little frantic when it starts to stick. Oops!
04 -
Once the macaroni is cooked, reduce the heat to low. Stir in the whole milk and then gradually add the freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese, a handful at a time. Stir continuously until the cheese is completely melted and the soup is creamy. This step is crucial for that luscious texture. If you add the cheese too fast or over high heat, it can get clumpy, and nobody wants grainy Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup!
05 -
Taste the Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup and adjust the seasonings as needed. This is your chance to make it perfect for your palate! You might want a little more salt, a crack of black pepper, or even another dash of Worcestershire. I always find myself adding a bit more pepper, I just love that kick. Don't be shy; make it yours! This is where you really get to play chef in your own kitchen.
06 -
Ladle the warm, comforting Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup into bowls. Now for the fun part – the toppings! Sprinkle with your favorite cheeseburger fixings like diced pickles, crispy bacon bits, or fresh chives. A dollop of sour cream on top is also divine, honestly. The aroma filling your kitchen right now? That's success, my friend. Enjoy this hearty, satisfying meal!
# Notes:
01 -
Browning the meat really well before adding other ingredients is crucial for a deeply flavorful soup.
02 -
This Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup stores well in the fridge for a few days, but the pasta will soften a bit over time.
03 -
If you don't have ground beef, ground turkey works fine, but I usually add a bit more seasoning to compensate for the flavor difference.
04 -
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives right before serving makes this dish look extra inviting and adds a fresh pop.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large pot or Dutch oven
02 -
Wooden spoon
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 650
Total Fat: 35g
Total Carbohydrate: 55g
Protein: 30g