Description
Hearty macaroni cheeseburger soup blends comfort food classics into one satisfying pot without processed cheese. Rich beef and pasta mingle with creamy broth, delivering a mouthwatering meal you’ll crave on chilly evenings.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Protein:
- 1 pound ground beef (lean or substitute with ground turkey)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or mild)
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen peas or carrots
Base and Seasoning Ingredients:
- 2 cups beef broth (low-sodium preferred)
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (or small pasta shapes)
- 1 cup milk (whole, 2%, or skim)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh herbs (parsley or chives)
Instructions
- Prepare the meat foundation by sizzling ground beef with diced onions in a spacious cooking vessel over moderate heat, breaking down the proteins and caramelizing the aromatics until golden brown, approximately 7-8 minutes.
- Season the meat mixture with salt and black pepper, then carefully eliminate excess rendering fat to ensure a clean, robust flavor profile.
- Introduce diced tomatoes into the meat base, creating a vibrant, tangy undertone that complements the richness of the protein.
- Stream beef broth into the pot, elevating the liquid component and creating a robust cooking environment for the pasta.
- Gently cascade elbow macaroni into the simmering liquid, allowing the pasta to absorb the savory essence while cooking until perfectly tender, stirring periodically to prevent adhesion.
- Transition the heat to a gentle setting and incorporate milk, creating a silky foundation for the cheese integration.
- Gradually fold shredded cheddar into the soup, whisking methodically to ensure complete dissolution and a luxuriously smooth consistency.
- Perform a final seasoning assessment, adjusting salt and pepper to harmonize the soup’s flavor dimensions.
- Transfer the steaming cheeseburger soup into serving vessels, optionally garnishing with fresh herb sprinkles for an elegant presentation.
- Accompany the soup with crusty artisan bread or a crisp green salad to complete the dining experience.
Notes
- Choose lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10) to minimize excess grease and create a cleaner, more flavorful soup base.
- Grate cheese fresh from a block for smoother melting and richer flavor compared to pre-shredded options with anti-caking agents.
- Swap cow’s milk with unsweetened almond or oat milk and use dairy-free cheese alternatives for a lactose-intolerant friendly version.
- Replace regular elbow macaroni with gluten-free pasta or cauliflower rice to make the recipe celiac and low-carb friendly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg