Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup: Your 1 Ultimate Comfort Meal

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup has been my go-to comfort food for years, especially on those chilly evenings when only something warm and hearty will do. I remember the first time I tried to recreate my mom’s famous cheeseburger flavor in a soup, and let me tell you, it took a few tries! But when I finally nailed it, the aroma of savory beef, simmering tomatoes, and melted cheddar filled my kitchen, promising pure bliss. This one-pot wonder is so incredibly satisfying, like a hug in a bowl. I even love serving it with a side of chips, much like you’d enjoy with a burger. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup

This soup is more than just a meal; it’s an experience! It’s the ultimate comfort food that brings everyone to the table.

Unbeatable Flavor: It perfectly captures the classic taste of a cheeseburger in a warm, satisfying soup.
One-Pot Wonder: Cleanup is a breeze since everything cooks in a single pot.
Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike adore this creamy, cheesy pasta dish.
Quick & Easy: Ready in under an hour, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Customizable: Easily adapt it to your taste, much like you would with a steak bowl with cilantro and lime.
Hearty & Filling: Tender pasta and savory beef make this a truly satisfying meal.
Cost-Effective: Uses simple, affordable ingredients for a delicious meal.
Versatile: A fantastic base for adding extra veggies or different cheeses, similar to how you might vary a healthy cilantro lime steak bowl.

Ingredients for Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup

Gather these simple ingredients to create your ultimate comfort food. You’ll find that making this soup is almost as satisfying as eating it, and the results are incredibly flavorful, much like a well-prepared cilantro lime steak bowl.

1 tablespoon olive oil (optional) – for sautéing if your beef isn’t fatty enough
1 lb ground beef – 80/20 is great for flavor, but you can use leaner if preferred
1 medium yellow onion, chopped – about 1 cup, provides a sweet base
2 garlic cloves, minced – essential for that savory depth
3 cups beef broth – the foundation of our rich soup
1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz), undrained – adds acidity and texture
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce – for that umami, burger-like kick
1 teaspoon yellow mustard – a classic cheeseburger condiment
1 teaspoon smoked paprika – gives a subtle smoky flavor
1 cup elbow macaroni (uncooked) – the pasta that makes it hearty
1 cup heavy cream – for that irresistible creamy, cheesy finish
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese – sharp cheddar is best for maximum flavor
Salt and black pepper, to taste – to enhance all the other flavors

How to Make Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup

Whipping up this comforting soup is a straightforward process, much like assembling a delicious cilantro lime steak bowl. Follow these simple steps for a hearty meal that’s ready in about 35 minutes.

Step 1: Heat the olive oil (if using) in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the 1 lb ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it’s nicely browned. Drain any excess fat to keep the soup from being greasy.
Step 2: Toss in the 1 medium yellow onion, chopped, and the 2 garlic cloves, minced. Sauté these aromatics with the beef for about 3–4 minutes until the onions become translucent and fragrant, smelling wonderfully savory.
Step 3: Pour in the 3 cups beef broth and the 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz), undrained. Stir in the 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon yellow mustard, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, and season with salt and black pepper to your liking. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil, letting the flavors meld.
Step 4: Add the 1 cup elbow macaroni (uncooked) to the pot. Stir well to prevent the pasta from sticking together. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and let it simmer for 10–12 minutes, or until the macaroni is tender. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking, just as you would when preparing ingredients for a steak bowl with cilantro and lime.
Step 5: Once the pasta is cooked, lower the heat to the lowest setting. Slowly pour in the 1 cup heavy cream and then gradually stir in the 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, a handful at a time. Continue stirring gently until the cheese is completely melted and the soup is smooth and creamy. This creates that signature cheesy goodness.
Step 6: Taste the soup and adjust the salt and pepper if needed. Ladle the hot cheeseburger macaroni soup into bowls. You can even top it with a sprinkle of extra cheese or some fresh parsley for a pop of color, much like garnishing a spicy cilantro lime steak bowl. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Pro Tips for the Best Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup

Elevate your comfort food game with these simple tricks for an absolutely perfect bowl of cheeseburger macaroni soup. They’re easy to implement and make a big difference!

For the creamiest texture, always shred your own cheddar cheese. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can make the soup slightly grainy.
Don’t be tempted to overcook the macaroni. It will continue to soften slightly in the hot broth after cooking, so aim for al dente.
If you want to add extra veggies, consider stirring in some frozen peas or corn during the last 5 minutes of pasta cooking, or serve with a vibrant side salad, much like you might pair with a healthy cilantro lime steak bowl.

What’s the secret to perfect Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup?

The magic is in building those classic cheeseburger flavors. Using quality beef, sautéing the aromatics well, and that final creamy cheese blend are key. Think of it like layering flavors for a fantastic cilantro lime steak bowl.

