Introduction

Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup is a creamy, comforting dish that brings together the flavors of a classic cheeseburger in a warm, hearty bowl. This easy-to-make soup is perfect for cozy nights and will satisfy any comfort food craving.

A close-up view of a black bowl filled with creamy macaroni soup, showing three main layers: curved, pale yellow macaroni noodles scattered throughout, small chunks of cooked ground beef in dark brown, and slices of bright orange carrot mixed evenly in a thick, light beige creamy broth with a slight oily sheen. The bowl rests on a white marbled surface, and part of a brown bread slice is visible in the top left corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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)

Instructions

Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
Step 2: Add the ground beef and diced onion, cooking until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 3: Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute.
Step 4: Sprinkle in the flour, stirring constantly for 2-3 minutes to cook off the raw taste.
Step 5: Pour in the chicken broth while stirring, then bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes.
Step 6: Add the heavy cream and seasonings (salt, pepper, onion powder, Italian seasoning, paprika) and mix well.
Step 7: Incorporate the matchstick carrots and macaroni noodles; bring to a boil for 1 minute.
Step 8: Reduce heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally until the pasta is tender.
Step 9: Stir in the shredded cheddar and parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
Step 10: Serve the soup warm and enjoy your creamy, cheeseburger-inspired comfort meal.

Tips & Variations

For a gluten-free option, replace all-purpose flour with cornstarch and use gluten-free pasta.
Mix in different cheeses like Monterey Jack or mozzarella for extra creaminess and flavor.
Add a few dashes of hot sauce or diced pickles for a fun cheeseburger twist.
Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of this rich soup.

Storage

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the cheese from separating. You can also freeze the soup for up to 2 months, but note that the texture of the cream and cheese may change slightly upon thawing.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a black bowl filled with creamy ground beef macaroni soup, showing about three layers: a thick creamy broth with a light beige color and slight orange oil spots, chunky browned ground beef pieces scattered evenly, curved pale yellow macaroni noodles, and small bright orange carrot slices, all floating in the rich broth. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with some whole carrots peeking in the background. The texture looks hearty and smooth, inviting and warm. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground meat or omit it altogether and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Adding extra vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers can enhance the flavor and texture.

What pasta works best in this soup?

Small pasta shapes work best to maintain a balanced texture throughout the soup. Macaroni is traditional, but you can also use small shells, ditalini, or elbow pasta.