Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Recipe Your Family Will Crave

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Why You’ll Love This Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

Ease of preparation: This macaroni cheeseburger soup recipe comes together quickly with minimal ingredients and straightforward steps. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a comforting meal without fuss, it cooks in about 30 to 35 minutes all in one pot, reducing cleanup.
Health benefits: Made with wholesome ingredients like ground beef, fresh vegetables, and real shredded cheddar cheese, this soup offers a balanced source of protein, fiber, vitamins, and calcium. It nourishes while satisfying those classic cheeseburger cravings in a warmer, cozy format.
Versatility: This flexible macaroni cheeseburger soup adapts well to a range of dietary preferences. Choose ground turkey or plant-based meat for leaner or vegan options; use gluten-free pasta; swap cream for half-and-half or dairy alternatives. This recipe truly welcomes customization.
Distinctive flavor: The rich, creamy cheddar melded with tender elbow macaroni and savory ground beef recreates that beloved cheeseburger taste in soup form. Combined with the depth from sautéed vegetables and seasonings like oregano and thyme, this soup offers a unique and hearty twist on a classic.

Essential Ingredients for Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

1 pound (450 grams) ground beef – provides hearty protein and savory flavor
2 teaspoons dried oregano, divided – enhances herbal aroma and depth
2 teaspoons dried thyme, divided – adds earthiness and complexity
6 tablespoons olive oil or butter – used for sautéing and richness
1 cup (about 150 grams) diced yellow onion – builds flavor foundation
1 cup (about 120 grams) sliced carrots – contributes natural sweetness and texture
1 cup (about 100 grams) sliced celery – adds crunch and subtle flavor
5 cloves garlic, minced – infuses aromatic pungency
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour – thickens the soup for creamy consistency
8 cups (1.9 liters) chicken broth (or beef broth for richer flavor) – flavorful cooking liquid
8 ounces (225 grams) uncooked elbow macaroni – classic pasta element for heartiness
1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream or half-and-half – creates velvety, creamy texture
8 ounces (225 grams) shredded sharp cheddar cheese – delivers the signature cheesy richness
1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar (white or regular) – adds subtle tang and depth
Kosher salt and fresh cracked black pepper, to taste – essential seasonings
For the croutons:
4 sesame seed buns, diced into 1-inch pieces – homemade crunchy topping
2 tablespoons olive oil – for toasting croutons
Garnishes:
Sliced green onions – fresh, crisp garnish
Additional shredded sharp cheddar cheese – for extra cheesiness

Special Dietary Options:

Vegan: Use plant-based ground meat and dairy-free cheese alternatives.
Gluten-free: Substitute gluten-free macaroni and ensure flour is gluten-free or use a gluten-free thickener.
Low-calorie: Opt for lean ground turkey, low-fat cheese, and reduce or omit cream.

How to Prepare the Perfect Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup: Step-by-Step Guide

First Step: Prepare Ingredients

Gather all ingredients, dice the onion, slice carrots and celery, mince garlic, and shred cheddar cheese. Dice sesame seed buns if making croutons. Measure flour, broth, and pasta for easy cooking.

Second Step: Make Croutons

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss diced sesame seed buns with olive oil and salt, spread onto parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for about 10 minutes or until golden and crispy. Set aside.

Third Step: Brown the Ground Beef

In a large pot over medium heat, brown ground beef with 1 teaspoon each of oregano and thyme, salt, and pepper. Break up beef as it cooks until fully browned. Remove meat and set aside, leaving rendered fat in pot.

Fourth Step: Sauté Vegetables

Add olive oil or butter to pot if needed. Sauté diced onion, carrots, and celery with salt and pepper until softened, about 10 minutes. Stir in minced garlic, remaining oregano and thyme; cook another minute until fragrant.

Fifth Step: Create Soup Base

Sprinkle flour over vegetables, stirring constantly to coat and cook for 1 minute. Deglaze pot with a splash of chicken broth, scraping browned bits. Add remaining broth and uncooked elbow macaroni, season with salt and pepper, and bring to simmer over medium-high heat.

Sixth Step: Simmer and Thicken

Lower heat to a gentle simmer. Cook 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally until macaroni is al dente and soup thickens slightly.

