This cheeseburger macaroni soup is comfort food perfection! All the flavors of a classic cheeseburger in a creamy, cheesy soup – ready in one pot in just 40 minutes.
A Cheeseburger… as Soup?
This recipe came to life on a rainy evening when I was staring into the fridge, trying to please both my burger-loving husband and my pasta-and-cheese-obsessed kids. I had ground beef, some leftover cheese, and a box of macaroni. That’s when it hit me: what if I could turn a cheeseburger into soup?
The result? A creamy, satisfying bowl that tastes like a cross between a cheeseburger and mac and cheese – only cozier. Each spoonful is packed with rich beefy flavor, tender noodles, and gooey cheese. It’s become one of those recipes that my family asks for again and again – and not just on cold days!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultimate comfort food – All your favorite cheeseburger and mac & cheese flavors in one bowl
- One-pot wonder – Easy cleanup, maximum flavor
- Family favorite – Kid-approved, hearty, and beyond satisfying
“My son, who usually picks apart every soup, ate two huge bowls and said it was like ‘drinking a cheeseburger – in the best way possible.’”
Ingredient Breakdown
- Ground beef – Adds that unmistakable cheeseburger flavor
- Onion, garlic & carrots – The flavor base that rounds out the richness
- Chicken broth & heavy cream – Make it creamy without being too heavy
- Macaroni pasta – Cooks right in the soup and soaks up all the goodness
- Cheddar & Parmesan cheese – For a bold cheesy finish with extra depth
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Build the Base
Heat some olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven. Add the ground beef and diced onions and cook until the beef is browned and the onions are soft. Add garlic and sauté for about a minute.
2. Create the Roux
Sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly for 3 minutes. This step helps thicken the soup and gets rid of that raw flour taste.
3. Add the Liquids
Slowly pour in the chicken broth, stirring constantly. Then add the heavy cream and stir until smooth. This creates your creamy soup base.
4. Season It Up
Stir in salt, pepper, onion powder, paprika, and Italian seasoning. These spices are what take the soup from “beefy” to “burger-y.”
5. Add Pasta & Veggies
Bring the soup to a boil, then add the carrots and uncooked macaroni. Stir well, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
6. Stir in the Cheese
Once the pasta is tender and the soup has thickened, remove from heat and stir in the cheddar and Parmesan until fully melted. The result? A rich, cheesy, creamy finish.
Tips for Success
- Don’t skip the roux – Cooking the flour for the full 3 minutes prevents a gritty texture
- Stir while simmering – This keeps the pasta from sticking and ensures even cooking
- Add cheese last – Adding cheese to boiling soup can make it clump or get stringy
“I used to toss in the cheese early and always wondered why it got weird. Now I know – low heat and end of cooking only!”
Tasty Variations
- Top with bacon bits for an extra burger vibe
- Stir in chopped pickles for tangy flavor
- Add jalapeños or hot sauce if you like it spicy
- Swap in ground turkey for a lighter version
- Mix in extra veggies like peas, corn, or bell peppers
Storage Tips
This soup stores well in the fridge for 3–4 days and reheats beautifully. When reheating, add a splash of broth or cream to loosen it up, as it thickens over time. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months – just know the pasta will soften more after thawing.
FAQ
→ Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! Shells, rotini, or ditalini all work well. Just adjust cooking time slightly if needed.
→ Can I make it ahead?
Absolutely. Just note that the pasta will absorb more liquid as it sits. Add a bit more broth or cream when reheating.
→ How do I keep the cheese from clumping?
Make sure the soup isn’t boiling and stir constantly when adding cheese. Add it gradually, off the heat.
→ Can I freeze it?
Yes, though the texture will change slightly. For best results, freeze before adding the pasta and cream.
→ What can I serve with this soup?
It’s hearty enough on its own, but it pairs perfectly with crusty bread, crackers, or a light salad.
Final Thoughts
This cheeseburger macaroni soup has earned its spot as one of our ultimate comfort meals. It brings together everything we love – cheesiness, coziness, and a little creativity – in one simple pot. It’s the kind of meal that makes a dreary day feel warmer and a full table feel happier.