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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- In a large pot, brown ground beef with oregano and thyme, seasoning with salt and pepper. Transfer cooked meat to a separate dish.
- Using the same pot, melt butter and sauté diced onions, carrots, and celery over medium-high heat for approximately 10 minutes until vegetables soften.
- Add minced garlic and remaining herbs, stirring for 1 minute to release aromatic flavors.
- 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.
- Pour in remaining broth and add macaroni, simmering for 5-7 minutes until pasta reaches desired tenderness.
- Remove pot from heat, incorporating cream, cheese, vinegar, and reserved beef. Gently warm the mixture and adjust seasoning to taste.
- 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