Description
Comfort meets convenience in this magical 4-ingredient one-pot macaroni cheeseburger soup, blending classic burger flavors with creamy pasta perfection. Quick weeknight dinners become extraordinary when hearty ingredients merge into one satisfying, cheesy bowl you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Dairy and Liquid Ingredients:
- 1 cup milk
Seasoning:
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat a large pot over medium-high heat and thoroughly brown the ground beef, ensuring complete separation and caramelization for deep flavor development.
- Carefully drain excess fat from the meat, preserving the browned beef in the pot for maximum taste retention.
- Pour beef broth into the pot and rapidly bring the liquid to a rolling boil, creating a robust foundation for the soup.
- Introduce elbow macaroni directly into the boiling broth, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and cooking for precisely 7-8 minutes until pasta reaches perfect al dente texture.
- Reduce heat to low and gently incorporate milk, allowing the liquid to warm gradually without scorching.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese incrementally, continuously stirring to create a smooth, velvety consistency that coats the pasta and beef evenly.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper, balancing the flavors to complement the rich, meaty base.
- Allow soup to rest for 2-3 minutes, letting the flavors meld and the sauce thicken slightly before serving piping hot in deep bowls.
Notes
- Toast ground beef thoroughly to enhance flavor and ensure food safety.
- For a lighter version, use lean ground beef or ground turkey to reduce fat content.
- Optional toppings like crispy bacon bits or green onions can elevate the soup’s texture and taste.
- If dairy-free, substitute milk with unsweetened almond milk and use dairy-free cheese alternatives.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 455 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 33 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg