Hearty Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup

Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup is the quintessential comfort food, a heartwarming dish that brings joy to any dinner table. Imagine tender elbow pasta, richly seasoned ground beef, and a luxuriously creamy, cheesy broth all mingling together in one satisfying bowl. This recipe isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience, offering a nostalgic taste reminiscent of your favorite drive-thru burger, transformed into a cozy, spoon-worthy soup. Perfect for chilly evenings or simply when you crave something truly comforting, this homemade Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup is destined to become a cherished staple in your family’s rotation, offering warmth and flavor in every single bite.

Author’s Notes: Crafting Cozy Comfort in Every Bowl

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Cheesy, Beefy, & Totally Perfect: My Love Affair with Comfort Soup

There’s something undeniably magical about comfort food, especially as the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp. For me, many of these cherished memories trace back to childhood favorites, like my mom’s beloved Hamburger Helper or a hearty, satisfying bowl of Chili Mac. These dishes weren’t just meals; they were warm hugs, simple joys, and the perfect antidote to a long, busy day. The inherent beauty of a one-pot meal, packed with savory flavors and tender pasta, truly embodies that spirit of ease and deliciousness.

My inspiration for this Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup came from a desire to capture that beloved ‘cheeseburger’ essence in a warm, soothing bowl, much like how I transformed my popular Sausage Potato Soup into a new family favorite. I wanted to create a soup that was both nostalgic and elevated, marrying the familiar, savory flavors of a classic cheeseburger with the comforting texture of a rich, creamy soup. And what better pasta to achieve peak comfort than classic elbow macaroni? Their small, ridged shape is absolutely perfect for holding onto that luscious cheesy broth, ensuring every spoonful is packed with flavor.

This Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup truly hits every single note you could wish for. It boasts an incredibly rich, creamy texture with a beautifully balanced cheese flavor that’s neither too subtle nor overpowering. Each spoonful is loaded with perfectly cooked elbow pasta, savory ground beef, and tender, aromatic vegetables, creating a delightful symphony of textures and tastes. It’s the kind of dish that makes you close your eyes and savor every single bite – pure culinary bliss. For an even more indulgent experience, I highly recommend serving it alongside some crusty, cheesy bread – it’s absolutely perfect for dipping and ensuring you don’t miss a single drop of that incredible, flavorful broth!

Why This Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup Recipe Will Become Your New Go-To

This isn’t just another soup recipe; it’s a culinary journey designed for maximum flavor, ultimate comfort, and minimal fuss in the kitchen. Here’s why you and your family will absolutely adore it:

• Unbeatable Cheeseburger Flavor: This soup perfectly captures the savory, cheesy, and tangy goodness of a classic cheeseburger, all magically transformed into a warm, inviting liquid form. The combination of seasoned beef, creamy broth, and rich cheddar is truly irresistible.
• Hearty & Satisfying: Packed with protein from the ground beef and comforting carbohydrates from the pasta, this soup is a substantial meal that will leave everyone feeling warm, full, and utterly content, making it ideal for a chilly evening or a post-activity dinner.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: This is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, even for the pickiest of eaters. Who can resist the winning combination of pasta, beef, and cheese, especially when served in a cozy bowl? It’s a sure bet for happy faces around the dinner table.
• Clever One-Pot Potential (Mostly!): While the recipe traditionally uses two pots for optimal results (one for the main soup, one for the cream base), many home cooks will find clever ways to streamline the process, potentially reducing cleanup. Even with two pots, the active cooking time is surprisingly short.
• Customizable Comfort: This recipe is incredibly versatile! From adding a spicy kick to incorporating more vegetables or even a crispy tater tot topping, there are endless ways to customize this soup to suit your family’s preferences. (See our variations section below for ideas!)
• Perfect for Weeknights: With clear, straightforward steps and readily available ingredients, this hearty soup comes together quicker than you might expect, making it an ideal candidate for busy weeknight dinners when you need something delicious and fuss-free.

Key Ingredients for the Perfect Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup

Crafting an outstanding Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup starts with selecting the right, high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in building the layers of savory, creamy, and cheesy flavor that make this soup so incredibly satisfying. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need and why each choice matters for optimal taste and texture:

Crafting Your Creamy Dream: How to Make Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup

Making this hearty Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup is a straightforward and rewarding process, broken down into easy, manageable steps. By following these instructions closely, you’ll achieve a rich, flavorful, and perfectly creamy result that will impress everyone at your table:

1. Brown the Beef to Perfection: Begin by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over high heat. Add your lean ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Season generously with ½ teaspoon each of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cook until the beef is thoroughly browned and crumbled, ensuring no pink remains. This deep browning is absolutely crucial for developing rich, savory, umami flavors that form the backbone of the “cheeseburger” taste. Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to transfer the beef to a separate bowl, leaving behind any rendered fat in the pot. This flavorful fat will be used to sauté the vegetables.
2. Sauté Your Flavorful Mirepoix & Aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium-high. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter to the same pot. Once the butter is melted and shimmering, add your finely diced mirepoix (onion, carrot, and celery). Season with an additional ¾ teaspoon each of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Sauté the vegetables for 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are tender, slightly translucent, and have released their sweet and savory aromas. Stir in the minced garlic, dried parsley flakes, dried basil, and the optional (but recommended!) ground mustard, and cook for another minute until incredibly fragrant. This aromatic base is essential for a truly delicious and complex soup.
3. Add Broth & Cook Pasta to Al Dente: Pour the chicken broth into the pot with the sautéed vegetables. Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a rolling, vigorous boil. Once boiling, add the elbow macaroni. Cook the pasta for approximately 2 minutes less than the package directions suggest. This deliberate undercooking is vital, as the pasta will continue to cook and absorb liquid in the hot soup once combined, preventing it from becoming overdone or mushy later. Stir frequently to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
4. Prepare Your Velvety Cream Base (Roux & Dairy): While the pasta is cooking in the main pot, in a separate medium-sized pot, melt the remaining 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter is fully melted and foamy, add the all-purpose flour and whisk constantly for 1 minute to cook out any raw flour taste, creating a smooth roux. Slowly begin to whisk in the whole milk, a little at a time, ensuring you whisk vigorously to prevent any lumps from forming. Continue to cook, stirring often, until the mixture thickens beautifully and smoothly coats the back of a spoon (see Recipe Note 3 for a helpful visual guide on thickness). Reduce the heat to low, then whisk in the heavy cream and sour cream until the base is completely smooth, luscious, and uniform. This rich, creamy base is what makes the soup so indulgent and irresistible.
5. Combine, Thicken, & Finish with Cheese: Carefully pour the prepared creamy dairy mixture and the cooked ground beef back into the large pot with the pasta and vegetables. Stir everything together gently to combine all the components thoroughly. Increase the heat slightly to medium-low and continue to stir and cook until the soup reaches a slight thickness to your preference. *Crucially*, reduce the heat to very low (or even remove the pot from the heat for a moment) before adding the cheese. Add the freshly shredded sharp Cheddar cheese a handful at a time, stirring continuously after each addition until it is fully melted and smoothly incorporated into the soup. This gradual addition and lower heat are key to preventing the cheese from clumping, becoming stringy, or developing a grainy texture. Taste the soup and adjust seasonings with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper if needed.

   Troubleshooting Tip: If your Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup turns out too thin for your liking, gently increase the heat slightly and simmer for a few extra minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to your desired consistency. If, conversely, it becomes too thick, simply stir in a splash of extra chicken broth or milk to loosen it up to perfect spoonable perfection.

6. Ladle & Enjoy Your Comforting Creation: Ladle generous, steaming portions of your warm and incredibly inviting Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup into bowls. Serve immediately, perhaps with some crusty buttered bread or garlic bread for dipping, or any of the delightful suggested accompaniments listed below. Get ready to savor this incredibly delicious, hearty, and deeply comforting meal that is sure to become a new family favorite!

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Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup Recipe

By
Chelsea Lords

This irresistible Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup is the ultimate comfort in a bowl. Enjoy a rich, deeply savory, and cheesy broth, generously packed with tender pasta and perfectly seasoned ground beef, creating a delightful and incredibly satisfying meal perfect for any day of the week.

