Jump to Recipe Print RecipeOn a chilly evening, I once scrambled to create something warm and hearty for my family—it was then that Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup was born. This delightful one-pot meal beautifully merges the savory flavors of a cheeseburger with the comforting embrace of macaroni. Not only is it a quick prep that’ll have you savoring every bite in no time, but it also offers the ultimate customization for any palate, making it an ideal choice for your weeknight dinner. Trust me, your family will flock to the table, hungry for this cozy favorite that blends nostalgia with comfort. So, what scrumptious twist will you add to make it your own? Why will you adore this soup? Hearty Comfort: This Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup combines the best of both worlds—creamy, cheesy goodness with the satisfying heartiness of ground beef and macaroni in one bowl. Quick & Easy: Ready in just under 30 minutes, this one-pot wonder is perfect for busy weeknights when you crave that homemade touch without the hassle. Customizable Flavor: Love a bit of spice? Add jalapeños! Prefer a lighter bite? Swap in crumbled tofu or chicken. You can easily tweak it to suit your family’s taste! Crowd-Pleaser: With its rich, savory flavors, it’s no surprise this soup is a favorite for both kids and adults alike. Serve it up with crusty bread for the ultimate comfort meal. Nostalgic Delight: Each spoonful takes you back to the flavors of a cheeseburger, but in a warm, cozy soup form—perfect for chilly days or when you’re just looking to indulge in comfort. Try serving with a side of pickle slices for a delightful tang, or check out my Thai Chicken Soup for another cozy option! Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Ingredients • This soup is all about flavor—let’s gather the essentials for a comforting bowl of pure joy! For the Soup Base Ground Beef – Provides a savory and protein-rich base; substitute with ground turkey or crumbled tofu for a lighter or vegetarian option. Macaroni Pasta – Adds heartiness and texture to the dish; feel free to swap with any small pasta shape or even rice. Onion – Offers sweetness and depth; shallots can serve as a milder alternative if desired. Garlic – Boosts the flavor profile significantly; garlic powder is an excellent fallback when fresh isn’t on hand. Beef Broth – Forms the rich soup base; use vegetable broth to create a delightful vegetarian version. For the Cheesy Finish Diced Tomatoes – Infuses acidity and freshness into the dish; fresh tomatoes can work in a pinch, but adjust liquid for consistency. Shredded Cheddar Cheese – Adds creamy, cheeseburger-like flavor; melted Monterey Jack or a blend is a great substitute. Salt and Pepper – Vital for enhancing flavors; always season to taste for a perfectly balanced soup. This Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is designed to bring comfort to your table with every delicious spoonful! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Step 1: Brown the Beef In a large pot over medium heat, add the ground beef and cook until it’s nicely browned, about 5–7 minutes. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart as it cooks, ensuring it’s evenly browned. Once browned, drain any excess fat to keep the soup creamy and delicious. Step 2: Sauté Aromatics Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with the beef. Sauté for 3–4 minutes, or until the onion turns translucent and fragrant, enhancing the base of your Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup with a warmth that sets the tone for the dish. Step 3: Combine Ingredients Now, stir in the beef broth, diced tomatoes, and macaroni. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a rolling boil, and then reduce the heat, covering the pot, allowing it to simmer for about 15 minutes. Keep an eye on it; you’re looking for the macaroni to become tender and absorb all those lovely flavors. Step 4: Add Cheese Once the macaroni is cooked to perfection, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts into a creamy concoction. This should take about 2–3 minutes; be patient, as the cheese will create a rich, velvety texture that brings the whole soup together beautifully. Step 5: Season and Serve Finally, taste your Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to your liking. Serve it steaming hot, and watch as your family dives in for a comforting bowl of goodness, perhaps with pickle slices or crusty bread on the side for that extra touch. Expert Tips for Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and onions elevate the flavor significantly compared to dried versions, making your Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup even more delicious. Grate Your Own Cheese: For a creamy texture, shred your own cheese instead of using pre-shredded varieties. The added anti-caking agents in store-bought cheese can affect meltability. Adjust the Broth: If the soup is too thick, gradually add more broth or water to reach your preferred consistency—be sure to taste as you go. Add Extra Veggies: Don’t hesitate to sneak in some extra vegetables, like carrots or bell peppers, for added nutrition and flavor. Just sauté them along with the onions. Freezing Tips: If you’re planning to freeze leftovers, consider undercooking the macaroni slightly, so it doesn’t become mushy upon reheating later. Make Ahead Options These Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup are a fantastic choice for meal prep lovers! You can prepare the soup base (without the cheese) up to 24 hours in advance by browning the beef and sautéing the aromatics, then refrigerate it in an airtight container. Additionally, you can cook the macaroni and store it separately to avoid it becoming mushy overnight. When you’re ready to enjoy your comforting soup, simply reheat the base on the stove, stir in the cooked macaroni, and mix in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted. This way, you’ll ensure that your Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is just as delicious and satisfying, saving you valuable time on busy weeknights! What to Serve with Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Elevate your cozy meal with delightful sides that enhance the comforting flavors of your soup. Crusty Bread: Perfect for dipping, it adds a satisfying crunch and absorbs the cheesy broth beautifully. Pickle Slices: A tangy contrast to the rich soup; they brighten each bite and amplify the cheeseburger theme. Garlic Bread: The buttery, garlic-infused flavors bring an extra layer of comfort, complementing the savory soup splendidly. Serve a platter of assorted sides for your family to enjoy; they’ll love customizing each bite with their favorite tastes! Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine with creamy dressing offers a refreshing balance to the rich soup, making each meal feel complete. Corn on the Cob: Sweet and buttery, corn brings a touch of summer that pairs surprisingly well with the hearty soup. Fruit Salad: A medley of fresh fruits offers a light, sweet contrast that lightens the overall meal. Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Variations Feel free to let your creativity shine as you make this comforting soup your own with these delightful twists! Vegetarian Version: Replace ground beef with crumbled tofu or your favorite meat substitute, and opt for vegetable broth. This keeps all the comforting flavors, while being meat-free! Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños to the soup for a flavorful heat that will tickle your taste buds. Pair this heat with a crunchy side salad for balance! Cheesy Alternatives: Try swapping out the cheddar for provolone or gouda for a different cheesy flavor profile, adding depth to your creamy base. Each cheese will yield a unique taste, so experiment and find your favorite! Creamy Texture Boost: Stir in a bit of cream or a dollop of sour cream just before serving for an extra luxurious mouthfeel. This little addition makes each bowl feel like a special treat! Add More Veggies: Toss in chopped spinach, kale, or bell peppers when sautéing the onions for an added crunch and nutritional boost. This not only brings color but also a fresh flavor that complements the dish beautifully. Herb Infusion: Add fresh or dried herbs like thyme or basil to elevate the flavor profile and give it an aromatic lift. Fresh herbs right before serving breathe life into the comforting soup! Rice Twist: Swap macaroni for cooked rice or quinoa for an entirely different texture and hearty twist. This also infuses a healthy grain component and keeps it just as filling and delicious! Sour Contrast: Consider serving your soup with a side of tangy pickles or a splash of pickle juice for a delightful contrast that brightens each creamy bite. It’s like a cheeseburger with a zing! Your Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup journey can be as deliciously creative as you desire—enjoy its comforting embrace with these exciting variations! For a cozy soup idea, don’t forget to try my Potato Soup Comfort. Storage Tips for Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Fridge: Store leftover Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through. Freezer: If you want to freeze it for later, place cooled soup in freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. Reheating: When reheating, consider adding a splash of broth or water to restore creaminess, as the macaroni may absorb some liquid as it sits. Serving Suggestions: For an added touch, garnish with fresh herbs or additional cheese when serving, making the soup feel fresh and inviting. Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Recipe FAQs What type of ground beef is best for this soup? I recommend using 80/20 ground beef for a good balance of flavor and richness without being overly greasy. If you’re looking for a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken works well too! How do I know when my vegetables are ripe for this soup? Look for onions that have a firm texture and a smooth, papery skin—avoid any with dark spots or mushiness. For garlic, choose cloves that are plump and tightly wrapped in their skins for the best flavor. How should I store leftovers of Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup? Keep your leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Gently reheat either on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if it looks too thick. Can I freeze Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup? Absolutely! To freeze, let the soup cool completely and then transfer it to freezer-safe containers. Leave a little room at the top for expansion. It can be stored for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. What if my macaroni gets too soft after freezing? Good question! To avoid mushiness, undercook your macaroni by a couple of minutes before freezing the soup. When you reheat, you can add fresh pasta to cook just before serving, ensuring a perfect bite every time. Is this soup safe for my pets? While the ingredients in Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup are generally safe for humans, be cautious with portions. Onions and garlic are toxic to dogs; thus, it’s best to keep this delicious dish for human enjoyment only! Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup: Comfort in Every Hearty Bite Enjoy the warm, hearty flavors of Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup, a delightful one-pot meal perfect for busy weeknights. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 10 minutes minsCook Time 20 minutes minsTotal Time 30 minutes mins Servings: 4 servingsCourse: BeefCuisine: AmericanCalories: 450 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Soup Base1 pound Ground Beef Alternatively, use ground turkey or crumbled tofu2 cups Macaroni Pasta Any small pasta shape or rice can be substituted1 medium Onion Shallots can be used for a milder flavor2 cloves Garlic Use garlic powder if fresh is unavailable4 cups Beef Broth Vegetable broth can be used for a vegetarian optionFor the Cheesy Finish1 can Diced Tomatoes Fresh tomatoes may be substituted; adjust liquid as needed2 cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese Melted Monterey Jack or a blend works as a substituteto taste Salt Always season to tasteto taste Pepper Always season to taste Equipment large pot Method Step-by-Step Instructions for Macaroni Cheeseburger SoupIn a large pot over medium heat, add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat.Add chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until onion is translucent and fragrant.Stir in beef broth, diced tomatoes, and macaroni. Bring to a rolling boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes.Once macaroni is tender, stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted, about 2–3 minutes.Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve hot, optionally with pickle slices or crusty bread. Nutrition Serving: 1bowlCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 25gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 3mg NotesFor the best flavor, use fresh ingredients and consider shredding your own cheese. Adjust broth for desired consistency and feel free to add extra vegetables like carrots or bell peppers for nutrition. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
