When the weather turns chilly, there’s something magical about a warm bowl of soup. It wraps you in comfort like a favorite sweater, doesn’t it? This Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup is one of those dishes that has a special place in my heart—and my kitchen! I remember the first time I made this for a group of friends during a blustery winter evening. The aroma wafting through the air had them gravitating to the kitchen as if by magic. It’s a warm, hearty hug in a bowl, and I can’t wait to share my secrets with you.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Imagine a soup that combines the savory goodness of a cheeseburger with the nostalgic touch of mac and cheese—sounds delightful, right? This Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup does just that, giving you the best of both worlds in one comfortable bowl. It’s creamy, cheesy, and fully loaded with flavor; there’s a spice blend, a hint of sweetness from the carrots, and the robust seasoning that makes every spoonful a delight.
Not only is it delicious, but it also embraces the soul of comfort food. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel at home, perfect for both busy weeknights and cozy gatherings. Whip up a batch, and you’ll see why this recipe is destined to become a staple in your culinary repertoire. Plus, with easy substitutions, it caters to various dietary needs, meaning everyone can dig in. Why not treat yourself and your loved ones?
Gather These Ingredients
Let’s round up the heroes of this dish. Each ingredient plays an important role, and a little something special keeps it from being just another comforting soup.
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil: Feel free to swap for butter. It really adds a lovely richness.
- 1 pound Ground Beef: Not a beef lover? Ground turkey or chicken works like a charm.
- 1 medium Yellow Onion: Diced up finely. If you’re feeling fancy, shallots can add an elegant twist.
- 2 cloves Garlic: Freshly minced is best. You’ll want that aromatic burst!
- 1/4 cup All-Purpose Flour: A vital element for thickening! Cornstarch can be used instead for a gluten-free option.
- 4 cups Chicken Broth: A savory base! Going vegetarian? Vegetable broth will fit perfectly.
- 1 cup Heavy Cream: Creaminess galore! You can use half-and-half or even whole milk if you prefer a lighter version.
- Salt, Pepper, and Onion Powder (to taste): Season these babies to your liking; it really makes a difference!
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning: A lovely herby note. Feel free to adjust according to your preference.
- 1 teaspoon Paprika: For a subtle warmth. Adjust to your spice level.
- 1 cup Matchstick Carrots: Adds a nice color and sweetness. Fresh or frozen will do.
- 1 1/2 cups Uncooked Macaroni Noodles: Go for any small pasta shape; it’ll all work beautifully here.
- 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese: I like to mix up the cheeses—think about incorporating pepper jack or gouda for an extra flavor punch!
- 1/2 cup Shredded Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle of pecorino Romano brings a zing of flavor, but regular parmesan is fantastic too.
Preparing Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup: Creamy Comfort in Every Bowl
Now, let’s bring this comforting masterpiece to life! Each step is packed with love and insider tips to create the most indulgent soup you can imagine.
Start by heating that olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. If you’re opting for butter, let it melt gently without browning.
Add the ground beef to the pot, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until it’s browned and lovely—about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess grease if needed.
Toss in the diced onion and garnish it with a sprinkle of salt. This will help the onions soften beautifully. Cook for 4-5 minutes until they’re translucent, then add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute. Friends, you’ll want your kitchen smelling incredible!
Sprinkle the flour over the meat and onions. Stir constantly for about a minute—this toasts the flour and deepens the flavor. It’s a secret step that makes a world of difference.
Pour in the chicken broth slowly, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Then, add the heavy cream—watch that beautiful swirl as it combines!
Season your soup with salt, pepper, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Taste and adjust as you see fit—don’t be shy!
Add the matchstick carrots and macaroni noodles next. Stir everything together and let it simmer gently for about 8-10 minutes. You want those noodles al dente and the soup rich and creamy.
Finally, stir in the cheeses until they melt and blend into the bliss. If you love extra cheesiness, feel free to add more!
What to Serve It With
Now that you’ve got this mouthwatering soup bubbling away, let’s think about serving! A crusty baguette or buttery dinner rolls are classic companions for dipping those cheesy noodle pieces. For something lighter, a crisp side salad with a tangy vinaigrette pairs beautifully, cutting through the richness of the soup. Don’t forget to garnish with a sprinkle of extra cheese and some fresh herbs if you have them; it’s like the cherry on top of a sundae!
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
If you happen to have leftovers—though I doubt it—you can totally enjoy them for days! Let the soup cool down and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Just reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen it up if it thickens too much. You could also freeze portions for a rainy day, up to three months. Just make sure to leave a little room in your container—soup expands when frozen, and you don’t want any explosions in your freezer!
Pro Chef Tips
Here are a few little gems to elevate your dish:
- Toast your spices: Heating up dry spices in oil releases their oils and intensifies the flavors.
