When comfort food cravings strike, nothing satisfies quite like this Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup. It’s the perfect marriage of two beloved classics—hearty cheeseburgers and creamy macaroni and cheese—transformed into a soul-warming soup that’s sure to become a family favorite.
I created this recipe on a chilly evening when I couldn’t decide between making burgers or pasta. The result? A deliciously nostalgic bowl that captures all those familiar flavors in each spoonful. It’s like enjoying your drive-thru favorites in cozy soup form!
Why You’ll Love This
- One-pot wonder that minimizes cleanup while maximizing flavor
- Kid-approved taste that still satisfies adult appetites
- Ready in about 45 minutes for those busy weeknights
- Leftovers taste even better the next day as flavors meld
- Customizable with your favorite burger toppings and add-ins
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 lbs lean ground beef
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon chopped garlic
- 1/2 cup all purpose flour
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons pepper
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup matchstick cut carrots (precut from grocery store)
- 1 1/2 cups uncooked macaroni noodles
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/3 cup shredded parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Pour olive oil into a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once hot, add ground beef and diced onions. Crumble the beef well and cook until fully browned.
- Add chopped garlic, stir, and cook for about 1 minute. Add flour, stir well, and continue cooking for about 3 minutes.
- Add chicken broth and stir until the broth thickens. Add heavy cream and stir again.
- Add salt, pepper, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and paprika to the pot. Stir well.
- Bring the soup to a boil and add carrots and uncooked macaroni noodles. Stir well and return to a boil.
- Once boiling, place a lid on the pot and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- After 20 minutes, remove lid and stir well. Add shredded cheddar and parmesan cheese, stirring until melted. Serve and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- For a spicier kick, add a diced jalapeño with the onions or a dash of hot sauce at the end
- Make it leaner by substituting ground turkey or chicken for the beef
- Add diced pickles as a garnish for authentic cheeseburger flavor
- Try different cheese combinations—pepper jack adds heat, while American cheese creates an ultra-creamy texture
- For extra veggies, add diced bell peppers or grated carrots with the onions
- Make it gluten-free by using your favorite gluten-free pasta and checking your Worcestershire sauce
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty soup with a side of toasted garlic bread for dipping or a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For the full cheeseburger experience, offer toppings like crispy bacon bits, diced dill pickles, and diced fresh tomatoes that everyone can sprinkle on their own bowl.
For a fun dinner party idea, create a “soup topping bar” with all the classic burger fixings: shredded lettuce, diced onions, pickle relish, and even crumbled bacon.
Notes
- The soup will thicken as it cools. When reheating leftovers, add a splash of milk or broth to reach desired consistency.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- This soup doesn’t freeze well due to the pasta and dairy components.
- For meal prep, you can brown the meat and freeze it, then complete the recipe on cooking day.
FAQs
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, but I recommend cooking the pasta separately and adding it when reheating to prevent it from becoming too soft.
My soup is too thick. What should I do?
Simply add more beef broth or milk, a little at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the meat and onions first, then transfer to a slow cooker with all ingredients except pasta, cheese, and milk. Cook on low for 4-5 hours, add pasta for the last 30 minutes, and stir in cheese and milk just before serving.
What’s the best cheese to use for this soup?
Medium or sharp cheddar provides the classic cheeseburger flavor, but you can experiment with combinations including Monterey Jack, Colby, or American cheese for extra creaminess.
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