If you have a love for all things cheesy, hearty, and downright comforting, then you are going to fall head over heels for this Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup Recipe. It’s like a big, warm hug in a bowl, combining the classic flavors of a juicy cheeseburger with the satisfying bite of macaroni, all wrapped up in a creamy, luscious soup that feels both indulgent and homestyle. Whether you’re craving a cozy weeknight dinner or want to impress guests with a nostalgic spin on a favorite dish, this soup brings that perfect combo of rich cheese, seasoned beef, tender pasta, and just the right touch of tang and spice. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will quickly become one of your go-to comfort meals!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup Recipe lies not just in its flavor but in its wonderfully simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in building the soup’s dynamic taste, from the savory ground beef to the creamy cheese blend and the bright, fresh carrots that add a subtle sweetness and color. Let’s take a look at everything you’ll need to gather before you start cooking.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: For browning the beef and sautéing the onions, lending a subtle fruity base flavor.
- 4 lbs lean ground beef: The hearty, protein-packed star of the soup, providing that unmistakable cheeseburger taste.
- 2 large yellow onions, diced: These add sweetness and depth as they soften during cooking.
- 2 tbsp chopped garlic: A fragrant punch that elevates the savory profile beautifully.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the soup into a creamy, luscious consistency.
- 8 cups chicken broth: Adds body and richness while balancing the creaminess.
- 4 cups heavy cream: For ultimate indulgence and that velvety texture everyone loves in a comfort soup.
- 3 tsp salt: Brings all the flavors together perfectly.
- 3 tsp pepper: Adds a subtle heat and complexity.
- 2 tbsp onion powder: Deepens the onion flavor without overpowering.
- 2 tbsp Italian seasoning: A wonderful blend of herbs that brighten the richness.
- 1 tsp smoked paprika: Gives a gentle smoky background note that complements the beef.
- 2 cups matchstick carrots: For crunch, color, and a touch of natural sweetness.
- 3 cups uncooked macaroni: The classic comfort pasta that soaks up the creamy soup beautifully.
- 6 cups shredded cheddar: Sharp and melty, the cheese that defines this dish.
- ⅔ cup shredded parmesan: Adds nutty depth and balances the cheddar’s richness.
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard: Optional, but a great ingredient to add a slight tanginess.
- 1 cup chopped pickles: Also optional, provides a refreshing crunch and acidity reminiscent of a cheeseburger topping.
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper: Brings a gentle kick to keep things interesting.
- Crumbled bacon & sesame seeds for topping: Flavorful garnishes that add texture and enhance the cheeseburger vibe.
How to Make Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Sauté Aromatics
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the lean ground beef and cook it until it’s beautifully browned and no pink remains. This step creates the base flavor, giving that delicious meaty taste we all love. Once the beef is browned, toss in the diced onions and chopped garlic. Cook everything together until the onions become soft and translucent, releasing their natural sweetness that perfectly complements the beef.
Step 2: Create the Creamy Base
Next, sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the meat and vegetables, stirring well for about two minutes. This cooks out the raw flour taste and starts to thicken the soup. Slowly pour in the chicken broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps, and then add the heavy cream. Keep stirring until the mixture becomes silky and smooth—this richness is one of the key factors that make this soup so comforting and delicious.
Step 3: Add Seasonings and Vegetables
Now it’s time to bring in those wonderful herbs and spices. Sprinkle in the salt, pepper, onion powder, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Stir to combine. Then, add the matchstick carrots—these bring a nice pop of color and a sweet crunch that balances the savory goodness of the soup. Reduce the heat to low and let everything simmer gently, allowing all the flavors to mingle beautifully.
Step 4: Cook the Macaroni
Pour the uncooked macaroni into the simmering soup. Stir well and let it cook for about 10 to 12 minutes or until the pasta is tender but still holds its shape. Adding the macaroni at this point ensures it soaks up the flavors fully without becoming mushy, giving you that perfect balance between creamy soup and al dente pasta.
Step 5: Melt in the Cheeses
Remove the pot from heat, then stir in the shredded cheddar and parmesan cheese until they melt completely into the soup. This step gives the dish its signature gooey, cheesy texture that’s utterly irresistible. If you’re feeling adventurous, now’s the moment to add the Dijon mustard and chopped pickles, stirring them in for an extra bright, tangy twist that channels the full cheeseburger experience.
Step 6: Serve Hot with Toppings
Finally, ladle the soup into bowls while it’s piping hot. Garnish with crispy crumbled bacon and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an added layer of flavor and texture, mimicking those beloved cheeseburger buns. This finishing touch elevates your soup and makes it feel downright special.
How to Serve Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing your Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup Recipe is your opportunity to add texture and play up those classic cheeseburger notes. Crumbled crispy bacon delivers smoky crunch, while toasted sesame seeds remind you of a sesame seed bun. Fresh chopped pickles offer a juicy tang, and a bit of shredded extra cheddar on top can never hurt to boost that gooey cheese factor.
Side Dishes
This soup is a hearty main on its own, but if you want to round out your meal, think about serving it with simple side dishes like a crisp green salad dressed lightly with vinaigrette, warm garlic bread for dipping, or even some crunchy dill pickle chips to echo those flavors inside the soup. These sides keep things balanced and add welcome freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup Recipe in rustic bowls for a cozy home-style feel or go for mini bread bowls to impress at parties and get-togethers. You can even layer it in clear glasses, topped with cheese and bacon for a fun deconstructed presentation. No matter how you plate it, this soup looks inviting and tastes incredible.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftover soup into airtight containers and store in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days. Because of the cream and cheese, give the soup a good stir before reheating, as it may thicken overnight.
Freezing
This Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup Recipe freezes beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep. Freeze it in portion-sized containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months. Just be aware the macaroni may absorb some liquid and become softer, so slightly undercook the pasta if you plan to freeze the soup, or add fresh pasta when reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftover soup gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. If it’s too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen it back up. Avoid microwaving without stirring periodically, as the cheese can settle unevenly.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While macaroni is traditional here, small pasta shapes like shells, ditalini, or elbows work just as well and soak up the soup wonderfully.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
You can replace the beef with plant-based ground “meat” alternatives or hearty mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a delicious vegetarian twist.
How spicy is the soup?
The recipe has just a hint of heat from cayenne pepper, which you can adjust or omit depending on your preference for spice.
Can I substitute the heavy cream with something lighter?
Yes, you can use half-and-half or whole milk, but keep in mind this may slightly reduce the richness and creaminess of the soup.
Should the pickles and Dijon mustard be added every time?
They are optional but highly recommended if you want to capture that tangy cheeseburger flavor profile fully. Feel free to leave them out if you prefer a more straightforward creamy soup.
Final Thoughts
This Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup Recipe is an absolute winner when it comes to comforting, cheesy, and satisfying meals. It brings together all the flavors of an indulgent cheeseburger with the cozy appeal of a creamy soup in a way that’s pure joy to eat and easy to make. I encourage you to give it a try—not only will it fill your kitchen with amazing aromas, but it will become a beloved recipe in your collection that you’ll want to make again and again.
Print
Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup is a hearty and comforting dish that combines the classic flavors of a cheeseburger in a creamy, cheesy soup with tender macaroni pasta. This easy-to-make recipe features ground beef, sharp cheddar, Parmesan, and a blend of spices simmered together for a warm, satisfying meal perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 lbs lean ground beef
- 2 large yellow onions, diced
- 2 tbsp chopped garlic
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 4 cups heavy cream
- 3 tsp salt
- 3 tsp pepper
- 2 tbsp onion powder
- 2 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 cups matchstick carrots
- 3 cups uncooked macaroni
- 6 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- â…” cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 cup chopped pickles
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper
Toppings
- Crumbled bacon (optional)
- Sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the Beef and Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat if needed. Add the diced yellow onions and chopped garlic to the pot and cook until the onions are translucent and soft, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add Flour and Liquids: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the cooked beef and onion mixture. Stir and cook for 2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste. Gradually pour in the chicken broth while continuously stirring to avoid lumps. Then add the heavy cream and stir until the mixture is smooth and combined.
- Season and Simmer: Add salt, pepper, onion powder, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and matchstick carrots to the pot. Stir well and bring the soup to a gentle simmer to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Cook the Macaroni: Add the uncooked macaroni to the simmering soup. Continue to cook for 10 to 12 minutes or until the macaroni is tender but still retains a slight bite. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Incorporate Cheeses and Mustard: Lower the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese until fully melted and the soup is creamy. Mix in Dijon mustard and chopped pickles if using, to add extra tang and depth of flavor.
- Serve with Toppings: Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Garnish with crumbled bacon and sesame seeds if desired for added texture and crunch. Serve immediately and enjoy your comforting cheeseburger macaroni soup!
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the soup will be less creamy.
- You can make this soup a day ahead; the flavors improve after resting but add macaroni fresh or reheat gently to avoid overcooking the pasta.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to your spice preference or omit for a milder taste.
- If you prefer a vegetarian option, replace ground beef with plant-based meat and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Using freshly grated cheese yields better melting and flavor than pre-shredded.
