Description
Savory macaroni cheeseburger soup delivers classic comfort with a hearty twist, blending ground beef and pasta in a creamy broth. Rich flavors and simple ingredients make this soup a quick, satisfying meal you can enjoy without fuss.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 cup frozen peas or carrots
Liquid and Pasta:
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
Seasonings and Herbs:
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or chives for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the protein foundation by sizzling ground beef with aromatic diced onions in a spacious pot over medium heat until thoroughly browned and fragrant, approximately 7-8 minutes. Eliminate excess grease and season with fundamental salt and pepper.
- Incorporate diced tomatoes and robust beef broth, elevating the mixture to a vigorous boil, creating a hearty liquid base for the soup.
- Introduce elbow macaroni directly into the bubbling liquid, reducing temperature to medium. Simmer for 7-8 minutes, gently stirring to prevent pasta from clinging to pot’s bottom, ensuring perfect al dente texture.
- Transition heat to medium-low, gradually streaming milk into the mixture. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese incrementally, stirring continuously until cheese completely dissolves, transforming the soup into a luxuriously creamy consistency.
- Perform a final flavor assessment, adjusting seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Transfer the steaming, rich soup into serving vessels, optionally embellishing with fresh chopped herbs. Complement the dish with crusty artisan bread or a crisp green salad for a complete meal experience.
Notes
- Choose lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10) to reduce excess grease and create a cleaner, more flavorful soup.
- Grate cheese freshly from a block for smoother melting and better texture compared to pre-shredded options.
- Slightly undercook macaroni during simmering since it will continue absorbing liquid and softening in the hot soup.
- Swap whole milk with low-fat or plant-based alternatives like almond or oat milk for dietary modifications without compromising richness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 347 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 410 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg