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One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup!

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 3 cups milk
  • 2 cups uncooked macaroni pasta
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained (optional for added texture and flavor)
  • 1/4 cup sour cream (optional, for creaminess)
  • Chopped green onions or parsley for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Cook the Ground Beef:
    In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  2. Add Aromatics and Seasonings:
    Add the diced onion and garlic to the pot with the beef, cooking until softened (about 3-4 minutes). Stir in salt, black pepper, paprika, and Worcestershire sauce.
  3. Add Liquids and Pasta:
    Pour in the beef broth and milk, and bring to a simmer. Stir in the macaroni pasta, cover the pot, and let it cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  4. Add Cheese:
    Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, mixing until melted and the soup is creamy. Add the diced tomatoes for extra flavor, if desired.
  5. Optional Final Touch:
    Stir in sour cream just before serving for added creaminess.
  6. Garnish and Serve:
    Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions or parsley for color.

Tips:

  • Cheese Choices: Sharp cheddar or a blend with Monterey Jack works well for extra cheesiness.
  • Adjust Thickness: If the soup seems too thick, add more milk or beef broth to thin it to your desired consistency.

Enjoy your warm, comforting bowl of cheeseburger-inspired soup!

Here are some tips to make One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup even more delightful:

1. Use SharpCheddar for More Flavor

Opt for a sharp or extra-sharp cheddar to enhance the cheesy taste. Mild cheddar will work, but sharper cheese adds a richer depth.

2. Add a Touch of Cream Cheese

For an extra creamy texture, stir in a couple of ounces of cream cheese near the end of cooking. It adds a slight tang and creaminess that elevates the soup.

3. Incorporate Crispy Bacon

Cook a few slices of bacon until crispy, chop them, and sprinkle over each bowl when serving. This adds a savory, smoky crunch that complements the cheeseburger flavors.

4. Top with Pickle Slices

If you love pickles on a burger, garnish each bowl with a couple of thinly sliced pickles or chopped dill pickles. It gives a classic cheeseburger taste with a little zing!

5. Add a Dash of Hot Sauce or Dijon Mustard

Just a dash of hot sauce or a teaspoon of Dijon mustard adds a subtle kick and enhances the “burger” flavor without overwhelming the soup.

6. Toast the Noodles First

For a unique texture and nutty flavor, lightly toast the uncooked macaroni in the pot before adding any liquid. Stir constantly for a few minutes until they start to turn golden, then proceed with the recipe.

7. Serve with Burger Toppings

Offer toppings like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, or a drizzle of ketchup or mustard on the side, so each person can build their own “burger” bowl.

8. Let the Soup Rest Before Serving

After cooking, let the soup sit for 5–10 minutes to thicken up and let flavors meld. It will be creamier and more flavorful.

9. Use Ground Turkey for a Lighter Option

Ground turkey or chicken works well if you want a lighter version. You can even add a splash of extra Worcestershire sauce for a bit more flavor if using leaner meat.

10. Garnish with Fresh Herbs

A sprinkle of chives or parsley on top brightens the dish and adds a fresh element that balances the richness.

These tips should help you customize and elevate your One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup to perfection!

Here’s an extensive list of tips to make your One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup absolutely perfect. Try as many as you like to elevate the flavor, texture, and experience!

Prep & Ingredient Tips

  1. Use fresh, high-quality ground beef – This adds a richer, cleaner flavor and better texture.
  2. Cook ground beef thoroughly – Make sure to brown it completely for a deeper, more savory base.
  3. Try a mix of cheeses – Sharp cheddar is great, but adding a small amount of Monterey Jack, Gouda, or American cheese creates a creamier, more complex flavor.
  4. Sauté onions separately – Browning the onions before adding them to the soup adds sweetness and complexity.
  5. Include a bit of tomato paste – A tablespoon or two gives the soup a subtle tang and depth of flavor that complements the cheese.
  6. Add bacon – Cook and crumble a few strips of bacon for an extra savory, smoky flavor.
  7. Opt for low-sodium beef broth – This gives you better control over the saltiness and ensures the soup isn’t too salty.
  8. Add garlic powder along with fresh garlic – This combination brings out a deeper garlic flavor in the soup.
  9. Boost umami with Worcestershire sauce – You can add a little extra Worcestershire sauce or even a splash of soy sauce.
  10. Sprinkle in a dash of mustard powder – This can enhance the cheesiness, giving the soup a slight “cheeseburger” flavor.

