Introduction

Craving the classic flavors of a cheeseburger but in a warm, comforting bowl? This Ultimate Cheeseburger Soup is your answer, ready in just 30 minutes! It combines seasoned ground beef, tender pasta, and a rich, cheesy broth for a hearty meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. If you love easy ground beef dinners, try this Ground Beef Pot Pie Recipe or these fun Mini Tater Tot Cheeseburgers Recipe next.

Ingredients

This hearty Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup combines savory ground beef and tender pasta in a rich, creamy cheese broth. Gather these simple ingredients for a comforting one-pot meal.

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 lbs lean ground beef
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 1 tablespoon chopped garlic
• ½ cup all purpose flour
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
• 1½ teaspoons salt
• 1½ teaspoons black pepper
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• 1 cup matchstick cut carrots
• 1½ cups uncooked macaroni noodles (elbow or small shell pasta work well)
• 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ⅓ cup shredded parmesan cheese

Timing

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	25 minutes
Total Time	40 minutes

Context: This Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup recipe is ready in about 40 minutes, roughly 20% faster than similar stovetop casserole-style soups.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Brown the Ground Beef

Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook for 5–7 minutes until fully browned and no pink remains. For the best flavor, do not drain the fat unless using a very high-fat blend; it adds richness to your Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup.

Step 2 — Sauté the Aromatics

Add diced onion to the pot with the beef and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This foundational step builds the savory depth essential for a great cheeseburger soup.

Step 3 — Create the Soup Base

Sprinkle all-purpose flour over the beef and onion mixture. Stir constantly for about 2 minutes to cook off the raw flour taste. This will help thicken the soup. Slowly pour in beef broth while stirring to prevent lumps, then add diced tomatoes, ketchup, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce.

Step 4 — Simmer and Cook the Macaroni

Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to a steady simmer. Stir in the dry elbow macaroni. Let it simmer uncovered for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente. The soup will continue to thicken during this stage.

Step 5 — Temper the Dairy

Reduce the heat to low. In a separate bowl, whisk a ladleful of the hot soup into the milk or half-and-half to gently warm it (this is called tempering). This prevents the dairy from curdling when added to the pot. Slowly stir the warmed mixture back into the main pot.

Step 6 — Melt in the Cheese

Add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese a handful at a time, stirring until fully melted before adding more. Keep the heat on low to prevent the cheese from separating. For optimal creaminess, use freshly shredded cheese from a block, as pre-shredded varieties contain anti-caking agents that can make the soup grainy.

Step 7 — Final Seasoning and Serve

Taste your Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup and season with salt and black pepper as needed. For an authentic finish, ladle into bowls and garnish with classic burger toppings like diced dill pickles, crumbled cooked bacon, or a dollop of sour cream. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.

Nutritional Information

Calories	420 kcal
Protein	22 g
Carbohydrates	35 g
Fat	21 g
Fiber	3 g
Sodium	980 mg
Calcium	25% DV
Vitamin A	15% DV

Note: Nutritional values for this Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup are estimates based on typical ingredients and a 1.5-cup serving size. Actual values may vary depending on specific brands and preparation methods.

Healthier Alternatives

This Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is wonderfully adaptable. Here are practical ingredient swaps to tailor it to different dietary needs without sacrificing the classic comfort food feel.

• Lean Ground Turkey or Chicken — A lighter protein alternative that keeps the soup hearty while reducing overall fat content.
• Plant-Based Ground — An excellent choice for a meat-free version; choose a savory, umami-rich brand to mimic the beefy flavor.
• Whole Wheat or Legume-Based Pasta — Swapping regular macaroni adds fiber and protein, making for a more filling and nutrient-dense bowl.
• Zucchini Noodles or Cauliflower Rice — Perfect for a lower-carb Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup, adding volume and veggies while keeping it satisfying.
• Nutritional Yeast & Dairy-Free Cheese — Creates a creamy, cheesy flavor for a dairy-free or vegan soup, with nutritional yeast adding a savory, cheesy note.
• Low-Sodium Broth & No-Salt-Added Tomatoes — Easily controls the salt level, allowing the herbs and other seasonings to shine through.
• Gluten-Free Pasta & Tamari — Use a reliable gluten-free macaroni and swap soy sauce for tamari to make this soup entirely gluten-free.
• Greek Yogurt or Light Sour Cream — Stirred in at the end, this can replace some of the cheese for a tangy creaminess with more protein and less fat.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair this hearty Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup with a crisp side salad or a simple Caesar salad to balance the richness.
• For a classic diner feel, serve it alongside a toasted garlic breadstick or a warm, buttered pretzel roll for dipping.
• This soup is perfect for casual weeknight dinners, game day gatherings, or as a comforting meal on a chilly evening.
• Top individual bowls with extra shredded cheddar, crispy fried onions, or a dollop of sour cream for added texture and flavor.
• For a fun family meal, serve the Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup in bread bowls for an edible, no-fuss container.
• Garnish with fresh chopped chives or parsley to add a pop of color and a hint of freshness before serving.

This versatile soup is a crowd-pleaser that easily adapts to your menu, making it a go-to recipe for any occasion where comfort food is the star.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using pre-shredded cheese, which contains anti-caking agents that can make your Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup grainy. Fix: Always shred a block of sharp cheddar or American cheese yourself for a perfectly smooth, creamy melt.
• Mistake: Adding raw macaroni directly to the soup, which absorbs too much broth and turns mushy. Fix: Cook the pasta separately and add it just before serving to maintain ideal texture.
• Mistake: Not browning the ground beef properly, leaving it gray and lacking deep flavor. Fix: Cook the beef in batches over medium-high heat until well-browned to build a rich, savory base.
• Mistake: Dumping in all the cheese at once, causing it to clump or separate. Fix: Remove the soup from heat and stir in the cheese gradually until fully incorporated.
• Mistake: Using a weak broth, which results in a bland cheeseburger soup. Fix: Opt for a full-sodium beef broth or stock and season thoughtfully with Worcestershire sauce and mustard powder.
• Mistake: Skipping the roux, leading to a thin, watery soup that won’t hold the cheese. Fix: Create a simple butter and flour roux before adding liquids to ensure a luxuriously thick consistency.
• Mistake: Overcrowding the pot with vegetables, which can water down the flavor. Fix: Sauté onions, celery, and carrots until soft to concentrate their sweetness before adding broth.
• Mistake: Forgetting to balance richness, making the final dish overly heavy. Fix: A splash of pickle juice or a dollop of sour cream at the end adds a bright, tangy counterpoint.
• Mistake: Boiling the soup after adding dairy, which can cause curdling. Fix: Keep the heat at a gentle simmer once milk, cream, or cheese are in the pot.
• Mistake: Serving it immediately, not allowing the flavors to marry. Fix: Let the soup rest off the heat for 10-15 minutes; the flavors will deepen beautifully.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Cool your Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
• Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the soup in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty bag for up to 3 months. Note that the pasta may become softer upon thawing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat: Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You may need to add a splash of broth or milk to restore the creamy consistency.

Always store your Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup within two hours of cooking to ensure food safety. For best quality, avoid reheating the entire batch more than once.

Conclusion

This easy Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is the ultimate comfort food, combining classic flavors in one cozy bowl. If you loved this recipe, try our BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Mac or Cheesy Sloppy Joe Garlic Toast next. We hope you enjoy it—please leave a comment with your review and subscribe for more delicious recipes!

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FAQs

Can I make Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this soup a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat it gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or milk if the soup has thickened too much.

What is the best cheese to use for this soup?

Sharp cheddar cheese is ideal for a rich, flavorful Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup. It melts smoothly and provides the classic cheeseburger taste. You can also use a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack for a creamier texture.

How can I make this recipe more kid-friendly?

For a kid-friendly Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup, consider using mild cheddar and lean ground beef. You can also finely chop the vegetables or even puree them into the broth for a smoother consistency that still packs in the flavor.