There’s just something about a warm, cheesy bowl of soup that makes everything better—especially when that soup tastes like a classic cheeseburger with a side of mac and cheese. This Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is the ultimate comfort food mashup, packed with savory beef, tender pasta, and melty cheddar cheese in a rich, flavorful broth.
If you love cheeseburgers and you love mac and cheese, then you need this soup in your life. It’s creamy, cozy, and incredibly easy to make in just one pot—perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you’re craving something hearty and satisfying. Plus, it’s a hit with both kids and adults, making it a great go-to recipe for family dinners.
Let’s get started on this cheesy masterpiece!
Step 1: Brown the Beef
First things first—grab a large pot and place it over medium heat. Add 1 pound of ground beef and cook it until it’s nicely browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
Pro Tip: Using lean ground beef (80/20 or 85/15) works great because it has enough fat for flavor, but not too much that it makes the soup greasy. If you’re using a fattier beef, go ahead and drain the excess fat after browning so the soup isn’t too heavy.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion
Once your beef is browned and drained, toss in ½ cup of diced onion. Let it cook for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it softens and becomes slightly translucent.
At this point, your kitchen is already starting to smell amazing—that combination of sizzling beef and onions is always a good sign that something delicious is on the way!
Step 3: Simmer the Broth
Now it’s time to bring all those classic cheeseburger flavors into the mix. Stir in:
- 4 cups of beef broth
- 1 cup of diced tomatoes
- ½ teaspoon of garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon of paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Give everything a good stir and turn up the heat to bring the soup to a gentle boil. This step allows all the flavors to blend together, creating a rich and savory base for the soup.
Flavor Boost: If you want an extra kick, add a dash of Worcestershire sauce or a spoonful of mustard to give it even more of that classic cheeseburger taste!
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
Now that your broth is bubbling away, it’s time to add the elbow macaroni. Pour in 1 cup of elbow macaroni, give everything a stir, and reduce the heat to a simmer.
Let the pasta cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally so it doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pot. The macaroni will absorb some of that flavorful broth, making it extra tasty and tender.
Pasta Tip: If you like your soup thicker, you can let the pasta cook a little longer, but keep in mind that it will continue to soak up liquid as it sits. If you prefer a brothier soup, feel free to add an extra ½ cup of beef broth to keep it at the consistency you like.
Step 5: Make It Creamy and Cheesy
Now for the best part—the cheese! Once the pasta is tender, it’s time to turn this into a rich, creamy, cheesy masterpiece. Reduce the heat to low and stir in:
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup of milk
Keep stirring until the cheese is completely melted and the soup turns smooth and creamy. This is when the magic happens—the cheese melts into the broth, creating that thick, velvety texture that makes every spoonful absolutely irresistible.
Cheese Tip: Want an extra-cheesy soup? Add an extra ½ cup of shredded cheese or try a mix of cheeses like Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or even Pepper Jack for a little kick!
Final Seasoning Adjustments
Give your soup a quick taste test—does it need a little more salt or pepper? Now is the time to adjust the seasoning to your liking.
If you want to add a little extra cheeseburger flair, try stirring in:
- A splash of Worcestershire sauce for a deeper, umami-rich flavor.
- A spoonful of mustard for that classic tangy cheeseburger kick.
- A pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
Once everything is perfectly seasoned, your Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is ready to serve!
Topping Ideas & Serving Suggestions
While this soup is already packed with cheeseburger goodness, adding a few toppings can take it to the next level. Here are some of my favorites:
- Extra shredded cheese – Because more cheese is always a good idea.
- Crumbled turkey bacon – For a smoky, crispy bite that gives it serious turkey bacon cheeseburger vibes.
- Diced pickles – Sounds unusual, but trust me! A few chopped dill pickles on top add a tangy crunch that tastes just like a real cheeseburger.
- Toasted croutons – Think of them as crispy little burger buns floating on top.
- A dollop of sour cream – Adds a little creaminess and balances out the richness.
- Hot sauce or jalapeños – If you like a little heat, this will spice things up nicely.
And when it comes to what to serve alongside this soup, a simple side salad or buttery garlic bread makes the perfect pairing!
FAQ: Common Questions About Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup
1. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! This soup stores well, but keep in mind that the macaroni will continue to soak up liquid as it sits. If you’re making it ahead, you may need to add a little extra broth or milk when reheating to bring back the creamy consistency.
2. How should I store leftovers?
Let the soup cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
3. Can I freeze this soup?
You can, but since it has dairy and pasta, the texture may change when thawed. If you plan to freeze it, try making the soup without the macaroni and cheese, then add them in when reheating. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
4. Can I use a different pasta shape?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is classic, you can use small shells, ditalini, or even rotini if that’s what you have on hand. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time if needed.
5. What if my soup is too thick?
If your soup thickens too much (especially after sitting), just stir in a little extra broth or milk until it reaches your preferred consistency.
6. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the beef and onions first, then transfer everything except the macaroni, milk, and cheese into a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours, then stir in the pasta during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Add the milk and cheese just before serving.
7. Can I make this soup healthier?
You can lighten it up by using ground turkey instead of beef, low-fat cheese, and skim milk. You can also add extra veggies like diced bell peppers or carrots for more nutrition!
Final Thoughts: Why You’ll Love This Soup
This Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is everything we love about comfort food—rich, cheesy, filling, and ridiculously delicious. It’s easy to make, comes together in just one pot, and is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults alike.
Happy cooking, and enjoy your cheeseburger soup heaven!
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MACARONI CHEESEBURGER SOUP
- Total Time: 30 mins
Description
A comforting and hearty soup that combines the flavors of a classic cheeseburger with creamy macaroni. Perfect for a cozy meal!
Ingredients
For the soup:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup elbow macaroni
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup diced onion
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1️⃣ Brown the beef: In a large pot over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
2️⃣ Sauté the onion: Add the diced onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 2-3 minutes.
3️⃣ Simmer the broth: Stir in the beef broth, diced tomatoes, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
4️⃣ Cook the pasta: Add the elbow macaroni, reduce the heat to a simmer, and cook until the pasta is tender, about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally.
5️⃣ Make it creamy: Stir in the milk and shredded cheddar cheese, mixing until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy. Adjust seasoning if needed.
6️⃣ Serve and enjoy: Serve hot, garnished with extra shredded cheese if desired. Enjoy your delicious, cheesy, and comforting Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup!
Notes
- For extra richness, use heavy cream instead of milk.
- Add diced pickles or a dash of mustard for a true cheeseburger flavor!
- This soup thickens as it cools; add more broth or milk when reheating if needed.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