Cooking Technique Tips

  1. Sear the beef – Cooking the beef until it’s slightly browned boosts the flavor foundation.
  2. Use a heavy-bottomed pot – This prevents the soup from scorching and distributes heat evenly.
  3. Add the milk gradually – Slowly adding milk helps keep the soup from curdling.
  4. Don’t overboil after adding cheese – High heat can make cheese grainy, so keep it at a gentle simmer.
  5. Add pasta toward the end – This prevents it from getting too soft or mushy.
  6. Cook pasta al dente – If you like a firmer bite, undercook the pasta slightly as it will continue to soften in the soup.
  7. Stir frequently – This helps prevent ingredients from sticking to the bottom of the pot, especially after adding cheese.
  8. Use full-fat dairy – Full-fat milk or even a splash of cream can create a richer, creamier soup.
  9. Simmer, don’t boil – Boiling milk can cause it to curdle; simmer for a smoother texture.
  10. Season in stages – Taste and adjust salt and pepper throughout to ensure a balanced flavor.

Flavor Enhancements

  1. Top with pickles – Add diced pickles as a garnish to mimic the cheeseburger experience.
  2. Sprinkle on crispy onions – These add texture and a bit of sweetness, enhancing the soup.
  3. Drizzle ketchup and mustard on top – It sounds unusual, but a small drizzle mimics the cheeseburger flavor!
  4. Try smoked paprika – It adds a smoky element that pairs well with the cheesy and beefy flavors.
  5. Add a touch of hot sauce – A dash or two of hot sauce brightens the flavor and adds a slight kick.
  6. Add diced tomatoes – Stirring in some diced tomatoes gives the soup a subtle sweetness.
  7. Use dill or pickle juice – A small amount of fresh dill or a splash of pickle juice can enhance the “burger” flavor.
  8. Add herbs – Fresh parsley or chives sprinkled on top add a nice burst of color and fresh taste.
  9. Serve with croutons or garlic bread – A bit of crunch goes a long way to balance the creaminess.
  10. Use beer instead of some of the broth – A pale ale or lager adds a subtle depth that’s amazing in cheeseburger-flavored soups.

Texture Tips

  1. Add shredded potatoes – This can add heartiness and a slightly different texture.
  2. Use Velveeta for ultra creaminess – Combining Velveeta with other cheeses makes the soup smoother.
  3. Add a cornstarch slurry – If you prefer an ultra-thick texture, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with water and stir in.
  4. Puree part of the soup – For a thicker texture, puree a small portion of the soup before adding the cheese and pasta.
  5. Top with tortilla strips or potato chips – They add a bit of crunch that complements the creamy soup.

Serving & Storage Tips

  1. Serve with buns or pretzel rolls – To mimic the full “burger” experience, serve the soup with toasted buns or pretzel rolls.
  2. Make it a dip – Serve the soup thicker with tortilla chips for a fun appetizer or game-day dish.
  3. Store pasta separately – If you’re making this soup in advance, store the pasta separately and add it just before serving to keep it from getting soggy.
  4. Reheat slowly – When reheating, keep the temperature low to avoid curdling the cheese.
  5. Garnish just before serving – Add any fresh toppings (like herbs, croutons, or crispy onions) right before serving so they stay crisp.

Enjoy experimenting with these tips to find your perfect version of One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup!

 

Here are some popular questions and answers related to One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup to help you make this recipe just right!

Ingredients & Substitutions

  1. Can I use a different type of pasta instead of macaroni?
    Absolutely! Small pasta shapes like rotini, shells, or ditalini work well and add a fun twist.
  2. What type of cheese works best for this soup?
    Sharp or medium cheddar is ideal, but you can mix in other cheeses like Monterey Jack or gouda for a creamier taste.
  3. Can I make this with ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
    Yes! Ground turkey or chicken will work well as a leaner alternative, though you might want to add extra seasoning for flavor.
  4. Is there a way to make this dairy-free?
    Substitute milk with a plant-based milk (unsweetened almond or oat milk works well) and use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
  5. What can I add to make it a bit spicier?
    A pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce will give it a nice kick!
  6. Can I use vegetable broth instead of beef broth?
    Yes, but the flavor will be less “beefy.” Adding a splash of soy sauce can help mimic the richness.
  7. How can I make the soup thicker?
    Add an extra handful of cheese, or a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water).
  8. What’s a good substitute for Worcestershire sauce?
    Try soy sauce or a mixture of soy sauce and a touch of vinegar.