Can I make Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare this soup up to the point of adding the cream and cheese. Cool it completely, then refrigerate. Reheat gently on the stovetop, then stir in the cream and cheese until smooth.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup?

Avoid overcooking the pasta – it gets mushy quickly. Also, don’t boil the soup vigorously after adding the cream, as it can curdle. Gentle simmering is best.

Best Ways to Serve Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup

This hearty soup is a meal in itself, but it pairs wonderfully with a few simple additions to make it a complete dinner. Think of it like building the perfect steak bowl with cilantro and lime – each component adds to the overall experience!

Crusty Bread: A warm, crusty baguette or sourdough slices are perfect for dipping into the rich, cheesy broth.
Side Salad: A light, crisp green salad with a vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the soup beautifully. It’s a refreshing contrast, similar to how fresh cilantro and lime brighten up a steak bowl.
Potato Chips: For the ultimate cheeseburger experience, serve with a side of your favorite crunchy potato chips for that extra texture and salty crunch.

Nutrition Facts for Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup

This hearty soup is packed with flavor, offering a satisfying meal. Here’s a look at the estimated nutritional breakdown per serving (recipe makes 6 servings):

Calories: 550
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Protein: 25g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 7g
Sodium: 950mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used. For more information on nutritional guidelines, consult resources like the National Institutes of Health Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion.

How to Store and Reheat Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup

Leftovers of this delicious cheeseburger macaroni soup are a gift that keeps on giving! Proper storage ensures you can enjoy that comforting flavor for days. It’s like having a pre-made meal ready to go, similar to prepping ingredients for a healthy cilantro lime steak bowl.

Cool Down First: Always let the soup cool down to room temperature before storing. This prevents condensation in the container, which can affect texture and safety.
Container Choice: Transfer the cooled soup into airtight containers. Glass or sturdy plastic containers work best for both refrigerator and freezer storage.
Refrigerator Storage: This soup will keep well in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. It’s a fantastic option for quick lunches or dinners during the week.
Freezer Storage: For longer storage, freeze the soup in portions for up to 3 months. Freezing is a great way to have this hearty meal on hand whenever a craving strikes.

Reheating: Gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of beef broth or milk if the soup seems too thick. Alternatively, microwave individual portions until heated through, stirring halfway.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup

Can I freeze leftover Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup?

Absolutely! Cheeseburger macaroni soup freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely, then portion it into airtight containers or freezer bags. It’s a fantastic way to ensure you have a quick, comforting meal ready for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop, much like you might reheat prepped ingredients for a cilantro lime steak bowl meal prep.

What kind of cheese is best for this soup?

Sharp cheddar cheese is my top recommendation for this soup. It provides a robust, tangy flavor that really mimics that classic cheeseburger taste. For the creamiest results, I always recommend shredding your own cheese from a block, as pre-shredded varieties can sometimes contain anti-caking agents that affect the texture. You could even experiment with a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack for a milder, creamier profile.

How do I make this soup thicker or thinner?

If your soup is too thick, simply stir in a little more beef broth or a splash of milk until it reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, you can simmer it uncovered for a few extra minutes to allow some of the liquid to evaporate. You could also create a slurry with a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a little cold water and stir that in while simmering to thicken it up, similar to how you might adjust the sauce for a steak bowl with cilantro and lime.

Can I add other vegetables to this soup?

Definitely! This soup is very adaptable. You can easily add in other vegetables like frozen peas, corn, finely diced carrots, or even some chopped bell peppers along with the onions and garlic. They add extra color, texture, and nutrients, making it a more complete meal, much like enhancing a healthy cilantro lime steak bowl with black beans and corn.

Variations of Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup You Can Try

This cheeseburger macaroni soup is a fantastic base, and you can easily customize it to suit your preferences, much like you might tweak a cilantro lime steak bowl recipe. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Spicy Kick: For those who love a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño with the onions. A dash of hot sauce stirred in at the end can also elevate the flavor, similar to a spicy cilantro lime steak bowl.
Leaner Protein Swap: Instead of ground beef, try using ground turkey or even a plant-based crumble for a lighter option. The flavors will adapt beautifully, much like substituting chicken for steak in a chicken cilantro lime steak bowl.
Veggie-Packed: Boost the nutrition by adding extra vegetables. Stir in frozen peas, corn, or finely diced carrots during the last 10 minutes of cooking. This makes it even more wholesome, akin to adding black beans to a cilantro lime steak bowl.
Cream Cheese Twist: For an extra decadent and creamy soup, swap half of the heavy cream for softened cream cheese. Whisk it in until smooth, creating a wonderfully rich texture that is decadent, much like a gourmet steak bowl with cilantro and lime.