Seventh Step: Add Cream and Cheese

Remove pot from heat, stir in heavy cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and balsamic vinegar until cheese melts and soup is creamy.

Final Step: Combine and Serve

Return cooked ground beef to pot and warm over low heat briefly. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve hot topped with homemade sesame seed croutons, sliced green onions, and extra shredded cheddar cheese for garnish.

Tip: Shredding your own cheese ensures smoother melting and creamier texture compared to pre-shredded varieties.

Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

Protein and Main Component Alternatives

Substitute ground beef with lean ground turkey or chicken for lighter options.
Try plant-based ground meat alternatives for vegan or vegetarian versions.
Use lentils or beans to add plant protein and fiber as a vegetarian option.

Vegetable, Sauce, and Seasoning Modifications

Swap onions with shallots or leeks for different aromatic notes.
Experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella, pepper jack, or Colby for variation.
Replace tomato paste with diced tomatoes or a touch of ketchup for sweeter flavor.
Adjust seasoning by adding smoked paprika, chili powder, or fresh herbs.
Add vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini to increase nutrition and texture.

Mastering Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup: Advanced Tips and Variations

Pro cooking techniques: Brown ground beef in batches to develop better caramelization and flavor. Use a roux made from flour and fat for thicker, velvety soup.
Flavor variations: Stir in crispy bacon bits, jalapeños, or Worcestershire sauce for extra depth and kick.
Presentation tips: Serve in rustic bowls with a sprinkle of chopped parsley or chives and additional shredded cheese for a family-friendly visual appeal.
Make-ahead options: Prepare soup base without pasta in advance. Add pasta and cheese right before serving to prevent mushiness and maintain fresh texture.

How to Store Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup: Best Practices

Storage Method	Guidelines	Tips
Refrigeration	Store soup in airtight containers in the refrigerator for 3-4 days for maximum freshness.	Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, stirring occasionally. Add milk or broth to loosen the soup if it thickens too much.
Freezing	Freeze soup in meal-sized portions for up to 3 months. Avoid freezing with pasta included to prevent mushy noodles.	Freeze pasta and soup base separately when possible, combining after thawing and reheating.
Meal Prep	Cook the soup base ahead and store. Prepare and cook pasta fresh when ready to serve.	Prepare croutons fresh or store separately to maintain crunch.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

What ingredients do I need to make macaroni cheeseburger soup?

Macaroni cheeseburger soup typically includes ground beef, elbow macaroni, onions, garlic, carrots, celery, beef broth, milk or heavy cream, and sharp cheddar cheese. Seasonings like salt, pepper, and paprika are common, as well as a bit of flour to thicken the soup. This combination captures the flavors of a classic cheeseburger in a creamy soup form that’s easy to prepare in one pot.

How can I prevent the cheese from becoming grainy in macaroni cheeseburger soup?

To keep cheese smooth and creamy, add shredded cheese towards the end of cooking after reducing the heat to low or removing the pot from direct heat. Incorporating cream or milk helps moderate the temperature, which stops the cheese proteins from breaking down and becoming grainy. Stir the cheese in gently until melted for the best texture.

Can I make macaroni cheeseburger soup ahead of time or freeze it?

Yes, macaroni cheeseburger soup can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days. However, because pasta may continue to absorb liquid, the soup can thicken over time—simply stir in additional broth or milk when reheating. Freezing is possible but not ideal due to texture changes in the pasta and dairy; if freezing, separate the pasta and combine them when reheating.

What are some good substitutions if I want to make macaroni cheeseburger soup vegetarian?

For a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms for a meaty texture. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth, and keep the usual cheese and cream for richness. Adding more vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini can boost flavor and nutrition while keeping the comforting cheeseburger taste.

How can I add more vegetables to macaroni cheeseburger soup without changing the flavor?

Finely diced carrots, celery, and onions are classic additions that blend well into macaroni cheeseburger soup. You can also add bell peppers or chopped spinach for extra nutrients. Sauté the vegetables with the ground beef to soften and develop flavor without overpowering the cheeseburger taste. This method keeps the texture smooth and the flavor balanced.

Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Recipe: Easy One Pot Dinner the Whole Family Will Love