Cozy Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup Recipe for All Seasons
Comfort food takes on a whole new level with this cheeseburger macaroni delight soup that combines the best of two classic favorites.
Hearty ground beef sizzles with aromatic spices, creating a rich and satisfying base.
Tender macaroni swirls dance through the creamy broth, bringing memories of childhood dinners.
Melted cheese cascades through each spoonful, adding a luxurious touch that makes this soup irresistible.
Sharp cheddar and smooth cream blend perfectly, creating a velvety texture that warms you from the inside out.
Every bite promises a burst of savory flavors that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.
Dive into this soul-warming recipe and experience a delicious twist on two comfort food classics.
Serving Cheeseburger Soup With a Crunch
Cozy Comfort Bowl: Pair this hearty soup with warm, toasted garlic bread for a perfect dunking experience that soaks up all the delicious cheesy goodness.
Protein Power-Up: Top the soup with additional crispy bacon bits, diced grilled chicken, or a soft-boiled egg to boost protein and add extra texture and flavor.
Fresh Crunch Companions: Serve alongside a crisp garden salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the cheeseburger soup and add a refreshing contrast.
Movie Night Meal: Create a fun dinner experience by serving this soup in individual bread bowls or with a selection of fun toppings like jalapeños, sour cream, or crushed tortilla chips for customizable enjoyment.
How to Keep Soup Tasty the Next Day
Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Cool the soup completely within 2 hours after cooking. Transfer to airtight containers and store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, maintaining optimal flavor and food safety.
Smart Freezing Technique: Portion leftover soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freeze up to 2 months. Pro tip: Avoid adding dairy before freezing to prevent separation.
Reheating Magic: Thaw frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator. Warm gently on stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of milk or broth to restore creamy consistency if needed.
Batch Cooking Brilliance: Double the recipe and store extra portions for busy weeknights. Individual meal-prep containers make grab-and-go lunches super convenient, saving time and reducing kitchen stress.
Quick Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Calories: 480 kcal
Servings: 7
What Goes Into Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup
For Protein Base:
Ground Beef: Delivers hearty flavor and substantial texture, choose lean cuts for a healthier twist..
Bacon: Adds crispy, smoky depth as a delightful garnish, select thick-cut for maximum crunch..
For Aromatic Vegetables:
Onion, Carrot, Celery, Garlic: Create a robust flavor foundation, opt for fresh, firm produce with vibrant colors..
For Liquid and Flavor Enhancers:
Beef Broth: Provides rich, savory undertones, select low-sodium for better control of saltiness..
Diced Tomatoes: Contributes bright, tangy notes and juicy texture, choose fire-roasted for extra complexity..
Tomato Paste: Intensifies umami and deepens color, hunt for brands with minimal additives..
Salt and Black Pepper: Balances and elevates overall flavor profile, use freshly ground for maximum impact..
For Optional.
Tools That Simplify Soup Prep at Home
Large Pot or Dutch Oven: Essential for cooking ground beef and building soup base, providing ample space for ingredients.
Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring ingredients and preventing pasta from sticking during cooking.
Cutting Board: Needed for chopping vegetables like onions, carrots, and green onions.
Chef's Knife: Sharp tool for precise vegetable and garnish preparation.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient measurements.
Ladle: Helps serve soup evenly into individual bowls.
Cheese Grater: Useful if shredding cheese from a block instead of using pre-shredded cheese.
How to Simmer a Hearty Cheeseburger Pasta Soup
Beefy Foundation Meat preparation begins by browning ground beef in a spacious pot, ensuring complete cooking and draining unnecessary grease.
Veggie Symphony Onions, carrots, celery, and garlic dance together, softening and releasing delightful aromas during a quick sauté.
Flavor Explosion Tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and spices join the party, creating a robust base that transforms the liquid with complex undertones.
Pasta Magic Uncooked macaroni gets tossed into the bubbling mixture, absorbing savory flavors while becoming perfectly tender through gentle simmering.
Creamy Transformation Cheddar cheese and milk melt into a luxurious blend, transforming the soup into a velvety wonder. Season generously with salt and pepper for a final flavor boost.
Finishing Flourish Ladle this comforting creation into bowls, then crown with optional green onions, crispy bacon bits, or extra cheese for a stunning presentation that promises pure deliciousness.
Cheese Swap Magic: Experiment with different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar, pepper jack, or smoky gouda to transform the soup's flavor profile and add exciting depth.
