Name: Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup: Comfort Food in a Bowl Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb Ground Beef (or ground turkey); 2 cups Macaroni Pasta (or gluten-free pasta); 4 cups Chicken Broth (or vegetable broth); 1 Onion, chopped; 2 cloves Garlic, minced; 2 cups Cheddar Cheese, shredded; 1 cup Milk (or non-dairy milk); 1 tbsp Mustard (adjust to preference); 1 tbsp Ketchup (adjust to preference)

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Introduction

Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup is a hearty and comforting dish that combines all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger into a warm, creamy bowl. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this soup comes together quickly and is sure to satisfy any burger craving.

A bowl of creamy macaroni soup with three main layers is shown. The bottom layer is a smooth, orange cream with a glossy surface. On top, there is a generous layer of small, brown cooked ground beef pieces spread unevenly across the soup. Scattered among the beef, there are short, curved macaroni pasta pieces in a pale yellow color, soft and slightly shiny. Two small bright green parsley leaves sit in the center, adding a touch of fresh color. A few small, diced orange carrot pieces peek through near the edge. The soup is served in a round white bowl with a speckled texture, placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
2 cups macaroni pasta (or gluten-free pasta)

4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
1 onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded

1 cup milk (or non-dairy milk)
1 tbsp mustard (adjust to preference)
1 tbsp ketchup (adjust to preference)

Instructions

Step 1: In a large pot over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked, stirring occasionally to achieve an even sear. Drain any excess fat from the pot.
Step 2: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until they become fragrant and the onion is translucent.
Step 3: Stir in the macaroni, chicken broth, and milk. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 4: Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook until the macaroni is tender, about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Gradually add the cheddar cheese to the pot, stirring until completely melted and creamy. Mix in the mustard and ketchup for that classic cheeseburger taste.
Step 6: Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper to your liking. Serve hot and enjoy every comforting spoonful!

Tips & Variations

For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey and use reduced-fat cheese.
Try adding diced pickles or a splash of pickle juice for an extra tangy flavor.
Use gluten-free pasta if you need a gluten-free option.

Adjust the mustard and ketchup to balance the tang and sweetness to your preference.

Storage

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the consistency if needed.

How to Serve

A close-up of a bowl of creamy macaroni soup with ground beef and small bits of orange carrot mixed in. The bowl is white with a gray rim, filled almost to the top with a thick, orange-yellow creamy broth. The macaroni noodles are cooked and soft, pale yellow in color, scattered evenly throughout. Tender brown ground beef crumbles sit both under and on top of the noodles, with two small bright green parsley leaves placed right in the middle as garnish. The bowl rests on a white marbled surface, showing subtle texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, while cheddar works best for its sharp flavor and melting quality, you can try American, mozzarella, or a blend of cheeses to suit your taste.

Is this soup freezer-friendly?

This soup can be frozen, but pasta may become a little softer after thawing. It’s best to freeze the soup without the pasta and cook pasta fresh when reheating.