Description
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.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 49 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg