The Best Cheeseburger Mac Soup Recipe You’ll Ever Slurp Up

Comfort food reaches new heights with this hearty cheeseburger mac soup that promises to satisfy your deepest cravings.

Rich, creamy textures blend seamlessly with robust meaty flavors in every spoonful.

Ground beef sizzles alongside tender pasta shells, creating a delightful one-pot meal.

Melted cheese weaves through the soup, adding a luxurious smoothness that makes each bite irresistible.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with this crowd-pleasing recipe.

Warm, filling, and packed with classic cheeseburger flavors, this soup delivers pure culinary comfort.

Prepare to fall in love with a meal that brings the best of burger and mac and cheese into one delicious bowl.

Cheeseburger Mac Soup: The Ultimate Comfort Bowl

• Quickly Customize: Swap ingredients easily to match family preferences or pantry supplies, making this recipe adaptable for any meal.
• Wholesome Comfort: Packed with hearty beef, tender vegetables, and creamy cheese, this soup delivers satisfying nutrition in every spoonful.
• One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup required with everything cooked in a single pot, reducing kitchen mess and saving precious cooking time.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: Combines classic cheeseburger and mac and cheese elements, creating a universally loved dish that appeals to both kids and adults.

Cheeseburger Mac Soup Ingredient Checklist

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful meat that provides the base for the cheeseburger-style soup.

• Onion, Carrots, Celery: A classic mirepoix that adds depth and aromatic sweetness to the soup base.
• Garlic: A pungent ingredient that enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish.

• Oregano, Thyme: Aromatic herbs that bring a savory and earthy dimension to the soup.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and elevate the taste of the ingredients.

• Cream: Adds richness and smooth texture to the soup.
• Cheese: Provides a melty, tangy element that complements the beef and creates a cheeseburger-like experience.

• Broth: Creates the liquid base for the soup and helps cook the pasta.
• Flour: Used to thicken the soup and create a smooth consistency.

• Macaroni: The pasta that gives the soup a comforting, hearty character.
• Hamburger Buns: Transformed into crispy croutons for a crunchy topping.

• Olive Oil: Used to crisp up the croutons.
• Vinegar: Adds a subtle tangy note to balance the rich flavors.
• Green Onions: Provides a fresh, sharp garnish to brighten the dish.

Simple Instructions for Cheeseburger Mac Soup

Step 1: Create Crunchy Croutons

Transform hamburger buns into delightful crispy bites by cutting them into bite-sized cubes.

Spread the cubes on a lined baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil.

Bake in a hot oven at 400°F until they turn golden and extra crunchy, which takes about 10 minutes.

Step 2: Sizzle the Savory Beef

Brown ground beef in a large pot, sprinkling in oregano and thyme.

Season with salt and pepper to enhance the meat’s rich flavor.

Once cooked through, set the beef aside for later.

Step 3: Sauté Veggie Base

• Diced onions
• Chopped carrots
• Sliced celery

Cook the vegetables on medium-high heat for about 10 minutes until they become soft and fragrant.

Step 4: Infuse Aromatic Herbs

Toss in minced garlic and remaining herbs.

Let them dance in the pot for a minute, releasing their incredible aroma.

Step 5: Build the Soup Foundation

Sprinkle flour into the vegetable mixture and stir for a minute.

Pour a splash of broth to deglaze the pot, lifting all those delicious browned bits from the bottom.

Step 6: Cook Pasta to Perfection

Add remaining broth and macaroni to the pot.

Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes until the pasta becomes tender and deliciously soft.

Step 7: Create Creamy Comfort

Remove the pot from heat.

• Heavy cream
• Shredded cheese
• Splash of vinegar
• Cooked beef

Gently heat through and taste to adjust seasoning.

Step 8: Serve with Flair

• Homemade croutons.
• Chopped green onions.
• Extra sprinkle of cheese.

Tips for Rich and Creamy Mac Soup

• Use day-old burger buns for extra crunch and zero waste, ensuring maximum flavor absorption.
• Pat beef dry before cooking to achieve perfect golden-brown crust and deeper flavor development.
• Dice vegetables uniformly for consistent cooking and balanced texture throughout the soup.
• Add cheese off direct heat to prevent separation and maintain smooth, creamy consistency.
• Crush dried herbs between fingers before adding to release more intense aromatic oils and boost overall taste profile.

Mac Soup Variations for Burger Lovers

• Vegetarian Burger Mac Soup: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a protein-packed meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend. Use gluten-free pasta and bread cubes for croutons.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute cream with coconut milk or cashew cream. Use dairy-free cheese alternative or nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor.
• Spicy Southwest Variation: Add diced green chilies, smoked paprika, and jalapeños. Top with cilantro and swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese for extra kick.

Cheeseburger Mac Soup Serving Tips

• Crisp Green Salad: Toss a fresh mixed greens salad with tangy vinaigrette to balance the soup's rich, creamy texture.
• Pickle Plate Delight: Arrange dill pickle spears and quick-pickled vegetables alongside for a zesty, crunchy contrast.
• Comfort Side Combo: Serve with warm garlic bread or buttery dinner rolls to soak up every delicious spoonful of soup.
• Cold Beverage Match: Pour a frosty root beer or craft beer to complement the hearty cheeseburger mac flavors.

The Best Way to Store Mac Soup

• Transfer leftover soup to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Keep soup in a sealed container for 3-4 days, ensuring the lid is tightly closed to prevent absorbing other refrigerator odors.
• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space at the top for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months, but note that cream-based soups may separate slightly when thawed.
• Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight, then warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Stir frequently to restore smooth consistency and prevent scorching.

FAQs

• How do I prevent the pasta from becoming mushy?

Add macaroni towards the end of cooking and simmer just until tender, about 5-7 minutes. Avoid overcooking to maintain the pasta’s texture.

• Can I use different types of ground meat?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken work perfectly as substitutes for beef. Choose lean meat for best results.

• Is this soup freezer-friendly?

The soup freezes well without croutons. Thaw in refrigerator and reheat gently, stirring occasionally to maintain consistency.

• What cheese works best in this recipe?

Sharp cheddar provides the most robust flavor, but you can also use a blend of monterey jack and cheddar for a creamy, tangy result.

Cheeseburger Mac Soup Recipe

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4.9 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty cheeseburger mac soup blends comfort and flavor in one delightful bowl. Creamy pasta, savory beef, and melted cheese create a satisfying meal you’ll crave on chilly evenings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
• 8 ounces (226 grams) sharp cheddar, freshly shredded
• Extra cheddar for garnish

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 2 medium carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 5 garlic cloves, minced
• Green onions for garnish
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme

Liquids, Dairy, and Other Ingredients:

• 8 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 8 ounces (226 grams) elbow macaroni
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon white balsamic vinegar
• 4 sesame seed buns
• Kosher salt and fresh pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare homemade croutons by cubing burger buns into bite-sized pieces, drizzling with oil, and baking at 400°F for 10 minutes until golden and crisp.
2. In a large pot, brown ground beef with oregano and thyme, seasoning with salt and pepper. Transfer cooked meat to a separate dish.
3. Using the same pot, melt butter and sauté diced onions, carrots, and celery over medium-high heat for approximately 10 minutes until vegetables soften.
4. Add minced garlic and remaining herbs, stirring for 1 minute to release aromatic flavors.
5. Sprinkle flour into the vegetable mixture, cooking and stirring for 1 minute to create a roux. Deglaze the pot with a small amount of broth.
6. Pour in remaining broth and add macaroni, simmering for 5-7 minutes until pasta reaches desired tenderness.
7. Remove pot from heat, incorporating cream, cheese, vinegar, and reserved beef. Gently warm the mixture and adjust seasoning to taste.
8. Ladle soup into serving bowls, garnishing with crispy croutons, chopped green onions, and an extra sprinkle of cheese.

Notes

• Customize Croutons Experiment with different bread types like sourdough or whole wheat for unique texture and flavor variations.
• Meat Flexibility Swap ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based alternatives for dietary preferences or healthier options.
• Vegetable Versatility Dice vegetables smaller for faster cooking or add extra veggies like bell peppers or zucchini to boost nutritional value.
• Cheese Creativity Mix different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar, pepper jack, or smoked gouda to create a more complex and interesting flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 570
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 34 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg