There’s something incredibly comforting about a hot bowl of soup, especially when it combines the best parts of two classic American meals. Imagine the rich, savory flavor of a juicy cheeseburger married with the creamy, satisfying texture of macaroni and cheese. That’s exactly what you get with this Cheeseburger macaroni soup. It’s a hearty, one-pot wonder that feels like a warm hug, perfect for chilly evenings or any time you’re craving a meal that truly soothes the soul.
You’ll love this recipe because it’s both delicious and straightforward. Tender ground beef, soft vegetables, and macaroni swim in a velvety, cheesy broth that’s impossible to resist. This isn’t just soup; it’s a full meal that comes together without much fuss, making it a perfect weeknight dinner. It’s the kind of comfort food that creates memories.
Ingredients
For the Savory Soup Base
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1 medium carrot, peeled and sliced
- 1-2 stalks celery, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 6 cups chicken or beef broth
For the Creamy, Cheesy Finish
- 1 cup heavy cream or half and half
- 16 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
Seasonings & Pasta
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
How to Make Cheeseburger macaroni soup
-
Brown the Beef and Sauté the Veggies
First, melt the butter in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, seasoned salt, and pepper, breaking up the meat and cooking until browned. Next, toss in the diced onion, carrot, and celery, and cook for 5-7 minutes until softened. Finally, add the minced garlic and cook for one more minute until aromatic.
-
Build the Broth and Cook the Macaroni
Now, sprinkle the flour over the mixture and stir constantly for one minute to cook out the raw flour taste. This creates a roux that will thicken the soup. Gradually pour in the broth, stirring to prevent lumps. Bring the soup to a simmer, then add the uncooked macaroni and cook for 10-12 minutes until tender, stirring occasionally.
-
Make It Creamy and Cheesy
Once the macaroni is cooked, reduce the heat to low. Slowly stir in the heavy cream, followed by the cubed Velveeta cheese. Keep stirring gently until the cheese has completely melted into a smooth, velvety broth. This final touch is what makes it a true Cheeseburger macaroni soup. Serve hot and enjoy!
My Best Cheeseburger macaroni soup Tips
Don’t Skip the Mirepoix
The combination of onion, carrot, and celery is the secret to a deeply flavorful soup base. It adds a subtle sweetness and aromatic depth that truly elevates the final dish.
The Magic of Velveeta
For a truly creamy cheeseburger soup, Velveeta is unmatched. It melts into a perfectly smooth, glossy sauce without the risk of graininess you can get from other cheeses. It’s engineered for melting, which is exactly what you want for that signature texture.
Low and Slow for the Cream and Cheese
My biggest tip is to lower the heat before adding the cream and cheese, as high heat can cause dairy to curdle. Reducing the heat allows the cream and cheese to melt slowly and incorporate gently, ensuring your soup is perfectly smooth.
Variations of Cheeseburger macaroni soup
It’s easy to customize this Cheeseburger macaroni soup. For a spicy kick, add one or two finely diced jalapeños with the vegetables or a pinch of cayenne pepper. If you prefer a tangier flavor, mix in a can of undrained diced tomatoes with the broth to brighten things up. Alternatively, for a smoky, Southwestern twist, stir in a tablespoon of chili powder and a teaspoon of cumin with the other seasonings to create a heartier soup.
For more delicious and comforting meal ideas, check out our other recipe on Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole.
FAQs
How Can I Spice Up Hamburger Helper Cheeseburger Macaroni?
To spice up a box mix, add hot sauce or red pepper flakes. For more flavor, sauté fresh garlic and onions before adding the meat, or stir in a spoonful of Dijon mustard for a nice tang.
Can I Make Hamburger Helper Cheeseburger Macaroni Without Milk?
Yes. If you don’t have milk, substitute an equal amount of unsweetened evaporated milk for a creamy result. You can also use more broth, but the final dish won’t be as rich.
Is It Okay to Add Uncooked Pasta to Soup?
Yes, it’s fine to add uncooked pasta to soup, which makes this a one-pot meal. Just ensure you have enough liquid, as the pasta will absorb broth while it cooks. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Is It Better to Boil Macaroni in Milk or Water?
It’s better to cook macaroni in broth or water. Milk can scorch over direct heat and make the pasta gummy. Cooking the pasta in broth first, then adding cream and cheese over low heat, ensures a perfect texture.
Print
Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup! This one-pot wonder combines the rich, savory flavors of a classic cheeseburger with the creamy goodness of mac and cheese. Tender ground beef, soft vegetables, and elbow macaroni swim in a velvety, cheesy broth that’s simply irresistible. It’s a hearty, satisfying meal that comes together quickly, making it the perfect soulful dinner for any night of the week.
Ingredients
For the Savory Soup Base
1 lb ground beef
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter
1 small yellow onion, diced
1 medium carrot, peeled and sliced
1−2 stalks celery, sliced
4 cloves garlic, minced
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
6 cups chicken or beef broth
For the Creamy, Cheesy Finish
1 cup heavy cream or half and half
16 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
Seasonings & Pasta
1 teaspoon seasoned salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
Instructions
Brown the Beef and Sauté the Veggies
Melt the butter in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, seasoned salt, and pepper. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until it is browned. Add the diced onion, carrot, and celery, and continue to cook for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables have softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for one more minute until fragrant.
Build the Broth and Cook the Macaroni
Sprinkle the flour over the beef and vegetable mixture, stirring constantly for one minute to cook out the raw flour taste and create a roux. Gradually pour in the broth while stirring to ensure no lumps form. Bring the soup to a simmer, then add the uncooked macaroni. Cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Make It Creamy and Cheesy
Reduce the heat to low. Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Add the cubed Velveeta cheese and continue to stir gently until the cheese has completely melted and the soup is smooth and velvety. Serve hot and enjoy immediately.
Notes
Best Cheese for Creaminess: Velveeta is highly recommended for this recipe as it melts into a perfectly smooth and creamy sauce without any graininess. If you must substitute, use a block of American cheese or a combination of cream cheese and shredded cheddar.
Avoid Curdling: Always reduce the heat to low before adding the cream and cheese. High heat can cause dairy to separate or curdle. A gentle, slow melt is key to a perfectly smooth soup.
Storage and Reheating: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pasta will continue to absorb liquid as it sits. When reheating, you may need to add a splash of broth or milk to thin the soup back to its original consistency. Reheat gently on the stovetop.
Thickening: The flour helps thicken the soup, but the pasta will also release starches that contribute to the final consistency. If you prefer an even thicker soup, you can make a small slurry of cornstarch and water and add it at the end.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One-Pot, Simmer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 690
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 1756
- Fat: 45
- Saturated Fat: 24
- Unsaturated Fat: 21
- Carbohydrates: 36
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 28
- Cholesterol: 48
Keywords: cheeseburger soup, macaroni soup, one pot soup, creamy soup, Velveeta soup, ground beef recipe, comfort food, weeknight dinner
