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
Scale
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.
