Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup Comfort

This cheesy and hearty Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup is comfort food at its coziest The soup blends all the flavors of a juicy cheeseburger in a creamy bowlful of pasta packed goodness It is simple enough for a weeknight and one pot makes cleanup a breeze

I first threw this soup together on an extra cold day and it hit every nostalgic craving for both burger and macaroni My family wiped their bowls clean and now it is a winter staple

Ingredients

• Olive oil: a little fat kickstarts flavor browning in the pot choose extra virgin for best taste
• Lean ground beef: gives the soup richness and heartiness look for beef with at least ninety percent lean
• Yellow onion: adds sweetness and aroma pick a firm onion for best results
• Chopped garlic: brings out savory depth fresh is best but prechopped works in a pinch
• All purpose flour: thickens the broth and keeps it creamy make sure it is fresh for the best result
• Chicken broth: builds the savory base use low sodium to control saltiness
• Heavy cream: adds lush body and balances acidity use fresh cream for a smoother soup
• Salt and pepper: season every layer choose fine sea salt and coarsely ground black pepper
• Onion powder and Italian seasoning: amp up the burger flavor go for a blend with real herbs
• Paprika: brings warmth and faint smokiness Spanish paprika is ideal for its subtle heat
• Matchstick carrots: bring light sweetness and a veggie boost buy precut for convenience and freshness
• Uncooked macaroni noodles: create that nostalgic mac and cheese texture pick regular or whole wheat
• Shredded cheddar cheese: the main cheesy punch grate your own for smoother melting
• Shredded parmesan cheese: adds nutty sharpness real parmesan gives the richest hit

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sauté the Beef and Onion:

Pour the olive oil into a large pot over medium high heat Let it get shimmering hot then add the ground beef and diced onion Crumble the beef as it cooks and stir frequently so the onion becomes tender and the beef is well browned This usually takes about eight to ten minutes

Build the Flavor Base:

Once the beef is browned add the chopped garlic and stir for about one minute so it becomes fragrant Sprinkle in the all purpose flour Stir thoroughly and cook about three minutes until the flour forms a paste with the beef and onions and loses its raw smell

Make it Soup:

Slowly pour in the chicken broth Stir constantly and watch as the liquid thickens from the flour Add the heavy cream next for a rich and silky broth Keep stirring so nothing sticks to the bottom

Season up:

Sprinkle in salt pepper onion powder Italian seasoning and paprika Stir well to combine The seasonings create that signature cheeseburger taste in the soup

Add Carrots and Pasta:

When the broth comes to a boil stir in the matchstick carrots and uncooked macaroni noodles Mix everything well and let it return to a strong boil

Simmer to Perfection:

Put a lid on the pot and lower the heat so the soup gently simmers Let it cook for twenty minutes Stir every few minutes to avoid sticking or burning by accident

Finish with Cheese:

After simmering remove the lid and stir the soup Add in all the shredded cheddar and parmesan cheese Stir until it is melted and the soup is rich cheesy and velvety

Serve and Enjoy:

Ladle into bowls and serve immediately This soup is best hot and gooey with stretchy cheese throughout

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My favorite part is watching the cheddar swirl and melt into the pot I remember my kids peering over the pot waiting for that cheesy magic to happen and now they ask for it by name

Storage Tips

Let the soup cool fully before transferring to airtight containers It keeps in the fridge up to four days If freezing do so without the pasta and cheese portion so it reheats without getting mushy Stir in cooked pasta and cheese when reheating

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap ground turkey or chicken for beef if that is your preference For a gluten free option choose your favorite gluten free macaroni The blend of cheeses can be varied use Colby Jack or mozzarella for a different flavor twist

Serving Suggestions

Top each bowl with extra shredded cheese or a pinch of chopped pickles if you crave authentic cheeseburger flavor Serve with crusty bread or crispy potato wedges on the side The soup goes great with a simple green salad for balance

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Cultural and Historical Context

This soup is a fun spin on American diner classics like cheeseburgers and macaroni and cheese It brings the flavors kids love into soup form a trend that really caught on for family dinner tables in recent years The melting pot kitchen basics of beef cheese and pasta come together for instant nostalgia

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of beef works best for this soup?

Lean ground beef is ideal, as it adds flavor without making the soup too greasy. You can also use ground turkey for a lighter option.

→ Can I use other types of pasta besides macaroni?

Yes, small shapes like shells or penne work well and help soak up the creamy broth while retaining a nice bite.

→ How can I make this soup gluten-free?

Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and use gluten-free pasta to keep the soup hearty and enjoyable for all.

→ What cheeses give the best flavor?

A blend of sharp cheddar and parmesan brings great depth and a truly cheesy finish to each bowl.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Refrigerate in an airtight container. Reheat gently and add a splash of broth or milk to bring back the creamy texture.

→ Can I add extra vegetables?

Absolutely. Try adding bell peppers, celery, or peas for extra color, flavor, and nutrition.