Prep Time:

40 minutes

Cook Time:

30 minutes

Total Time:

1 hour 10 minutes

Yields:

6 servings

Recipe Video Guide

Essential Equipment You’ll Need

• Large Pot or Dutch Oven (5-6 quart)
• Medium Pot (2-3 quart)
• Sturdy Whisk
• Slotted Spoon or Spider Skimmer

Ingredients for Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup

These are the exact quantities needed for approximately 6 generous servings. Feel free to adjust ingredient amounts proportionally if you plan to scale the recipe up or down.

• 2 tablespoons olive oil divided
• 1 pound lean ground beef (93/7 fat ratio recommended, or use ground Italian sausage for a different flavor profile)
• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter divided
• 2-1/4 cups mirepoix (equal parts finely diced onion, carrot, & celery – see Note 1 below)
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1-1/4 cup elbow macaroni
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
• 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard (optional, but highly recommended for authentic cheeseburger flavor)
• 6 cups chicken broth (or stock, ideally low-sodium)
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk (bring to room temperature before use)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (bring to room temperature before use)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 2 cups freshly shredded sharp Cheddar cheese (see Note 2 for best melting results)
• 1/3 cup sour cream (bring to room temperature before use)
• Crusty buttered bread or garlic bread (optional, for serving and delightful dipping)

Step-by-Step Instructions for Homemade Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup

• 1. Brown the Ground Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over high heat. Add the lean ground beef, breaking it apart with a sturdy spoon as it cooks. Season generously with ½ teaspoon each of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cook until the beef is thoroughly browned and crumbled into small pieces, ensuring no pink remains. This deep browning is absolutely crucial for developing rich, savory, umami flavors that form the delicious backbone of the “cheeseburger” taste. Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to transfer the browned beef to a separate bowl, leaving behind any rendered fat in the pot. This flavorful fat will be used to sauté the vegetables.
• 2. Sauté the Mirepoix and Aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium-high. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter to the same pot with the beef drippings. Once the butter is melted and shimmering, add your finely diced mirepoix (onion, carrot, and celery). Season with an additional ¾ teaspoon each of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Sauté the vegetables for 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are tender, slightly translucent, and have released their sweet and savory aromas. Stir in the minced garlic, dried parsley flakes, dried basil, and the optional (but highly recommended!) ground mustard, and cook for another minute until incredibly fragrant. This aromatic base is essential for a truly delicious and complex soup.
• 3. Cook Pasta in Broth to Al Dente: Pour the chicken broth into the pot with the sautéed vegetables. Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a rapid, rolling boil. Once boiling, add the elbow macaroni. Cook the pasta for approximately 2 minutes less than the package directions indicate for al dente. This deliberate undercooking is vital, as the pasta will continue to cook and absorb liquid once added to the hot soup, preventing it from becoming overdone or mushy later. Stir frequently to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
• 4. Prepare the Velvety Cream Base: While the pasta is cooking in the main pot, in a separate medium-sized pot, melt the remaining 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter is fully melted and foamy, add the all-purpose flour and whisk constantly for 1 minute to create a smooth roux, ensuring any raw flour taste is cooked out. Gradually, slowly whisk in the room-temperature whole milk, a little at a time, ensuring you whisk vigorously to prevent any lumps from forming. Continue to cook, stirring often, until the mixture thickens beautifully and smoothly coats the back of a wooden spoon (refer to Note 3 for a helpful visual guide on thickness). Reduce the heat to low, then whisk in the room-temperature heavy cream and sour cream until the base is completely smooth, luscious, and uniform. This rich, creamy base is what makes the soup so indulgent and irresistible.
• 5. Combine, Thicken, & Finish with Cheese: Carefully pour the prepared creamy dairy mixture and the cooked ground beef back into the large pot with the pasta and vegetables. Stir everything together gently to combine all the components thoroughly. Gently increase the heat to low and continue to stir until the soup reaches a slight thickness to your preference. *Crucially*, turn off the heat or reduce it to its absolute lowest setting before adding the cheese. Add the freshly shredded sharp Cheddar cheese a handful at a time, stirring continuously after each addition until it is fully melted and smoothly incorporated into the soup. This gradual addition and lower heat are key to preventing the cheese from clumping, becoming stringy, or developing a grainy texture. Taste the soup and adjust seasonings with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper if needed. Serve immediately.

