Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup Recipe
Introduction
Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup is a comforting blend of savory ground beef, tender pasta, and creamy cheese in a flavorful broth. This easy-to-make soup combines the best elements of a cheeseburger with the heartiness of a homemade noodle soup, perfect for chilly days.
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 oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
- Step 2: Add ground beef and diced onion, cooking until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Step 3: Stir in minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute.
- Step 4: Sprinkle in flour, stirring constantly for 2-3 minutes to cook it out.
- Step 5: Pour in chicken broth while stirring, then bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes.
- Step 6: Add heavy cream, salt, pepper, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and paprika; mix well.
- Step 7: Incorporate matchstick carrots and macaroni noodles, and bring to a boil for 1 minute.
- Step 8: Reduce heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally until pasta is tender.
- Step 9: Stir in shredded cheddar and parmesan cheese until fully melted and smooth.
- Step 10: Serve warm and enjoy your comforting cheeseburger macaroni soup!
Tips & Variations
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the flour with cornstarch and use gluten-free pasta.
- Mix in other cheeses like Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
- Add diced tomatoes or jalapeños for a spicy twist.
- Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Fresh garlic adds the best flavor, but garlic powder works in a pinch.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent the cheese from separating. You may need to add a splash of broth or milk to loosen the soup when reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I freeze Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup?
While you can freeze this soup, the texture of the cream and pasta may change after thawing. For best results, freeze before adding cheese and cream, then add fresh when reheating.
What pasta works best in this soup?
Small pasta shapes like macaroni, ditalini, or small shells work well, as they cook evenly and blend nicely with the soup’s texture.
Print
Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup is a comforting and creamy dish that combines the classic flavors of a cheeseburger with hearty macaroni noodles in a rich, cheesy broth. This soup is easy to prepare, perfect for weeknight dinners, and customizable with ingredient substitutions to suit various dietary needs.
Ingredients
Main 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
- Heat Oil: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat to prepare for browning the meat and vegetables.
- Cook Ground Beef and Onion: Add the ground beef and diced onion to the pot, cooking until the beef is browned and the onion is softened, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Sauté Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute to release its aroma and flavor.
- Add Flour: Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour while stirring constantly for 2 to 3 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste and help thicken the soup.
- Pour in Broth: Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring to avoid lumps, then bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes to begin thickening.
- Add Cream and Seasonings: Stir in the heavy cream, salt, pepper, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and paprika, mixing well to combine all flavors.
- Add Carrots and Pasta: Incorporate matchstick carrots and uncooked macaroni noodles, bring the mixture to a boil for 1 minute to activate the pasta.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer gently for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and allow the noodles to cook through.
- Add Cheeses: Stir in the shredded cheddar and parmesan cheese until completely melted, creating a rich and creamy texture.
- Serve: Serve the soup warm immediately and enjoy the comforting flavors of cheeseburger macaroni in every spoonful.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
- Use vegetable broth and omit the cheese for a vegetarian version.
- Cornstarch can replace flour if a gluten-free alternative is needed.
- Mix different types of cheese like mozzarella or gouda for varied flavor.
- Adjust seasoning to your taste, adding more paprika or Italian seasoning if desired.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: cheeseburger macaroni soup, comfort food, cheesy soup, ground beef soup, easy dinner recipe
