Welcome to a world where your favorite comfort foods collide in culinary harmony! Cheeseburger macaroni soup is the dish you never knew you were craving. Imagine the savory richness of a cheeseburger married to the creamy comfort of macaroni, all enveloped in a delightful soup. Whether you’re whipping it up for a cozy evening meal or impressing your dinner guests with a novel twist on classic flavors, this soup is sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Equipments
- Large soup pot
- Wooden spoon
- Ladle
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Grater
How to Make Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup – Step By Step
Step 1: Brown the Beef
In a large soup pot, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. This should take about 5 minutes. Stir in the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant. Drain any excess fat, ensuring your soup doesn’t become greasy.
Step 2: Add Flavor
Stir in the tomato paste, smoked paprika, and mustard powder, letting them cook with the beef mixture for about 2 minutes. This step intensifies the flavors, giving your soup a rich, complex flavor base reminiscent of a well-grilled cheeseburger.
Step 3: Simmer the Broth
Pour in the beef broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom. Bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing the flavors to meld for about 10 minutes. This step is crucial as it forms the soup’s foundation.
Step 4: Cook the Macaroni
Add milk and elbow macaroni to the pot. Stir to combine, and return to a gentle simmer. Cook until the macaroni is al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
Step 5: Melt the Cheese
Lower the heat and gradually sprinkle in the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring constantly until the cheese melts completely into the soup. Ensure the soup is not boiling during this step to prevent cheese from curdling. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. This not only adds a pop of color but also a fresh, subtle flavor that enhances the overall dish. Serve immediately and enjoy every spoonful of this hearty delight!
How to Serve Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup
Serve your cheeseburger macaroni soup in cozy bowls, accompanied by a slice of crusty bread for the ultimate comfort meal. Pair it with a fresh green salad for a balanced meal, or serve it alongside some crunchy pickles for a traditional touch. This soup can easily stand alone as a filling main dish.
Recipe Success Tips & Suggestions
For an extra depth of flavor, try using a dash of Worcestershire sauce or hot sauce. You can also experiment with different types of cheese such as pepper jack for a spicy kick or gouda for a more robust flavor. Making this soup vegetarian? Substitute the beef and broth with plant-based options. The soup’s hearty nature accommodates tweaks effortlessly!
High Protein Powerhouse: Boost the Protein
Turn this delicious dish into a protein-rich powerhouse by integrating leaner meats such as ground turkey or chicken. To further elevate the protein count, consider adding black beans or lentils. These additions will not only contribute to the protein content but provide a delightful texture contrast.
Cheeseburger macaroni soup can also be easily tailored to a high-protein post-workout meal. Swap regular pasta for a protein-enriched version and use Greek yogurt instead of milk for a creamy finish. This version offers wholesome nourishment, fueling your body while satisfying hunger.
Carb-Conscious Delight: Low-Carb Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup
Craving the delightful flavors of this recipe without the carbs? No problem! Use cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles rather than traditional pasta. These substitutes are excellent low-carb options that absorb the soup flavors beautifully while maintaining the hearty essence of the dish.
For an added boost, consider thickening the soup with cream cheese instead of flour. The result is a mouth-watering dish that delights the taste buds without guilt—a wonderful choice for those mindful of their carb intake!
Storage Instructions
Pour any leftovers into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to four days. This soup can also be frozen for up to three months. When ready to enjoy the frozen soup, defrost it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it gently on the stovetop, stirring often to maintain its creamy texture.
FAQs
- Can I freeze cheeseburger macaroni soup? Yes, you can freeze it for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
- Can I make this soup vegetarian? Absolutely! Swap out the beef for a plant-based alternative and use vegetable broth.
- How can I thicken my soup? A small amount of cornstarch dissolved in water or more cheese can help thicken the soup.
- What pasta can be used as a substitute? Any small pasta like fusilli, penne, or orzo works well as an alternative.
- How do I prevent the cheese from curdling? Make sure to lower the heat before adding cheese and stir it in gradually.
- Can I add vegetables to the soup? Yes, add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrients.
Embark on Your Culinary Adventure
This cheeseburger macaroni soup not only offers a comforting embrace of flavors but invites you to get creative in the kitchen. Whether serving it as a main dish, tweaking it as a nourishing post-gym meal, or freezing it for another comforting dinner, the opportunities are endless. Feel free to share your variations and thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to share this recipe with fellow food enthusiasts who’d appreciate a delicious bowl of warmth!
Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- ground beef
- small onion
- garlic
- tomato paste
- smoked paprika
- mustard powder
- beef broth
- milk
- elbow macaroni
- shredded cheddar cheese
- salt and pepper
- chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
Steps
- Heat the pot over medium heat and brown the beef with onion and garlic, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the tomato paste, smoked paprika, and mustard powder, cooking for 2 minutes.
- Add beef broth, bring to a simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add milk and elbow macaroni, cooking until pasta is al dente.
- Slowly incorporate cheese until melted, then season with salt and pepper.
- Serve hot with a garnish of parsley.