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“A creamy, cheesy, and hearty soup loaded with ground beef, macaroni, and all the comforting flavors of a cheeseburger!”
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, if the beef is lean)
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 cup heavy cream (or milk for a lighter option)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon mustard (yellow or Dijon)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional Toppings
- Chopped pickles (for a true cheeseburger vibe)
- Crispy bacon crumbles
- Chopped green onions
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef
- Heat a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. If the beef is lean, add the olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Stir in the onion and garlic, cooking for an additional 3–5 minutes until softened. Drain excess grease if needed.
Step 2: Build the Soup Base
- Add the beef broth, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and smoked paprika to the pot.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Step 3: Cook the Macaroni
- Stir in the elbow macaroni and reduce the heat to medium.
- Simmer for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.
Step 4: Add the Cream and Cheese
- Lower the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese.
- Mix until the cheese is fully melted and the soup is creamy.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Step 5: Serve
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with extra cheese, chopped pickles, bacon crumbles, or green onions for a cheeseburger-inspired topping.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comfort in a Bowl: Combines the flavors of a classic cheeseburger with the warmth of a hearty soup.
- One-Pot Wonder: Fewer dishes and maximum flavor.
- Family-Friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike.
Pro Tips for Success
- Pasta Timing: Add the macaroni later if you’re making the soup ahead, as pasta can absorb liquid and become mushy over time.
- Customize: Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Cheese Options: Use a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack for extra creaminess.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or milk if it has thickened.
- Freeze: Freeze without the macaroni for up to 3 months. Add fresh pasta when reheating.
This One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is the perfect comfort meal that brings together the best of two worlds: a hearty burger and a cozy bowl of soup. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! 🍔🍲✨