  Troubleshooting: If your Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup turns out too thin for your liking, gently increase the heat slightly and simmer gently, stirring, until it thickens to your desired consistency. If, conversely, it becomes too thick, simply stir in a little extra chicken broth or milk to loosen it up to perfect spoonable perfection.

• 6. Serve Warm and Enjoy: Ladle generous, steaming portions of your warm and incredibly inviting Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup into bowls. For an extra touch of indulgence and to mop up every drop of that delicious broth, serve warm with crusty buttered bread or garlic bread, or any of the delightful suggested accompaniments listed below. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley if desired. Get ready to savor this incredibly delicious, hearty, and deeply comforting meal that is sure to become a new family favorite!

Important Recipe Notes for Success

Note 1 (Mirepoix): Mirepoix is a classic French culinary term for a flavor base consisting of aromatic vegetables. You can easily make your own by dicing equal parts (approximately ¾ cup each) of onion, carrot, and celery. For convenience, many grocery stores offer pre-chopped mirepoix mixes in both the fresh produce section or the frozen vegetable aisle, which can be a fantastic time-saver on busy days.

Note 2 (Cheese Quality): For the absolute best flavor and a wonderfully smooth, creamy melt in your soup, always use freshly shredded sharp or extra-sharp Cheddar cheese directly from a block. Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents like cellulose or potato starch that can interfere with the melting process, leading to a grainy or clumpy texture in soups and sauces. A good quality, freshly shredded cheese makes all the difference in achieving that luxurious finish!

Note 3 (Checking Sauce Thickness): To accurately determine if your cream base (the roux combined with dairy) has thickened enough, dip the back of a wooden spoon into the sauce. Then, run your finger across the coated spoon to draw a line. If the line you draw holds clearly without the sauce running back together, your sauce has reached the proper consistency and is ready! This is a classic culinary test for a perfectly thickened sauce.

Storage & Reheating: As mentioned above in our detailed storage tips, pasta will continue to absorb liquid and expand when stored directly in soup. For optimal texture and to prevent mushy pasta, use a wire skimmer or slotted spoon to remove the cooked pasta and store it in a separate airtight container from the cheesy soup base. Keep both components refrigerated for up to 3–4 days. When reheating, gently warm the soup base over low heat on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or milk if it has thickened too much. Stir in the reserved pasta just before serving to ensure it is perfectly heated through without becoming overcooked.

Nutrition Information (Approximate Per Serving)

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 694kcal | Carbohydrates: 34g | Protein: 37g | Fat: 45g | Saturated Fat: 24g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 15g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 157mg | Sodium: 1076mg | Potassium: 690mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 4015IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 431mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutrition information provided is automatically calculated and should be considered an approximation. Actual values may vary significantly based on specific brands used, precise preparation methods, and any ingredient variations or substitutions.

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What to Serve with Your Hearty Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup

While Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup is a wonderfully complete and satisfying meal on its own, pairing it with the right side dishes can truly elevate the experience and add delightful contrasts in flavor and texture. Here are some fantastic serving suggestions to round out your meal:

• Crusty Buttered Bread or Garlic Bread: This is almost a non-negotiable accompaniment! A warm, crusty loaf, especially one slathered generously with butter and aromatic garlic, is absolutely perfect for soaking up every last drop of that creamy, cheesy broth. It adds a satisfying crunch and an extra layer of richness to each bite. Consider making a homemade no-knead bread for an even more impressive touch.
• Simple Garden Salad: To beautifully balance the richness of the soup, a fresh, crisp garden salad with a light, tangy vinaigrette is an excellent choice. The cool, refreshing greens provide a welcome textural contrast and a burst of vibrant freshness that cuts through the creamy soup wonderfully.
• Homemade Dinner Rolls: Soft, fluffy, and warm dinner rolls are another classic and beloved accompaniment. Their pillowy texture is perfect for dipping into the soup, adding another layer of comforting carbohydrates and a delightful chewiness.
• Roasted Vegetables: For a delicious nutrient boost and earthy flavor, consider serving your soup alongside a medley of roasted vegetables. Perfectly roasted broccoli florets, naturally sweet and tender carrots, or vibrant green beans are all fantastic options. Roasting brings out their natural sweetness and gives them a pleasant, slightly crisp-tender texture.
• Pickles or a Dill Cucumber Salad: To truly lean into the authentic “cheeseburger” theme, consider offering some crunchy dill pickle slices or finely diced pickles on the side. A refreshing creamy cucumber salad with fresh dill also provides a delightful tangy, cool, and refreshing counterpoint to the rich soup, cleverly mimicking the fresh, acidic toppings found on a classic burger.
• Crispy Onion Rings or French Fries: For a truly indulgent and fun diner-inspired experience, a side of crispy homemade onion rings or perfectly seasoned french fries would be a unique, albeit less conventional, pairing that perfectly complements the cheeseburger concept.

