Ever find yourself torn between a juicy cheeseburger and a comforting bowl of soup? What if I told you that you could have both in one glorious dish? This Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup brings all the classic flavors of a cheeseburger into a warm, satisfying soup that’s perfect for chilly evenings. Get ready for a family favorite that’s as easy to make as it is delicious – I promise, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon dried mustard
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, plus more for topping
- 1/4 cup milk or half-and-half (optional, for extra creaminess)
- Salt to taste
- Optional toppings: chopped green onions, crumbled bacon, sour cream
Let’s Gather Our Gear
Before we even think about browning beef, let’s make sure we have everything within arm’s reach. Trust me, having your ingredients prepped and ready will make this whole process so much smoother. It’s like having a sous chef, only that sous chef is you, being super organized!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Browning the Beef:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Be sure to break it up with a spoon as it cooks.
- Once the beef is browned, drain off any excess grease. Nobody wants a greasy soup!
Building the Flavor Base:
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with the browned beef. Cook until the onion is softened, about 3-5 minutes. This step is crucial for building depth of flavor.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes (undrained), tomato sauce, beef broth, water, dried mustard, paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper. Give everything a good stir to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Adding the Macaroni:
- Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni. Make sure the macaroni is submerged in the liquid. If not, add a bit more beef broth or water.
- Cover and simmer for another 10-12 minutes, or until the macaroni is cooked through and tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Cheeseburger Magic:
- Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it’s completely melted and the soup is creamy. If you want an extra creamy texture, stir in the milk or half-and-half.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add salt to taste. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away!
Serving Suggestions:
- Ladle the Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup into bowls and garnish with your favorite cheeseburger toppings, such as chopped green onions, crumbled bacon, and a dollop of sour cream. Get creative and have fun with it!
Tips & Tricks for Soup Success
Okay, friend, let’s chat about some insider tips to make sure your Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup is absolutely perfect. These little nuggets of wisdom will elevate your soup game from good to *amazing*.
- Beef it up (or down): Feel free to use lean ground beef, or even ground turkey for a lighter option. You could even try using a blend of beef and Italian sausage for a richer, spicier flavor.
- Cheese, please!: Cheddar is classic, but don’t be afraid to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or even a bit of pepper jack for a kick.
- Spice it right: Adjust the spices to your liking. If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Make it ahead: This soup is even better the next day! The flavors have more time to meld together. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Freezer friendly: Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags. It’s a lifesaver for busy weeknights.
Possible Problems and Solutions
Let’s be real – sometimes things don’t go exactly as planned in the kitchen. But don’t worry! I’ve got your back. Here are some common issues you might encounter and how to fix them:
- Soup is too thick: Add more beef broth or water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Soup is too thin: Simmer the soup uncovered for a bit longer to allow some of the liquid to evaporate. You can also add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) to thicken it up.
- Macaroni is mushy: Be careful not to overcook the macaroni. Start checking for doneness around 8 minutes of simmering. If you accidentally overcook it, don’t fret! It will still taste delicious.
- Cheese isn’t melting smoothly: Make sure the soup is hot enough and stir constantly while adding the cheese. If it’s still not melting, add a splash of milk or half-and-half to help it along.
Variations to Keep it Interesting
Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, why not try some fun variations? Here are a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing:
- Bacon Cheeseburger Soup: Add crumbled bacon to the soup and as a topping for extra smoky flavor.
- Spicy Cheeseburger Soup: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick.
- Veggie-Loaded Cheeseburger Soup: Add chopped vegetables like carrots, celery, and bell peppers for extra nutrients and flavor.
- Creamy Tomato Cheeseburger Soup: Use cream of tomato soup instead of tomato sauce for a richer, creamier soup.
Serving Suggestions: Complete the Meal!
While this Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup is a star on its own, it’s even better when paired with some tasty sides. Here are a few ideas to make it a complete meal:
- Crusty Bread: Serve with a side of crusty bread for dipping.
- Side Salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is a refreshing contrast to the rich soup.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich: Because why not have more cheese? A mini grilled cheese sandwich is the perfect companion to this soup.
Other Soups You Might Love
If you’re as obsessed with soup as I am, you’ll definitely want to check out these other delicious recipes:
- For another hearty and satisfying meal, try Ground Beef Gnocchi.
- On a cold day, nothing beats a bowl of Vegetable Beef Soup.
- If you’re looking for a fun twist on burgers, check out Crack Burgers.
- For an Italian-inspired soup, try Lasagna Soup.
- Need a quick and easy dinner? Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta Dinner is the answer.
- And for another fun twist on a classic, give Chili Mac a try!
Conclusion
And there you have it – the ultimate Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite! It’s comforting, customizable, and seriously delicious. So go ahead, whip up a batch and enjoy the taste of cheeseburgers in a warm, cozy bowl. I know you’re going to love it!
Can I use a different type of ground meat in the Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup?
Yes, you can substitute lean ground beef or ground turkey for a lighter option. You can also use a blend of beef and Italian sausage for a richer, spicier flavor.
What can I do if my Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup is too thick?
If the soup is too thick, add more beef broth or water until you reach your desired consistency.
How can I store Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup for later?
Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and is even better the next day. It also freezes well; let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags.
What are some variations I can try with this Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup recipe?
You can try adding crumbled bacon (Bacon Cheeseburger Soup), diced jalapeños (Spicy Cheeseburger Soup), chopped vegetables (Veggie-Loaded Cheeseburger Soup), or use cream of tomato soup instead of tomato sauce (Creamy Tomato Cheeseburger Soup).
BEST CHEESEBURGER MACARONI SOUP
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
- Drain off any excess grease.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with the browned beef. Cook until the onion is softened, about 3-5 minutes.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes (undrained), tomato sauce, beef broth, water, dried mustard, paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni, ensuring it is submerged in the liquid. Add more beef broth or water if needed.
- Cover and simmer for another 10-12 minutes, or until the macaroni is cooked through and tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Remove the pot from the heat.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it’s completely melted and the soup is creamy. If desired, stir in the milk or half-and-half for extra creaminess.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt as needed.
- Ladle the Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup into bowls and garnish with your favorite cheeseburger toppings, such as chopped green onions, crumbled bacon, and a dollop of sour cream.
