Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup

If you’re anything like me, you want a meal that’s easy, comforting, and makes everyone in the house smile. Enter my Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup recipe—a warm, hearty bowl of soup that tastes like your favorite cheeseburger and pasta combined.

My husband whipped this up for lunch last weekend (shoutout to him!), and let me tell you, it was a HIT!

Amazing for chilly evenings, busy weeknights, or honestly, anytime you’re craving something that screams “comfort food.” And guess what? It’s ready in about 30 MINUTES

If you’re loving this creamy soup, don’t miss out on our Steak Quesadilla Recipe for a cheesy twist on a classic

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WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE

1. One-Pot Wonder: Fewer dishes, more time to relax.
2. Kid-Friendly: What kid says no to cheeseburgers OR macaroni? Combine them, and you’re a hero.
3. Customizable: Add veggies, switch up the pasta, or tweak the spices—it’s YOUR bowl.

Let’s dive into the recipe, so you can see why this will become your family’s new favorite.

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INGREDIENTS

Here’s everything you’ll need:

• 1 lb ground beef (lean works best!)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 cups beef broth (low sodium is great if you’re watching salt)
• 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz, undrained)
• 1 cup elbow macaroni (or any small pasta you love)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup milk (whole milk adds creaminess)
• 2 tbsp ketchup (yes, trust me!)
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp mustard (optional, for a cheeseburger kick)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Chopped parsley or green onions (for garnish)

OPTIONAL ADD-INS

• Diced pickles (for that true cheeseburger vibe)
• Crumbled bacon (because, why not?)
• Veggies like carrots, celery, or peas

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HOW TO MAKE CHEESEBURGER MACARONI SOUP

1. Brown the Beef

Heat a large pot over medium heat. You add your ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. You season it with a pinch of salt and pepper. Remove and set aside.

2. Sauté the Onion & Garlic

In your same pot, add your diced onion. You cook for 2-3 minutes until soft, then stir in the garlic for another minute. The smell? AMAZING.

3. Add Liquids and Tomatoes

Pour in the beef broth and canned tomatoes (don’t drain them!). Stir in the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard. Bring it to a gentle boil.

4. Add Pasta & Simmer

Stir in the macaroni and cook for about 10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender. Keep an eye on it so the pasta doesn’t overcook.

5. Stir in Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup Milk & Cheese

Lower the heat to medium-low. You slowly pour in the milk, then gradually stir in the shredded cheese until melted and creamy. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.

6. Serve & Garnish Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup

Ladle into bowls, top with parsley or green onions, and maybe even some crumbled bacon if you’re feeling fancy. Serve with crusty bread or a side salad, and BAM—DINNER IS READY.

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PRO TIPS FOR THE BEST SOUP

• Cheese Melting Hack: Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melting. Pre-shredded cheese can be clumpy.
• Keep It Creamy: Whole milk or even a splash of heavy cream works wonders for that rich texture.
• Make It Your Own: Swap the beef for turkey or chicken, or try different cheeses like Colby Jack or Pepper Jack.

WHAT MAKES CHEESEBURGER MACARONI SOUP UNIQUE?

Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup isn’t just a regular soup—it’s a full-on comfort food experience. You’ve got the hearty flavors of a cheeseburger, the cozy vibes of a warm bowl of soup, and the nostalgic feel of mac and cheese all rolled into one. It’s like eating your childhood favorites in a single spoonful. This dish balances the richness of melted cheese with the tangy kick of tomatoes and the savory goodness of beef, creating layers of flavor that’ll keep you coming back for more.

The best part? It’s a crowd-pleaser for ALL ages.

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TIPS FOR BATCH COOKING CHEESEBURGER MACARONI SOUP

If you’re a fan of meal prepping, this recipe is a total lifesaver. Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup stores beautifully, making it an excellent choice for a cook-once, eat-all-week plan. Here’s how to make it work:

1. Cook the Base Ahead: Make the soup without the macaroni and store it in airtight containers in the fridge. This keeps the soup fresh and prevents the pasta from soaking up too much liquid.
2. Cook Pasta Separately: When you’re ready to eat, cook a fresh batch of pasta and add it to your reheated soup. This trick keeps the texture just right.
3. Freeze in Portions: Divide the soup (again, minus the pasta) into freezer-friendly bags or containers. Label them with the date, so you know when it’s time to enjoy them.

This way, you’ll always have a quick and satisfying meal ready when life gets busy.

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THE PERFECT PAIRINGS FOR CHEESEBURGER MACARONI SOUP

Let’s talk about what to serve alongside this delicious soup. While it’s absolutely satisfying on its own, the right side dish can elevate the meal even more (oops, I meant complement the meal—force of habit!). Here are some ideas:

• Dunk  Garlic Breadsticks right into the soup for a cheesy, beefy bite.
• A crisp romaine or spinach salad balances out the richness.
• Loaded Potato Skins: Go all-in on the comfort food theme.
• Pickle Spears ! They bring a zingy contrast to the creamy soup.

Trust me, adding these sides turns dinner into a cozy, diner-style feast at home.

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HOW TO MAKE IT GLUTEN-FREE

Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup is super adaptable, so if you or someone in your family has dietary needs, you can still enjoy it.

• For Gluten-Free: Swap the elbow macaroni for gluten-free pasta, or try rice noodles for a unique twist. Make sure to double-check your beef broth for hidden gluten!
• For Keto: Skip the pasta altogether and add cauliflower florets or zucchini spirals. They’ll soak up the soup’s flavors and still give you that hearty bite.

The result? A version of Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup that fits YOUR lifestyle without sacrificing flavor.

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WHY IT’S GREAT FOR POTLUCKS

Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup is my go-to dish for potlucks and gatherings. Why? Because it checks all the boxes:

1. Transport-Friendly: It’s easy to make in advance and carry in a slow cooker or large pot.
2. Feeds a Crowd: A single batch serves at least 6-8 people, and you can double it with no problem.
3. Interactive Toppings: Set up a toppings bar with shredded cheese, chopped pickles, bacon bits, and green onions. Everyone can customize their bowl just how they like it!

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FAQS