Cooking & Preparation

  1. Should I drain the beef after cooking?
    If there’s excess grease, yes. Draining keeps the soup from becoming too oily.
  2. When should I add the pasta?
    Add it in the last 10 minutes of cooking to keep it from becoming too soft.
  3. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
    Yes! Brown the beef first, then add everything except pasta and cheese to the slow cooker on low for 4–6 hours. Add pasta and cheese in the last 30 minutes.
  4. Can I freeze leftovers?
    It’s best fresh, but you can freeze it. The pasta may get softer after reheating, so slightly undercook it initially if you plan to freeze.
  5. How long does it take to make this recipe?
    Typically 30–40 minutes from start to finish.
  6. How can I make it more “soupy” rather than thick?
    Add an extra cup of beef broth or milk to thin out the consistency.
  7. How do I avoid curdling the milk?
    Make sure to keep the heat at a medium level and avoid bringing the soup to a rapid boil.

Flavor Boosts

  1. Can I add bacon?
    Definitely! Cooked, crumbled bacon adds a smoky flavor.
  2. Will adding mustard enhance the “cheeseburger” flavor?
    Yes, a teaspoon of Dijon or yellow mustard brings out that cheeseburger essence.
  3. Can I add pickles?
    Chopped dill pickles on top or stirred in at the end give it a unique, tangy flavor.
  4. Is ketchup or tomato paste a good addition?
    A small spoonful of ketchup or tomato paste adds sweetness and enhances the burger flavor.
  5. Can I add more veggies?
    Absolutely—carrots, celery, or bell peppers add extra flavor and nutrition.
  6. What spices work well?
    A pinch of smoked paprika or ground cumin can add a deeper, more savory flavor.
  7. How do I add extra richness?
    Stir in a tablespoon of butter just before serving for a richer finish.
  8. What herbs work best as a garnish?
    Fresh parsley, chives, or even chopped green onions make excellent garnishes.
  9. Would canned tomatoes work well?
    Canned diced tomatoes add a nice texture and slight acidity if you enjoy tomato flavor in your soup.
  10. How do I make it taste like a “bacon cheeseburger”?
    Add a dash of liquid smoke with the cheese and some crispy bacon bits.

Serving & Storage

  1. What can I serve with this soup?
    Crusty bread, garlic toast, or a green salad pairs well.
  2. Can I top it with anything fun?
    Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, or crumbled tortilla chips for texture and color.
  3. How should I store leftovers?
    Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  4. How can I reheat this soup without overcooking the pasta?
    Reheat over low heat and stir occasionally, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen it up if needed.
  5. Does this soup thicken as it sits?
    Yes, pasta absorbs liquid over time. Add more broth or milk if needed when reheating.
  6. Can I serve this as a dip?
    Absolutely! Cook it until very thick, then serve with tortilla chips or baguette slices for dipping.
  7. How can I make individual portions for meal prep?
    Cook the soup as usual, then portion it into containers with the pasta added right before eating.
  8. Will this work as a make-ahead meal?
    Yes, but for best results, cook the pasta separately and add it right before serving.

Customizations & Variations

  1. Can I add more cheese?
    Always! Extra cheddar, mozzarella, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan can make it cheesier.
  2. Can I use a gluten-free pasta?
    Yes, just be mindful that gluten-free pasta can break down faster in soup.
  3. What other protein can I use?
    Ground chicken, turkey, or even sausage are great alternatives.
  4. Can I make this a vegetarian dish?
    Substitute the beef with plant-based ground “meat” and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
  5. How can I make it lower in fat?
    Use lean ground beef or turkey, low-fat milk, and reduced-fat cheese.
  6. Can I add potatoes for extra heartiness?
    Yes! Small cubed potatoes add extra texture and make it even heartier.
  7. Can I use a food processor for quicker prep?
    Absolutely—use a processor to chop onions and garlic for faster prep!

These questions and answers should help you customize your One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup to perfection! Enjoy experimenting to make it your own.