Expert Tips for the Best Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup Every Time

Achieving a restaurant-quality Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup at home is easier than you might think, especially when armed with these insider tips and tricks to guide you. Pay close attention to these details, and your homemade soup will be a resounding, delicious success that you’ll want to make again and again:

1. Always Grate Your Own Cheese: This is perhaps the most crucial tip for any cheese-based sauce or soup. Pre-shredded cheeses are often coated with cellulose or starches to prevent clumping in the bag. While convenient, these anti-caking agents can significantly interfere with the cheese’s ability to melt smoothly, often leading to a grainy, clumpy, or less creamy texture in your soup. Take the extra few minutes to shred your cheese fresh from the block for a beautifully smooth, wonderfully creamy, and utterly irresistible melt.
2. Use Room Temperature Dairy: Adding cold milk, heavy cream, or sour cream directly into a hot roux or simmering soup can sometimes cause a sauce to seize up, become lumpy, or even curdle. For the smoothest possible cream base and final soup, allow your milk, heavy cream, and sour cream to sit out at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before you begin cooking. This small but impactful step helps them incorporate more seamlessly and smoothly into the hot roux and broth.
3. Add Cheese Slowly and Off-Heat: To prevent your cheese from becoming stringy, oily, or grainy – a common pitfall in cheese sauces – always add it gradually and when the soup is no longer at a rolling boil. Reduce the heat to very low, or even remove the pot from the burner entirely, before stirring in small handfuls of freshly shredded cheese. Stir continuously until each addition is fully melted and smoothly incorporated before adding more. This gentle, patient approach ensures a perfectly smooth, velvety, and homogenous cheese sauce throughout your soup.
4. Taste and Adjust Seasoning Last: Cheese, especially sharp cheddar, naturally contributes a significant amount of salt to any dish. It’s important to season your beef and vegetables as they cook to build layers of flavor, but hold off on adding a large amount of extra salt to the final soup until all the cheese and dairy components are fully incorporated. Once the soup is complete, taste it and then adjust with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed to achieve perfect balance and optimal flavor.
5. Don’t Overcook the Pasta: As emphasized in the instructions, always cook the pasta for approximately 2 minutes less than the package directs. Pasta continues to absorb liquid and cook even after it’s removed from direct heat, particularly when sitting in a hot soup. Al dente pasta will maintain its pleasant chewiness and texture, while overcooked pasta will quickly become soft, mushy, and less enjoyable.
6. Brown Your Beef Thoroughly: Don’t just cook the pink out of your ground beef; let it get a nice, deep brown crust on the outside. This caramelization (the Maillard reaction) develops incredible umami flavors that are absolutely essential for that authentic, savory “cheeseburger” taste in your soup. A well-browned beef base adds profound depth to the entire dish.
7. Don’t Skip the Mirepoix: These humble but mighty vegetables – onion, carrot, and celery – form the aromatic backbone of the soup. Sautéing them properly until they are tender and fragrant builds a crucial layer of depth, sweetness, and savory complexity that elevates the entire flavor profile. They are the unsung heroes of many great soups!
8. Consider High-Quality Broth: If you have access to homemade chicken broth or a high-quality, flavorful store-bought option (preferably low-sodium), it will significantly enhance the overall richness and depth of flavor of your soup compared to cheaper, less flavorful varieties. The broth is a major component, so choose wisely!