If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food to serve on a chilly evening, this macaroni cheeseburger soup recipe has you covered. It’s hearty, creamy, and filled with everyone’s favorite flavors. Think cheesy goodness, savory beef, tender macaroni, and a rich, velvety soup base that will have your family asking for seconds!

Plus, it’s an easy recipe perfect for weeknight cooking or meal prepping. Let’s dig into this simple yet heavenly recipe.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Cooking up this delicious macaroni cheeseburger soup doesn’t take long! Here’s a quick rundown of how much time you’ll need to plan:

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

This means you’ll have a warm bowl of comfort food soup ready in under an hour, perfect for those busy days when you want something filling yet stress-free.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Easy Cooking

Ensuring a smooth cooking process starts with having the right tools in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need to whip up your macaroni cheeseburger soup with ease:

Large Stockpot or Dutch Oven: For cooking your soup evenly.
Ladle: To scoop and serve the soup like a pro.
Cutting Board and Sharp Knife: For prepping veggies and other ingredients.
Cheese Grater: Freshly shredded cheese melts better and tastes amazing!
Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accuracy in measurements.
Colander: To drain the macaroni perfectly without making a mess.

With these tools on hand, you’ll breeze through making this easy homemade soup without breaking a sweat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we start, gather the following ingredients for the macaroni cheeseburger soup. These pantry staples make this dish hearty and flavorful:

1 lb ground beef
1 cup macaroni pasta
3 cups chicken broth
2 cups milk (whole milk works best)
1 large onion, diced
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping!)
2 medium carrots, diced
1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz)
1 tbsp butter
1 tsp paprika
½ tsp chili powder (optional, for a spicy kick)
Salt and pepper, to taste

These ingredients are not only simple but versatile, making this cheeseburger-inspired soup a new family favorite!

Step-By-Step Directions to Make Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

Macaroni cheeseburger soup is a hearty and cheesy dish that combines ground beef, pasta, and a creamy broth for a comforting meal. It’s easy to make and perfect for a cozy dinner. Follow these step-by-step directions to prepare a delicious bowl of macaroni cheeseburger soup!

Step 1: Cook the Macaroni

Boil a pot of salted water and cook the macaroni pasta until al dente. Once done, drain it, toss with a small drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking, and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

In a large stockpot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Break it into small crumbles, cooking until no longer pink. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper, then transfer the beef to a bowl and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Veggies

Melt the butter in the same pot. Add the diced onion, garlic, and carrots, and sauté until softened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. This forms the flavor-packed base for our soup.

Step 4: Build the Soup Base

Add the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and seasonings, including paprika and chili powder if you like a bit of heat. Stir everything together and bring it to a gentle boil.

Step 5: Add Milk and Cheese

Reduce the heat to low, then pour in the milk and gradually whisk in the shredded cheddar cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese is fully melted into a creamy, rich soup base.

Step 6: Combine Ingredients

Stir the cooked ground beef and macaroni into the soup pot. Simmer for 5-10 minutes until everything is warmed through and combined beautifully.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Once the soup is ready, ladle it into bowls, sprinkle some extra shredded cheddar on top, and maybe a touch of fresh herbs like parsley or chives for added freshness.

And there you have it! A steaming bowl of macaroni cheeseburger soup ready to be devoured.

Why This Soup Is a Crowd-Pleaser?

This family-friendly recipe hits all the right notes. The creamy, cheesy broth pairs perfectly with savory beef, while the tender macaroni adds a satisfying texture. Plus, the addition of vegetables like carrots and onions balances out the flavors and nutrition. It’s an easy, hearty meal that feels like a warm hug on a cold day.

You can even customize the recipe based on your preferences. Want to add some heat? Toss in extra chili powder or diced jalapeños. Looking for more veggies? Stir in peas, corn, or spinach. This truly is one of the best versatile soup recipes out there.

Tips for Perfect Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

Don’t Overcook the Macaroni: Cooking the pasta separately helps maintain its texture. Overcooked pasta can turn mushy in the soup!
Use Freshly Shredded Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often has anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Invest in a block of cheddar for the creamiest results.
Double the Recipe for Leftovers: This soup tastes even better the next day! Save yourself time by cooking extra and refrigerating it in an airtight container.
Freeze for Future Meals: Want a quick meal down the road? Freeze individual portions of the soup (without the macaroni) and reheat later. Simply add cooked pasta after thawing.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your macaroni cheeseburger soup with some crusty bread or a side of garlic toast for a dunking experience. A fresh garden salad also complements this dish beautifully, offering a light contrast to the creamy soup. And if you’re feeling indulgent, top the soup with crispy bacon bits or fried onions for extra pizzazz.

Final Thoughts

This macaroni cheeseburger soup recipe combines the best of comfort food with an easy-to-follow process that will delight your family and friends. Its rich flavors and creamy texture make it an irresistible addition to your dinner menu. Whether you’re a busy parent or someone who loves easy soup recipes, this dish is sure to satisfy.

With every bite of this cheesy, beefy soup, you’ll feel the warmth and joy of home-cooked goodness. Go ahead, give this recipe a try and watch it become a regular in your meal rotation. Happy cooking!