Description
Hearty “one-pot macaroni cheeseburger soup” brings classic American comfort to your dinner table with robust flavors of ground beef and cheesy pasta. Simmering with rich seasonings and creamy texture, this quick meal satisfies hungry families in less than 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
Base and Seasonings:
- 4 cups (32 fluid ounces) beef broth
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Optional Toppings:
- Chopped pickles
- Diced onions
- Ketchup
Instructions
- Heat a large pot over medium-high temperature and brown the ground beef, breaking it into crumbly pieces while cooking.
- Remove excess grease from the meat and return pot to stove.
- Sauté diced onions and minced garlic in the same pot until vegetables become translucent and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Pour beef broth and diced tomatoes into the pot, stirring to combine and create a rich liquid base.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and add uncooked macaroni, allowing pasta to cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente.
- Reduce heat to low and gradually incorporate shredded cheddar cheese, continuously stirring until cheese melts completely and creates a smooth, creamy texture.
- Season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting flavors to personal preference.
- Let the soup rest for 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to meld and sauce to thicken slightly.
- Ladle into serving bowls and garnish with optional toppings like chopped green onions, crispy bacon bits, or additional cheese if desired.
Notes
- Lean meat option: Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version that’s lower in fat and calories.
- Gluten-free adaptation: Swap regular macaroni with gluten-free pasta to make the soup celiac-friendly.
- Veggie boost: Toss in extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or spinach to increase nutritional value and add more texture.
- Cheese flexibility: Experiment with different cheese blends like pepper jack or smoked gouda for unique flavor profiles.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 570 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg