Description

This Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup is a hearty and comforting dish combining the classic flavors of a cheeseburger with creamy macaroni soup. Ground beef, tender macaroni noodles, melted cheddar, and parmesan cheeses come together in a savory broth seasoned with Italian herbs and paprika, perfect for a cozy meal any day of the week.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

2 tablespoons Olive Oil (Can substitute with butter)
1 pound Ground Beef (Ground turkey or chicken can be used)
1 medium Yellow Onion (Diced, shallots can be used)
2 cloves Garlic (Minced, fresh preferred)
1/4 cup All-Purpose Flour (Cornstarch is a gluten-free alternative)
4 cups Chicken Broth (Vegetable broth is a vegetarian swap)
1 cup Heavy Cream (Half and half or whole milk can be used)

Seasonings and Vegetables

Salt (To taste)
Pepper (To taste)
Onion Powder (To taste)
1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning (Adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon Paprika (Adjust to taste)
1 cup Matchstick Carrots (Fresh or frozen)

Pasta and Cheese

1 1/2 cups Uncooked Macaroni Noodles (Any small pasta shape can be used)
1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese (Consider mixing different cheese varieties)
1/2 cup Shredded Parmesan Cheese (Pecorino Romano is a flavorful substitute)

Instructions

Heat the Oil and Cook Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat to prepare for cooking the beef and vegetables.
Brown Ground Beef and Onion: Add the ground beef and diced onion to the pot, cooking until the beef is browned and the onions are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
Sauté Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
Add Flour: Sprinkle the flour over the beef mixture, stirring constantly for 2-3 minutes to form a roux, which will help thicken the soup.
Add Broth and Simmer: Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes to allow it to thicken.
Add Cream and Seasonings: Stir in the heavy cream, salt, pepper, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Mix well to combine all flavors.
Add Carrots and Macaroni: Incorporate the matchstick carrots and uncooked macaroni noodles, bring the soup back to a boil for 1 minute.
Simmer Soup: Reduce heat to low and let the soup simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until noodles are tender and flavors meld.
Add Cheese: Stir in the shredded cheddar and parmesan cheeses until completely melted and the soup is creamy.
Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve warm for a comforting meal.

Notes

For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with cornstarch.
Vegetarian option: Use vegetable broth and omit the ground beef or substitute with plant-based ground meat.
Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein alternative.
Adjust seasoning quantities to personal taste preferences.
Small pasta shapes other than macaroni can be used, such as ditalini or small shells.
Mix different cheddar varieties like sharp, mild, or smoked for varied flavor.
The soup thickens as it cools; reheat with a splash of broth or cream if needed.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Keywords: cheeseburger soup, macaroni soup, comfort food, ground beef soup, cheesy soup, easy dinner recipe