Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup Recipe

Introduction

Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup is a comforting, creamy dish that combines the beloved flavors of a cheeseburger with hearty pasta in a warm soup. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner and sure to please the whole family.

Ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 2 tablespoons butter (or olive oil)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 medium yellow onion (chopped)
• 1 cup carrots (chopped)
• 1 cup celery (chopped)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 3/4 cup milk (whole preferred)
• 1 1/4 cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
• 1 cup macaroni (elbow pasta)
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 6 cups beef broth
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar or pickle juice

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the beef with a slotted spoon and place it on a paper towel-lined dish. Do not remove the grease from the pot.
2. Step 2: In the same pot, add butter, chopped carrots, celery, onion, oregano, Italian seasoning, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir and sauté for a few minutes until fragrant, then add the minced garlic and sauté for another few minutes.
3. Step 3: Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir to coat them evenly. Cook for 1 more minute to remove the raw flour taste.
4. Step 4: Pour in the beef broth and use a wooden spoon to deglaze the bottom of the pot, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the surface. These bits add great flavor. Let the soup simmer gently for 15 minutes.
5. Step 5: Add the macaroni and milk to the pot. Cook for 7 to 8 minutes or until the pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
6. Step 6: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, vinegar or pickle juice, and the browned ground beef. Mix until the cheese is fully melted. Serve hot with your favorite toppings and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For a richer flavor, use whole milk or substitute with half-and-half instead of milk.
• Try adding diced pickles on top for an extra tangy crunch that mimics a cheeseburger.
• To lighten the soup, use ground turkey instead of beef and low-fat cheese.
• You can swap elbow macaroni for small shells or ditalini pasta if preferred.

Storage

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth as needed to loosen the soup if it has thickened.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, this soup can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat just before serving, adding a little extra broth or milk to restore the creamy consistency.

Is it possible to freeze Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup?

Freezing is possible but not ideal because the pasta may become mushy upon thawing. If you plan to freeze, consider cooking the pasta separately and adding it after thawing and reheating the soup.

Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 75 reviews

Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup is a comforting, hearty dish that combines seasoned ground beef, tender macaroni, and sharp cheddar cheese in a savory broth. Infused with aromatic herbs and sautéed vegetables, this soup delivers the familiar flavors of a cheeseburger in a cozy bowl, perfect for a satisfying meal any day of the week.

• Author: Leo
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Seasonings

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Vegetables and Aromatics

• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 1 cup carrots, chopped
• 1 cup celery, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced

Dairy and Cheese

• 2 tablespoons butter (or olive oil)
• 3/4 cup whole milk
• 1 1/4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

Pantry

• 1 cup macaroni (elbow pasta)
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 6 cups beef broth
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar or pickle juice

Instructions

1. Brown the Ground Beef: Heat a large pot over medium heat and add the ground beef. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove the beef and set it aside on a paper towel-lined dish. Leave the grease in the pot for additional flavor.
2. Sauté Vegetables and Seasonings: In the same pot with the beef grease, add butter, chopped carrots, celery, onion, oregano, Italian seasoning, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir and sauté for a few minutes until the mixture is fragrant. Then add minced garlic and cook for an additional few minutes.
3. Add Flour: Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir to coat everything evenly. Cook for 1 more minute to remove the raw flour taste and help thicken the soup.
4. Deglaze and Simmer: Slowly pour in the beef broth while stirring and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot—these add rich flavor. Let the soup simmer gently for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Cook Pasta and Add Milk: Add the macaroni pasta and milk to the pot. Continue cooking the soup for 7-8 minutes or until the pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
6. Finish with Cheese and Meat: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and white vinegar or pickle juice until the cheese melts smoothly into the soup. Finally, return the browned ground beef to the pot and mix everything thoroughly. Serve hot with your favorite toppings and enjoy!

Notes

• Use whole milk for creaminess, but you can substitute 2% or skim if preferred.
• For a lower-fat version, substitute butter with olive oil and use lean ground turkey instead of beef.
• White vinegar or pickle juice adds a subtle tang that brightens the soup’s flavor.
• Top with extras like shredded cheese, chopped pickles, or crispy bacon for added texture and taste.
• Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently to avoid curdling the cheese.

Keywords: cheeseburger soup, macaroni soup, cheeseburger macaroni, ground beef soup, cheddar soup, comfort food recipe