Description
This One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is a hearty, comforting dish that combines all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger in a creamy, cheesy soup. It features browned ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, a rich tomato and beef broth base, and a luscious blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Perfect for a cozy family dinner, this easy stovetop recipe is ready in just over half an hour and can be customized with simple additions like pickles or ketchup to amplify the cheeseburger taste.
Ingredients
Scale
Soup Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
Pasta and Cheese
- 1 1/2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Optional Toppings
- 1/4 cup sour cream (optional, for extra richness)
- Chopped parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Drain any excess grease if necessary to keep the soup from becoming too oily.
- Sauté Aromatics and Spices: Add the diced onion to the pot and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic, paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook everything together for another minute to release the spices’ flavors.
- Add Liquids and Pasta: Pour in the beef broth and the undrained diced tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a boil, then stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the soup simmer uncovered for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender but not mushy.
- Incorporate Milk and Cheese: Lower the heat and stir in the milk, shredded cheddar, and mozzarella cheeses. Mix until the cheeses have melted fully and the soup turns creamy and smooth. Remove the pot from the heat.
- Finish and Serve: If desired, fold in the sour cream for extra richness. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley or green onions. Serve hot, enjoying the comforting flavors of this cheeseburger-inspired soup.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.
- Add chopped pickles or a squirt of ketchup and mustard to mimic classic cheeseburger flavors.
- Leftovers reheat well but may thicken; stir in a splash of broth or milk to loosen.
