If you’re craving something comforting and warm, you’ve hit the jackpot with this Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup! It’s everything you love about a hearty cheeseburger, but in a delightful, cozy soup form. Imagine creamy, cheesy goodness with tender macaroni nestled in a rich broth that’s bursting with flavor. You can whip it up in a flash and enjoy a bowl that feels indulgent without needing to break out the heavy cream. This meal is perfect for chilly evenings or whenever you need a hug in a bowl! Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a lazy weekend, this easy soup will keep everyone smiling. Ready to dive in? Let’s go!
Why You’ll Love Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup (Creamy, Easy, and Cozy)
This Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup is a total winner for many reasons! It’s creamy without feeling heavy, with the kind of comforting texture that wraps around you like your favorite blanket. Plus, it’s super quick to make, so you won’t spend hours in the kitchen.
- Speedy Meal: Ready in under 30 minutes!
- Texture Galore: Creamy broth with chewy macaroni.
- Pantry-Friendly: Most ingredients are already in your kitchen.
- Meal-Prep Ready: Makes for delicious leftovers.
- Customizable: Add your favorite toppings for a personal twist.
- Diet-Friendly: Can be adapted for gluten-free and dairy-free diets.
Essential Ingredients for Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup
- Ground Beef – Adds heartiness and classic burger flavor.
- Elbow Macaroni – Perfect size for scooping up soup goodness.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese – Provides that melty, cheesy love.
- Beef Broth – The flavorful base that brings everything together.
- Heavy Cream – Delivers the creamy texture without needing tons of butter.
- Medium Onion – Adds sweetness and depth.
- Garlic – A little kick of flavor.
- Olive Oil – For sautéing the aromatics.
Ready to cook? See the recipe card for exact measurements below.
How to Make Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup
Phase 1 – Prep
- Gather all your ingredients.
- Dice the onion and mince the garlic.
- Measure out the macaroni, cheese, and broth.
Phase 2 – Cook/Assemble
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Sauté the onion and garlic until soft and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add ground beef to the pot and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Stir in beef broth and macaroni, bringing it to a simmer.
- Cook until the macaroni is tender, approximately 7-9 minutes.
- Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and cheddar cheese, mixing well until melted.
Phase 3 – Serve
- Ladle the soup into bowls.
- Top with extra cheese or your favorite condiments like pickles or mustard.
- Enjoy warm!
Pro Tips for the Best Results
- Cheese Swap: Try using pepper jack or gouda for a unique flavor twist.
- Technique Improvement: For extra creaminess, add a little cream cheese along with the cheddar.
- Storage/Time Saver: Cook double and freeze half for a rainy day!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One mistake is overcooking the macaroni—it can become mushy and ruin the soup’s texture. To avoid this, make sure to check the macaroni a minute or two before the package suggests.
Another pitfall is not browning the ground beef thoroughly. This can lead to a less flavorful broth. Ensure the beef is well browned for that delicious umami taste.
Lastly, don’t skip the cream! It’s what makes this soup so luscious. Adding it right at the end helps preserve its creamy texture and flavor.
Recipe Variations
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta.
- Dairy-free: Swap heavy cream for coconut milk and cheese for a dairy-free alternative.
- Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
- Herbal: Toss in fresh herbs like parsley or chives for freshness.
- Instant Pot: Cook it in your pressure cooker for an even quicker meal.
How to Serve Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup
- Best Pairings: Serve with garlic bread or a simple salad for balance.
- Toppings and Garnishes: Consider adding crispy bacon bits, chopped green onions, or even a dollop of sour cream.
- Drink Pairing: A cold soda or lemonade pairs well with this hearty soup.
Make Ahead & Storage
Can I Meal Prep This?
Yes! It’s perfect for meal prep since it reheats beautifully.
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days.
Freezing
Freeze the soup for up to 2 months. Just know the texture may change slightly when thawed.
Reheating
Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through; stirring well to combine.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cauliflower?
Yes! You can easily add frozen cauliflower rice for extra veggies. Just toss it in when you add the macaroni.
How to make it extra creamy without cream?
Use a combination of cream cheese and broth for a creamy texture without heavy cream.
Can I double it?
Absolutely! Just make sure your pot is big enough to handle the extra ingredients.
How to fix a too-thick soup?
If your soup is too thick, add a bit more broth or water until it reaches your desired consistency.
This Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup is a satisfying solo meal or a glorious crowd-pleaser. With its creamy texture and rich flavors, it’s a fun twist on classic comfort food. Give it a try and let us know how you enjoyed it by rating or commenting below! Hungry for more? Check out our other cozy soup recipes!
Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground Beef Adds heartiness and classic burger flavor.
- 1 cup Elbow Macaroni Perfect size for scooping up soup goodness.
- 2 cups Beef Broth The flavorful base that brings everything together.
- 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese Provides that melty, cheesy love.
- 1 cup Heavy Cream Delivers the creamy texture without needing tons of butter.
- 1 medium Onion Adds sweetness and depth.
- 2 cloves Garlic A little kick of flavor.
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil For sautéing the aromatics.
Instructions
Preparation
- Gather all your ingredients.
- Dice the onion and mince the garlic.
- Measure out the macaroni, cheese, and broth.
Cooking
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Sauté the onion and garlic until soft and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add ground beef to the pot and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Stir in beef broth and macaroni, bringing it to a simmer.
- Cook until the macaroni is tender, approximately 7-9 minutes.
- Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and cheddar cheese, mixing well until melted.
Serving
- Ladle the soup into bowls.
- Top with extra cheese or your favorite condiments like pickles or mustard.
- Enjoy warm!