- Cheese blend: Mix different kinds of cheeses for a more complex, layered flavor! Try mozzarella for a gooey stretch.
- Enhance with toppings: Consider toppings like crispy bacon, green onions, or croutons for texture and added flavor.
- Add extras: Feel free to throw in some diced bell peppers or even a handful of spinach right at the end for extra nutrition.
Creative Twists
Want to mix things up? Here are some fun variations to consider:
- Spicy Kick: Toss in diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of chili powder for a spicy version.
- Vegetarian Comfort: Switch to veggie crumbles or lentils instead of meat, and enjoy a scrumptious plant-based meal.
- Mac-N-Cheeseburger Combo: Toss in some diced pickles or mustard into the soup for that classic burger flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (Can substitute with butter)
- 1 pound Ground Beef (Ground turkey or chicken can be used)
- 1 medium Yellow Onion (Diced, shallots can be used)
- 2 cloves Garlic (Minced, fresh preferred)
- 1/4 cup All-Purpose Flour (Cornstarch is a gluten-free alternative)
- 4 cups Chicken Broth (Vegetable broth is a vegetarian swap)
- 1 cup Heavy Cream (Half and half or whole milk can be used)
- Salt (To taste)
- Pepper (To taste)
- Onion Powder (To taste)
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning (Adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon Paprika (Adjust to taste)
- 1 cup Matchstick Carrots (Fresh or frozen)
- 1 1/2 cups Uncooked Macaroni Noodles (Any small pasta shape can be used)
- 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese (Consider mixing different cheese varieties)
- 1/2 cup Shredded Parmesan Cheese (Pecorino Romano is a flavorful substitute)
Directions to Follow
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in diced onion and a pinch of salt; cook until translucent.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
- Sprinkle flour over mixture, stirring constantly for 1 minute.
- Gradually add chicken broth and then heavy cream, stirring well.
- Season with salt, pepper, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and paprika.
- Stir in matchstick carrots and macaroni noodles; simmer for 8-10 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheeses until melted.
Your Questions Answered
- What can I substitute for ground beef? Ground turkey or chicken does the trick, or go completely vegetarian with veggie crumbles.
- Can I use a different type of cheese? Absolutely! Experiment with different cheese varieties to create your preferred blend.
- Is this soup freezable? Yes, you can freeze it for about three months—just remember to leave some room in the container!
- How should I reheat leftovers? Gently heat on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of broth if it thickens too much.
- How long does it take to make? From start to finish, around 30-40 minutes depending on your prep speed.
Every time you make this Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup, you’ll weave a bit of magic into your kitchen. It’s an ode to comfort—a whirl of flavors and textures that will become a cherished recipe for any gathering. So grab your apron and unleash your inner chef! I’d love to hear how it turns out, and you might just inspire someone else in our vibrant cooking community.
Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup: Creamy Comfort in Every Bowl
Description
This Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup combines the savory flavors of a cheeseburger with the creamy nostalgia of mac and cheese—perfect for warming up on chilly nights.Ingredients
Main Ingredients
Instructions
Cooking Steps
Heat Olive Oil
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.Brown the Meat
Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.Sauté Onions
Stir in diced onion and a pinch of salt; cook until translucent.Add Garlic
Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute.Incorporate Flour
Sprinkle flour over mixture, stirring constantly for 1 minute.Add Liquids
Gradually add chicken broth and then heavy cream, stirring well.Season the Soup
Season with salt, pepper, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and paprika.Taste and adjust as needed.Mix in Carrots and Pasta
Stir in matchstick carrots and macaroni noodles; simmer for 8-10 minutes.You want those noodles al dente and the soup rich and creamy.Add Cheese
Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheeses until melted.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 800kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 55g85%
- Saturated Fat 25g125%
- Trans Fat 2g
- Cholesterol 150mg50%
- Sodium 850mg36%
- Potassium 900mg26%
- Total Carbohydrate 50g17%
- Dietary Fiber 3g12%
- Sugars 5g
- Protein 35g70%
- Vitamin A 150 IU
- Vitamin C 10 mg
- Calcium 400 mg
- Iron 3 mg
- Vitamin D 1 IU
- Vitamin E 2 IU
- Vitamin K 5 mcg
- Thiamin 0.3 mg
- Riboflavin 0.4 mg
- Niacin 3 mg
- Vitamin B6 0.5 mg
- Folate 50 mcg
- Vitamin B12 2 mcg
- Pantothenic Acid 1 mg
- Phosphorus 350 mg
- Magnesium 30 mg
- Zinc 5 mg
- Selenium 10 mcg
- Copper 0.2 mg
- Manganese 0.5 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

