Description

Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup is a hearty and comforting dish that combines the savory flavors of a classic cheeseburger with the creamy texture of a rich soup. Ground beef, tender macaroni, and a blend of cheeses create a satisfying meal perfect for chilly days or anytime you crave a warm, cheesy bowl of goodness.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Vegetables

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 cup Matchstick Carrots (Fresh or frozen)

Dry Goods and Seasonings

1/4 cup All-Purpose Flour (Cornstarch is a gluten-free alternative)
Salt (To taste)
Pepper (To taste)
Onion Powder (To taste)
1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning (Adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon Paprika (Adjust to taste)
1 1/2 cups Uncooked Macaroni Noodles (Any small pasta shape can be used)

Liquids and Dairy

4 cups Chicken Broth (Vegetable broth is a vegetarian swap)
1 cup Heavy Cream (Half and half or whole milk 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)

Instructions

Heat the Oil: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat to prepare for browning the beef and onions, which forms the flavorful base of the soup.
Cook Beef and Onion: Add the ground beef and diced onion to the pot. Cook until the beef is browned and the onions are soft, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking and to break up the meat.
Sauté Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant but not burnt, which adds depth to the soup’s flavor.
Add Flour: Sprinkle the flour over the beef mixture and stir constantly for 2-3 minutes. This step cooks out the raw flour taste and starts to thicken the soup.
Add Broth and Simmer: Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring to combine and prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the broth to thicken slightly.
Add Cream and Seasonings: Stir in the heavy cream along with salt, pepper, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Mix thoroughly to create a rich and flavorful base.
Add Carrots and Noodles: Incorporate the matchstick carrots and uncooked macaroni noodles into the pot. Bring the soup to a boil for 1 minute to start cooking the pasta and soften the carrots.
Simmer Soup: Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer gently for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure the noodles are tender.
Add Cheese: Stir in the shredded cheddar and parmesan cheeses, continuing to stir until the cheese melts completely, creating a creamy and cheesy texture.
Serve: Serve the soup warm and enjoy this comforting, cheeseburger-inspired treat perfect for a cozy meal.

Notes

Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein alternative.
Use cornstarch instead of flour for a gluten-free version; mix with cold water before adding to avoid lumps.
Vegetable broth can replace chicken broth to make the soup vegetarian-friendly.
Half and half or whole milk can replace heavy cream for a lighter soup.
Consider mixing different types of cheese like mozzarella or Monterey Jack for varied flavor.
If using frozen carrots, add them directly without thawing.
Adjust seasonings according to taste, especially salt and pepper.
Stir regularly during simmering to prevent the macaroni from sticking to the pot.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Keywords: cheeseburger soup, macaroni soup, comfort food, ground beef soup, creamy soup, easy dinner