Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

Dive into the heartwarming flavors of Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup, a delightful recipe that fuses the beloved tastes of cheeseburgers and creamy pasta into one satisfying bowl of comfort.

This hearty and delicious soup combines the flavors of a classic cheeseburger with the comfort of a hot, cheesy pasta dish. It’s perfect for those cold, windy, rainy nights or anytime you need a solid pick-me-up. Let’s get started!

Ingredients

Before we jump into the steps, let’s break down the ingredients you’ll need for this delectable soup:

• Elbow Macaroni: The pasta base that gives the soup its delightful texture.
• Ground Beef: Provides the meaty foundation of the dish.
• Onions: Adds sweetness and depth of flavor.
• Beef Broth: Enhances the richness of the soup.
• Cheddar Cheese: Essential for that gooey, cheesy goodness.
• Chopped Celery: Contributes a subtle crunch and flavor.
• Diced Tomatoes (undrained): Adds acidity and balance.
• Heavy Whipping Cream (or milk): For creaminess.
• Thyme and Oregano: Aromatic herbs that elevate the dish.
• Worcestershire Sauce (W Sauce): For umami and depth.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings.
• Chopped Garlic: Adds an aromatic punch.
• Liquid Smoke: Gives the soup a subtle, smoky flavor.
• Butter: For sautéing veggies.

Now that we’re equipped with our ingredients, let’s move on to the preparation.

Preparing the Ground Beef

Seasoning

To start, we’re going to prepare our ground beef. Add it to a Dutch oven and season it with half of our thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. This initial seasoning is crucial as it builds the base flavor for our soup.

Cooking

As the ground beef begins to cook, break it up into crumbles. Continue to cook until it’s browned all the way through. This step ensures that we have a rich, savory foundation for the rest of our soup. Once cooked, drain the beef to remove excess fat and set it aside.

Sautéing the Vegetables

Onion and Celery

Now that our beef is prepared, it’s time to sauté our vegetables. Melt about 2 tablespoons of butter in the Dutch oven. Add in the chopped onions, celery, and the remaining thyme and oregano. Sauté the vegetables for about 3 minutes or until they’re softened. This process helps to release the natural sugars in the vegetables, adding a layer of sweetness to our soup.

Garlic

After the onions and celery have softened, add in the chopped garlic. Cook for an additional minute, allowing the garlic to infuse the dish with its aromatic flavors.

Combining Ingredients

Adding Ground Beef

With our veggies softened and aromatic, it’s time to add the ground beef back into the pot. Mix it in well, ensuring that the beef is evenly distributed.

Beef Broth and Pasta

Pour in the beef broth. The beef broth is a key component as it adds a rich, savory depth to the soup. Bring the mixture to a boil, then add the elbow macaroni. This step is where the pasta absorbs all the delicious flavors as it cooks. Cook the pasta uncovered for about 7-8 minutes, or until tender.

Final Touches

Reducing Heat

Once the pasta is tender, reduce the heat to low. This step prevents overcooking of the pasta and allows us to incorporate the rest of the ingredients seamlessly.

Adding Flavor Enhancers

Now it’s time to add the heavy hitters: Worcestershire sauce, Liquid Smoke, diced tomatoes, heavy whipping cream, and cheddar cheese. These ingredients come together to create the creamy, cheesy, and slightly smoky flavor profile of our soup. Stir the soup until the cheese melts and you achieve a smooth consistency.

Final Seasoning

Taste the soup and add the remaining salt and pepper as needed. It’s always best to adjust seasonings at this stage to ensure that the flavors are balanced.

Plating and Presentation

Once your soup has reached that perfect, creamy consistency, it’s ready to serve. Ladle generous portions into bowls and get ready to enjoy one of the most comforting meals you’ve ever had.

Conclusion: Enjoying the Comfort

Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. The combination of cheesy goodness, tender pasta, and savory beef makes it an instant favorite for any household.

Whether you’re warming up on a cold night or just craving something hearty and comforting, this soup has got you covered. So, get into your kitchen, follow these steps, and prepare to savor every spoonful of this delicious dish.