Spice It Up: Kick the heat by adding diced jalapeños, a dash of hot sauce, or red pepper flakes for those who love a spicier cheeseburger soup experience.
Veggie Power Boost: Toss in extra vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach to increase nutritional value and create a more robust meal in a single pot.
Protein Alternatives: Replace ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for a lighter version that still delivers incredible taste and texture.
Make-Ahead Brilliance: This soup freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Store in airtight containers and reheat gently, adding a splash of broth to restore creamy consistency when serving.
Hearty cheeseburger macaroni delight soup combines classic American comfort flavors in one satisfying bowl. Ground beef, pasta, and creamy cheese sauce blend perfectly for a comforting meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
1 pound (454 g) ground beef
2 cups (170 g) shredded cheddar cheese
4 cups (946 ml) beef broth
2 cups (180 g) uncooked elbow macaroni
1 cup (237 ml) milk or heavy cream
1 14-oz (397 g) can diced tomatoes (with juice)
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium carrot, diced
1 stalk celery, diced
2 tbsps tomato paste
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp mustard (optional, for a classic cheeseburger flavor)
½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Chopped green onions (optional)
Extra cheese (optional)
Instructions
Meat Preparation: Sear ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until completely browned and crumbly, eliminating any pink traces.
Vegetable Integration: Drain excess fat, leaving a thin layer, then introduce diced onions, carrots, celery, and minced garlic, sautéing until vegetables soften and release aromatic qualities.
Flavor Enhancement: Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and smoked paprika, creating a rich, complex flavor foundation.
Liquid Infusion: Add beef broth and diced tomatoes, bringing the mixture to a robust simmer.
Pasta Incorporation: Sprinkle uncooked macaroni into the bubbling liquid, stirring periodically to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
Creamy Transformation: Reduce heat, allowing pasta to become tender while gradually melting cheddar cheese and introducing dairy elements to create a smooth, luxurious texture.
Final Seasoning: Adjust salt and pepper to taste, ensuring a perfectly balanced flavor profile.
Serving Presentation: Ladle the steaming soup into serving bowls, garnishing with optional green onions, crispy bacon bits, or additional cheese shavings, and serve immediately alongside crusty bread or a fresh salad.
Notes
Beef Browning Technique: Ensure ground beef is completely cooked with no pink centers to eliminate food safety risks and develop rich, deep flavor.
Fat Management: Drain excess grease but keep a small amount for enhanced taste, preventing an overly greasy soup texture.
Vegetable Softening Secret: Sauté aromatics slowly to release maximum flavor and create a robust flavor foundation for the soup.
Cheese Melting Tip: Add cheese gradually off direct heat to prevent separation and achieve a smooth, creamy consistency without graininess.
Recipe Development, Food Styling and Photography, Seasonal and Local Ingredients, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine, Culinary Education
Education
Portland Community College
Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and food safety. Gained hands-on experience in preparing diverse cuisines and understanding flavor profiles
Oregon Culinary Institute
Program: Baking and Pastry Certificate
Focus: Specialized education in baking fundamentals, pastry arts, and dessert presentation. Emphasized creativity and precision in crafting baked goods.
Jessica Martin is a talented food writer and recipe creator who specializes in seasonal cooking and approachable home baking.
Educated at Portland Community College with additional pastry training from Oregon Culinary Institute, Jessica’s culinary journey spans nearly a decade of creating and sharing flavorful recipes.
Her deep appreciation for local ingredients shapes each of her recipes, making them both accessible and inspiring. At Beard and Bonnet, Jessica uses her cheerful, down-to-earth writing to help readers effortlessly bring new tastes and creative dishes into their daily routines.
Jessica Martin
Recipe Developer & Food Writer
Expertise
Recipe Development, Food Styling and Photography, Seasonal and Local Ingredients, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine, Culinary Education
Education
Portland Community College
Oregon Culinary Institute
Jessica Martin is a talented food writer and recipe creator who specializes in seasonal cooking and approachable home baking.
Educated at Portland Community College with additional pastry training from Oregon Culinary Institute, Jessica’s culinary journey spans nearly a decade of creating and sharing flavorful recipes.
Her deep appreciation for local ingredients shapes each of her recipes, making them both accessible and inspiring. At Beard and Bonnet, Jessica uses her cheerful, down-to-earth writing to help readers effortlessly bring new tastes and creative dishes into their daily routines.