Description
Savory one-pot macaroni cheeseburger soup blends classic comfort with unexpected flavors. Hearty ground beef, creamy cheese, and tender pasta create a satisfying meal that brings warmth and excitement to your dinner table.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 lb ground beef
Herbs and Spices:
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano, separated
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme, separated
- Kosher salt, as needed
- Freshly cracked pepper, to taste
Vegetables and Base Ingredients:
- 1 cup diced yellow onion
- 1 cup sliced carrots
- 1 cup sliced celery
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
Dairy and Cream:
- 6 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 ounces (226 grams) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Liquid and Thickeners:
- 4 tablespoons flour
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon white balsamic vinegar
Pasta and Garnish:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) uncooked elbow macaroni
- 4 sesame seed buns, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Sliced green onion, for garnish
- Shredded cheddar cheese, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Cube sesame seed buns into 1-inch pieces, spread on parchment-lined baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and toss. Bake for 10 minutes until golden and crispy to create crunchy croutons.
- Heat large pot over medium heat. Cook ground beef with dried oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper until thoroughly browned. Remove beef, leaving flavorful residue in pot.
- Melt butter in same pot. Add onions, carrots, and celery with salt and pepper. Cook over medium-high heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables soften and caramelize slightly.
- Reduce heat to medium. Incorporate minced garlic and remaining herbs. Stir and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Dust vegetables with flour, stirring continuously to coat. Cook for 1 minute to eliminate raw flour taste and create soup’s creamy base.
- Pour chicken broth, scraping pot’s bottom to release browned bits. Add macaroni noodles and bring to simmer over medium-high heat.
- Lower heat, simmer 5-7 minutes until pasta reaches al dente. Stir periodically to prevent sticking.
- Remove from heat. Blend in heavy cream and cheddar cheese until smooth. Mix in white balsamic vinegar and reserved ground beef. Return to medium heat for 2 minutes to warm through. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Serve in bowls, garnishing with sesame bun croutons, sliced green onions, and additional cheese if desired.
Notes
- Customize heat levels by adjusting spices like adding red pepper flakes or cayenne for extra kick.
- Choose lean ground beef or swap with ground turkey for a lighter protein option.
- Make soup gluten-free by using cornstarch instead of flour and selecting gluten-free pasta.
- Create vegetarian version by replacing beef with plant-based crumbles or extra mushrooms for umami flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 565
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 85mg