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Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup Recipe

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★★★★★

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://leofoster.com/cheeseburger-macaroni-soup-recipe/