As the chill in the air sets in, I often find myself reminiscing about cozy family dinners filled with laughter and warmth. One dish that brings those memories to life is Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup. This creamy, comforting soup brings together the classic flavors of cheeseburgers and macaroni, transforming them into a delightful bowl of goodness. It’s a recipe that you can easily make on a weeknight, and it reminds us of the simple joys of home-cooked meals. What makes this soup special is its rich creaminess and the ease of preparation. You’ll find that each spoonful feels like a hug, perfect for sharing with loved ones.
why make this recipe
Why consider making Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup? It’s not just delicious, but it’s also a meal that combines comfort and nourishment. Packed with protein, vegetables, and cheesy goodness, it’s a one-pot wonder that saves on dishes while providing satisfying flavors. Whether you’re having a busy week or hosting friends and family, this soup is sure to please everyone’s taste buds. Plus, it’s flexible enough to let you add in your favorite ingredients or adjust to dietary needs.
how to make Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup
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:
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef and onions, cooking until the meat is browned and the onions are soft.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Sprinkle the flour over the meat mixture and stir to combine, cooking for another minute.
- Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring, making sure to avoid lumps.
- Add the cream and seasonings: salt, pepper, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Mix well.
- Stir in the matchstick carrots and uncooked macaroni noodles.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the pasta is tender, about 8-10 minutes.
- Finally, stir in the shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheeses until melted and creamy.
how to serve Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup
Serve the soup while it’s hot, garnished with additional cheese or diced green onions if desired. It pairs well with crusty bread or a simple side salad to make a complete meal.
how to store Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup
To store leftovers, let the soup cool completely and transfer it to an airtight container. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to freeze it, use freezer-safe containers and store for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
tips to make Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup
- For lower fat content, opt for lean ground turkey or chicken.
- Feel free to sneak in more veggies, like peas or bell peppers, for extra nutrition.
- If the soup gets too thick, simply add a little more broth or water when reheating.
variation
You can easily adapt this recipe by swapping out the type of cheese, using gluten-free pasta, or making the soup vegetarian by using plant-based meat alternatives and vegetable broth.
FAQs
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the soup in advance. Store it in the fridge for a quick meal during busy days.
What should I do if the soup is too thick?
Add more chicken or vegetable broth while reheating until it reaches your desired consistency.
Can I use different kinds of pasta?
Definitely! Any small pasta shape works well in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time based on the type you choose.
Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 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
Additional Ingredients
- 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
Method
Preparation
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef and onions, cooking until the meat is browned and the onions are soft.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Sprinkle the flour over the meat mixture and stir to combine, cooking for another minute.
- Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring, making sure to avoid lumps.
- Add the cream and seasonings: salt, pepper, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Mix well.
- Stir in the matchstick carrots and uncooked macaroni noodles.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the pasta is tender, about 8-10 minutes.
- Finally, stir in the shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheeses until melted and creamy.