Creamy Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup
This Creamy Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup is the ultimate cozy comfort food. Inspired by the classic flavors of a cheeseburger, this hearty soup combines seasoned ground beef, tender macaroni pasta, vegetables, and a rich cheesy broth. It’s warm, satisfying, and perfect for cold nights when you want something filling and family-friendly.
🧾 Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (lean)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 carrot, finely diced
- 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 1 cup elbow macaroni
- 1 cup milk (or half-and-half for extra creaminess)
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional Toppings
- Extra shredded cheddar cheese
- Chopped parsley
- Crumbled cooked bacon
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Beef
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned.
- Drain excess grease if needed.
2. Sauté the Vegetables
- Add diced onion, bell pepper, and carrot to the pot.
- Cook for 4–5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add the Broth & Pasta
- Pour in beef broth and bring to a simmer.
- Add macaroni and cook 8–10 minutes until pasta is tender.
4. Make It Creamy
- Reduce heat to low.
- Stir in milk and shredded cheddar cheese.
- Mix until the cheese melts and the soup becomes creamy.
5. Season & Serve
- Add paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Ladle into bowls and top with optional garnishes.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Serve with toasted garlic bread or crusty bread.
- Pair with a simple green salad for balance.
- Add pickles or crispy bacon bits on top for a fun cheeseburger twist.
📊 Estimated Nutrition (per serving)
- Calories: ~380
- Protein: 26g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Fat: 19g
- Sodium: ~560 mg
✨ Comfort Food Tip: This soup thickens as it sits. If reheating leftovers, simply add a splash of broth or milk to bring back its creamy consistency.