Description
This Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup combines all the comforting flavors of a classic cheeseburger into a creamy, hearty one-pot meal. Featuring ground beef, tender macaroni, and a rich cheese blend, this soup is perfect for a cozy dinner in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound Ground Beef (Can substitute with ground turkey or chicken.)
- 1 medium Yellow Onion (Shallots can be used as a substitute.)
- 2 cloves Garlic (Minced for best flavor.)
- 1 cup Matchstick Carrots (Both fresh or frozen work well.)
Liquids and Dairy
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (Can substitute with butter.)
- 4 cups Chicken Broth (Vegetable broth can be a vegetarian option.)
- 1 cup Heavy Cream (Can substitute with half-and-half or whole milk.)
- 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese (Classic cheeseburger flavor.)
- 1/2 cup Shredded Parmesan Cheese (Can substitute with Pecorino Romano.)
Pantry Items and Seasonings
- 1/4 cup All-Purpose Flour (Cornstarch can be used as a gluten-free alternative.)
- to taste Salt (Essential seasoning.)
- to taste Pepper (Essential seasoning.)
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder (Use to taste.)
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning (Use according to flavor preference.)
- 1 teaspoon Paprika (Add mild heat and color.)
- 1.5 cups Uncooked Macaroni Noodles (Any small pasta shape can be substituted.)
Instructions
- Heat oil: In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers, preparing the base for browning the meat and sautéing vegetables.
- Brown ground beef and onions: Add 1 pound of ground beef and the diced onion to the pot. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meat is fully browned and the onions are tender.
- Sauté garlic: Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for an additional minute until fragrant, enhancing the soup’s aroma and flavor.
- Add flour: Sprinkle 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour over the mixture, stirring continuously for 2-3 minutes to cook the flour and help thicken the soup later.
- Incorporate broth: Gradually pour in 4 cups of chicken broth while stirring constantly to avoid lumps and create a smooth base.
- Add cream and seasonings: Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream along with salt, pepper, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, and 1 teaspoon paprika to infuse rich taste and color.
- Add carrots and pasta: Stir in 1 cup of matchstick carrots and 1.5 cups of uncooked macaroni. Bring the mixture to a boil and let it boil for 1 minute to begin cooking the pasta.
- Simmer the soup: Cover the pot, reduce heat to low, and let the soup simmer for 20 minutes until the macaroni is tender and flavors meld together.
- Finish with cheese: Remove the cover, stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
- Serve hot: Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy immediately for a comforting and filling meal.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- If you need a gluten-free version, replace all-purpose flour with cornstarch and use gluten-free pasta.
- Vegetarian version can be made by replacing the ground beef with plant-based protein and using vegetable broth.
- Adjust the seasoning to taste, especially salt and pepper, depending on your preference.
- Cheese can be varied—try adding a bit of smoked cheese for a different flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
