Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

  1. Cook the Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a little olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. This should take about 6-8 minutes.
  2. Add the Aromatics: Once the beef is browned, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the onions are soft and translucent.

Step 2: Add the Broth and Seasoning

  1. Season the Beef: Sprinkle in the onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, thyme (if using), and Worcestershire sauce. Stir everything together until the beef is evenly coated with the seasoning.
  2. Add the Broth: Pour in the beef broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

  1. Add the Pasta: Stir in the elbow macaroni (or your preferred small pasta) and let it cook in the broth. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for about 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender. Keep an eye on the soup and stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking.

Step 4: Add the Milk and Cheese

  1. Stir in the Milk: Once the pasta is cooked, pour in the milk and stir to combine. Let the soup come to a gentle simmer for 2-3 minutes to warm the milk through.
  2. Add the Cheese: Gradually stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, allowing it to melt completely into the soup. For extra creaminess, you can also add a small amount of grated mozzarella. Continue stirring until the soup becomes thick and creamy.

Step 5: Add Peas (Optional)

  1. Add the Frozen Peas: If you’re using peas, stir them in now. Let the soup simmer for another 3-4 minutes to heat through. The peas add a nice pop of color and a subtle sweetness that balances the richness of the cheese.

Step 6: Taste and Adjust Seasoning

  1. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or Worcestershire sauce for depth and flavor, according to your taste.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

  1. Serve: Ladle the creamy Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup into bowls. For a bit of garnish, sprinkle some dried parsley on top for color and a hint of freshness.
  2. Pair with: Serve this hearty soup with a side of crusty bread, a simple salad, or even a few extra slices of cheese for an indulgent meal.

Tips for Success

  • Ground Beef Variations: If you prefer, you can use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of the soup. Alternatively, ground sausage can be used for a more flavorful, spiced-up version.
  • Creamier Soup: For an even creamier soup, replace part of the milk with heavy cream or half-and-half. You can also add a little cream cheese when melting in the cheddar cheese for extra richness.
  • Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you like a little heat in your soup.
  • Storage and Reheating: This soup can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk if the soup thickens too much as it cools.

Why You’ll Love This Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

This Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup combines the best of both worlds: the creamy, comforting texture of a cheesy soup and the heartiness of a cheeseburger. It’s a one-pot wonder that’s rich, savory, and satisfying with every spoonful. It’s the kind of dish that warms you up on a cold day while offering flavors everyone loves. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying it as a family meal, this soup is bound to become a favorite in your recipe collection!

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