If you’re like me, there’s nothing better than a warm, hearty soup when the weather turns chilly. And when you mix the comfort of a cheeseburger with the warmth of a cozy bowl of soup? Well, you’ve hit the jackpot. Enter Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup, a dish that combines everything you love about cheeseburgers—beef, cheese, and those signature seasonings—with the heartiness of macaroni and soup.
This soup is a perfect fusion of flavors and textures, packed with ground beef, tender macaroni, and a rich, cheesy broth. It’s so simple to make and has that one-bowl comfort that makes you feel like you’re wrapped in a blanket (even if you’re sitting on the couch in your messy kitchen).
Looking for more macaroni-based recipes to switch things up? Try this flavorful Chili Con Carne with Macaroni, a spiced-up, hearty meal perfect for cold days.
Ready to dive into the world of cheeseburger macaroni soup? Let’s do it!
Table of contents
- Why You’ll Love Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup
- Ingredients for Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup
- How to Make Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup
- Tips for Perfecting Your Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup
- Adding Extra Toppings for More Flavor
- Making It Spicy
- Why Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup is a Family Favorite
- Related Recipes You Might Love
- Nutrition Information for Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup
- FAQs About Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup
- Final Thoughts
Why You’ll Love Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup
There’s no shortage of reasons why this soup will become your new go-to recipe. Here are just a few:
- Easy to make: You won’t need to spend hours slaving over the stove. This soup comes together in just about 30 minutes.
- Comforting and hearty: The combo of macaroni, ground beef, and melty cheese creates the ultimate comforting meal.
- Kid-friendly: If you have little ones, they’ll love the familiar flavors of a cheeseburger in soup form. It’s a win-win!
- Versatile: You can tweak the recipe to suit your tastes or dietary preferences (more on that in a bit!).
- Leftover-friendly: Like most soups, cheeseburger macaroni soup tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers.
For those who enjoy a hint of spice, why not explore Cajun Mac and Cheese as another indulgent option to add to your comfort food rotation?
Ingredients for Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup
Making this soup couldn’t be easier. Most of the ingredients are pantry staples, and the ones that aren’t are quick to grab at your local grocery store. Here’s what you’ll need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef – This gives the soup that hearty, meaty base. You can use lean ground beef for a lighter version.
- 1 onion – Diced for flavor. It adds that sweet, savory bite that makes the soup pop.
- 2 cloves garlic – Minced for extra flavor.
- 1 cup elbow macaroni – The classic choice, but feel free to swap in another pasta if you prefer.
- 4 cups beef broth – The base of the soup, giving it that rich, savory flavor.
- 2 cups milk – For a creamy, smooth broth.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese – The star of the show! Use sharp cheddar for a stronger flavor.
- 1 tbsp ketchup – A little sweetness and tang to balance out the richness of the soup.
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard – Adds a touch of sharpness that enhances the cheeseburger vibe.
- Salt & pepper – To taste.
Optional Toppings:
- Pickles – For that tangy crunch, just like on a real cheeseburger!
- Bacon bits – Crispy bacon brings that smoky flavor to the soup.
- Chopped green onions – For a pop of color and a little freshness.
How to Make Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup
Making cheeseburger macaroni soup is as simple as sautéing, simmering, and stirring. Follow these easy steps:
- Brown the ground beef: Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- Sauté the onion and garlic: Add the diced onion to the pot with the beef and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the broth and milk: Pour in the beef broth and milk, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Add the macaroni: Stir in the macaroni and cook according to the package instructions, usually 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking.
- Add the cheese and condiments: Once the pasta is cooked, reduce the heat to low. Add the shredded cheddar cheese, ketchup, and Dijon mustard. Stir until the cheese is melted and the soup becomes creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve and enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls, and top with optional toppings like pickles, bacon, or green onions. Serve with some crusty bread or a side salad, and enjoy!
Tips for Perfecting Your Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup
- Beef choices: If you want a leaner soup, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. The flavor will still be great!
- Cheese: For a twist, try mixing in some mozzarella or gouda for a different cheesy flavor.
- Make it spicy: Add a few dashes of hot sauce or red pepper flakes for a kick!
- Make it richer: If you’re looking for an even creamier soup, swap out some of the milk for heavy cream.
Looking for another creamy, one-pot wonder? Give this Creamy Chicken and Rice Recipe a try—it’s just as comforting and easy to make, with a whole different flavor profile.
Adding Extra Toppings for More Flavor
One of the best things about cheeseburger macaroni soup is how easy it is to customize based on what you have on hand or your taste preferences. While the soup itself is packed with rich, cheesy goodness, you can really take it up a notch with different toppings. A few crispy bacon bits are always a hit, adding a smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the beef and cheese. For a crunchy contrast, try adding fried onions or croutons on top.
If you want a burst of fresh flavor, sprinkle some chopped green onions or fresh parsley. Want to make it a little more indulgent? Drizzle some ranch dressing or sour cream over the top. These toppings add a bit of texture and tang that complement the creamy soup and make it even more comforting.
Making It Spicy
If you’re a fan of a little heat in your meals, cheeseburger macaroni soup can easily be spiced up! Add a few dashes of hot sauce or mix in some red pepper flakes for a touch of spice. You can also add a diced jalapeño pepper while sautéing the onions and garlic for a kick. If you’re really feeling adventurous, throw in some chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a smoky, spicy layer of flavor. The heat will add complexity and excitement to this otherwise mild, cheesy soup!
Why Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup is a Family Favorite
This soup is more than just a quick meal—it’s an experience. The comforting flavors of cheeseburgers wrapped in a creamy, cheesy broth make it perfect for everything from busy weeknights to casual family dinners. Plus, it’s easy to customize. You can load it up with veggies, make it spicier, or top it with crispy bacon—whatever suits your tastes. And let’s be real, everyone loves a good cheeseburger!
Related Recipes You Might Love
- Creamy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese: The classic duo, but with a creamy, tangy twist.
- Beef Stroganoff Soup: A hearty, creamy soup that’s packed with flavor.
- Taco Soup: All the flavors of your favorite taco, in soup form.
- Chicken and Rice Soup: A classic comfort food that’s easy to make and full of flavor.
Nutrition Information for Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup
Here’s a rough breakdown of the nutritional values per serving:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Protein | 25g |
| Carbs | 45g |
| Fat | 22g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sodium | 900mg |
Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on the specific ingredients you use (e.g., lean beef, full-fat cheese, etc.).
FAQs About Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup
Cheeseburger soup pairs perfectly with lighter, crisp sides that balance out its richness. Consider serving it with a fresh green salad—maybe with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess. If you’re in the mood for something warm, crispy roasted potatoes or sweet potato fries work great too. For a fun twist, you can even add a side of pickle spears for that classic cheeseburger feel.
You can jazz up your Hamburger Helper cheeseburger macaroni by adding fresh veggies like spinach, bell peppers, or even tomatoes to boost nutrition and flavor. For a richer taste, bacon bits or shredded cheddar take it to the next level. To make it creamy, stir in a bit of cream cheese or sour cream. Don’t forget to add your favorite seasonings to make it your own!
Macaroni soup likely originates from Italian-American comfort food, where pasta is often added to broths to create hearty, filling dishes. Similar to minestrone soup (which also uses pasta), macaroni soup was adapted over time to suit various regional tastes. It’s especially popular in North America, where it’s become a staple in homes as a cozy, easy-to-make meal.
A typical bowl of cheeseburger soup contains around 450-500 calories depending on the ingredients used (such as the type of beef, cheese, and milk). For a lighter version, you can swap some ingredients for lower-calorie options.
If you’re not in the mood for bread, try serving your soup with crispy tortilla chips or a crunchy salad. For a warm alternative, roasted vegetables or garlic buttered asparagus can make a great side that complements the soup’s flavors!
Final Thoughts
Cheeseburger macaroni soup is one of those dishes that, honestly, just feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Not only is it hearty, cheesy, and satisfying—basically all the things you crave from comfort food—but it’s also incredibly easy to make. Furthermore, it’s highly customizable, allowing you to tweak it to suit your taste buds or dietary needs. Best of all, it’s perfect for feeding the whole family, whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend dinner.
So, next time you’re craving something delicious, skip the drive-thru and whip up this cheesy, beefy, pasta-filled goodness instead. You won’t regret it!
