Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup
A cozy and cheesy soup that combines the flavors of a classic cheeseburger with creamy macaroni, making it a perfect family-friendly meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 recommended)
- 1.5 cups elbow macaroni (about 170g)
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced (about 150g)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
- 14.5 oz canned diced tomatoes (fire-roasted preferred)
- 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (about 200g) Preferably shredded from a block for smooth melting.
- 1 cup whole milk Can substitute for lower fat options or yogurt.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- to taste Salt and freshly cracked black pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it up with a spoon. Cook until it’s mostly browned but still just slightly pink, about 5 minutes. If there’s excess grease, drain it, leaving a thin layer.
- Push the beef to one side of the pot. Drop in the butter and diced onion on the empty side. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly.
Cooking the Soup
- Stir in the Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard. Pour in the beef broth and canned diced tomatoes with their juice. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits, and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add the elbow macaroni to the simmering soup. Stir to prevent clumping. Cook uncovered for about 8–10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.
- Lower the heat to medium-low and slowly stir in the milk, then gradually add the shredded cheddar, stirring gently until it melts completely.
- Taste and season with salt and pepper. Optional: stir in chopped pickles right before serving for added tang.
Serving
- Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot, optionally garnished with more cheese.
Notes
For meal prep, undercook the pasta slightly and allow it to finish cooking upon reheating. This soup pairs well with a simple green salad or garlic bread.