Description
Hearty “one-pot macaroni cheeseburger soup” blends classic burger flavors with creamy comfort in a single skillet. Savory ground beef, tender pasta, and rich cheese create a satisfying meal you’ll crave on chilly evenings.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Protein:
- 1 pound ground beef (lean or ground turkey)
VEGETABLES AND AROMATICS:
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 1 cup frozen peas or carrots
DAIRY, PASTA, AND SEASONINGS:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (or small pasta shapes)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or mild)
- 1 cup milk (whole, 2%, or skim)
- 2 cups beef broth (low-sodium preferred)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt & pepper to taste
OPTIONAL GARNISH:
- Fresh herbs (parsley or chives)
Instructions
- Initiate the culinary process by searing ground beef and diced onions in a spacious pot over medium heat, creating a flavorful foundation. Allow the meat to caramelize and onions to become translucent, ensuring thorough cooking and releasing rich aromatics.
- Incorporate diced tomatoes into the meat mixture, creating a robust base. Introduce beef broth and elevate the temperature to a rolling boil, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify.
- Gently cascade elbow macaroni into the bubbling liquid, reducing heat to a gentle simmer. Periodically stir the contents to prevent pasta from adhering to the pot’s bottom, cooking until the pasta reaches a tender yet firm consistency.
- Transition the heat to a lower setting and stream milk into the mixture, creating a silky liquid base. Gradually fold shredded cheddar cheese into the soup, stirring consistently until the cheese dissolves completely, transforming the liquid into a luxurious, creamy texture.
- Conduct a comprehensive taste assessment, adjusting seasoning with salt and pepper to elevate the flavor profile. Transfer the steaming soup into serving vessels, optionally embellishing with fresh herbs for an aromatic finishing touch. Complement the dish with rustic bread or a crisp green salad for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- Choose ground beef with lower fat content to reduce excess grease and create a healthier soup without compromising rich flavor.
- Rinse macaroni under cold water after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent overcooking, maintaining ideal texture in the soup.
- Remove the pot from direct heat when adding cheese to prevent separation and ensure smooth, creamy consistency.
- Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles for vegetarian version or use ground turkey for a lighter protein option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg