When the weather turns chilly, nothing hits the spot quite like a steaming bowl of Mac and Cheese Burger Soup. This hearty and indulgent dish seamlessly combines the flavors of a classic cheeseburger with the creamy, cheesy goodness of mac and cheese. It’s the ultimate comfort food that the whole family will love!

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Why Choose Mac and Cheese Burger Soup?

The appeal of Mac and Cheese Burger Soup lies in its unique flavor profile and versatility. By blending the savory elements of a cheeseburger, including ground beef, onions, and cheddar cheese, with the comforting creaminess of mac and cheese, you end up with a truly satisfying and crave-worthy meal. This dish is sure to become a new family favorite, whether you’re serving it for a cozy weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends.

Ingredients for Mac and Cheese Burger Soup

1 lb ground beef – The protein-packed foundation of the dish.
1 small onion, diced – Adds sweetness and depth of flavor.
2 cloves garlic, minced – Enhances the aroma and taste.
1 cup carrots, diced – Provides color, texture, and nutrition.
1 cup celery, diced – Contributes crunch and savory notes.
4 tbsp butter – Used to sauté the vegetables and create the roux.
4 tbsp all-purpose flour – Thickens the soup and binds the ingredients.
6 cups chicken or beef broth – The flavorful liquid base.
2 cups elbow macaroni – A classic pasta choice for mac and cheese.
1 cup heavy cream – Adds richness and creaminess.
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese – The star of the cheese component.
1 tsp Italian seasoning – Enhances the overall flavor.
1 tsp dried thyme – Complements the other herbs and spices.
1 tsp white vinegar or pickle juice – Provides a subtle tang.
Salt and black pepper to taste – Essential seasonings.
Optional: diced pickles for topping

How to Make Mac and Cheese Burger Soup

Brown Beef: Start by cooking the ground beef with the Italian seasoning and thyme in a large pot over medium heat until it’s browned. Drain the excess fat and set the beef aside.

Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, melt the butter. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables have softened. Then, add the garlic and cook for 1 more minute.

Make Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir to coat them. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux.

Add Broth: Gradually pour in the broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Bring the mixture to a boil.

Cook Pasta: Add the elbow macaroni to the boiling broth. Reduce the heat and simmer for 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.

Finish Soup: Stir in the heavy cream, then add the shredded cheddar cheese gradually, allowing it to melt. Finally, add the white vinegar or pickle juice and return the cooked beef to the pot.

Season and Serve: Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Ladle the Mac and Cheese Burger Soup into bowls and top with diced pickles, if desired. Enjoy this comforting and indulgent dish!

Mac and Cheese Burger Soup 30 Minutes Ultimate Delicious

Tips for Perfecting Your Mac and Cheese Burger Soup

If you’d like to make your Mac and Cheese Burger Soup even more versatile, consider using ground turkey or a plant-based meat substitute in place of the ground beef. For a gluten-free version, swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free pasta.

To achieve the perfect creamy texture, be sure to add the cheese gradually, stirring constantly to prevent it from clumping. You can also experiment with different cheese blends, such as a combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack, to create a unique flavor profile.

For an extra boost of flavor, try adding a teaspoon of Dijon mustard, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or a splash of Worcestershire sauce. Garnishes like crumbled bacon, chopped scallions, or a dollop of sour cream can also elevate the dish.

Nutrition Information

A serving of Mac and Cheese Burger Soup contains approximately 450 calories, 25 grams of fat, 30 grams of carbohydrates, and 25 grams of protein. The combination of lean ground beef, vegetables, and cheesy goodness provides a hearty and satisfying meal that’s also rich in essential nutrients.

To make the dish even healthier, you can opt for low-fat or non-fat dairy products, use whole-wheat or gluten-free pasta, and increase the vegetable content. Pairing the soup with a fresh green salad or a side of roasted vegetables can also boost the nutritional value.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of cheese besides cheddar in Mac and Cheese Burger Soup?

Yes, you can certainly experiment with different types of cheese in your Mac and Cheese Burger Soup! While cheddar is a classic choice due to its excellent melting properties and flavor, you can also use other cheeses such as Monterey Jack for a milder taste, Gruyère for a nutty flavor, or even a blend of cheeses for a more complex profile. Just keep in mind that some cheeses may alter the texture or creaminess of the soup, so it’s best to stick with cheeses that melt well.

How can I make Mac and Cheese Burger Soup vegetarian or vegan?

To transform Mac and Cheese Burger Soup into a vegetarian or vegan dish, you can substitute the ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives such as lentils, mushrooms, or a store-bought meat substitute. For a vegan version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken or beef broth, and replace heavy cream with coconut milk or a cashew cream. Additionally, opt for dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast to achieve that cheesy flavor without using animal products.

What are some creative toppings I can add to enhance my Mac and Cheese Burger Soup?

There are plenty of creative toppings you can add to elevate your Mac and Cheese Burger Soup! Consider garnishing with crispy bacon bits for a savory crunch, chopped green onions for freshness, or a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for creaminess. You might also enjoy adding diced tomatoes, jalapeños for a spicy kick, or even crushed tortilla chips for added texture. Don’t forget to sprinkle some extra cheese on top before serving for that gooey finish!

How can I adjust the spiciness of the soup to suit my taste?

Adjusting the spiciness of your Mac and Cheese Burger Soup is easy! If you prefer a milder flavor, simply reduce the amount of Italian seasoning or omit any spicy ingredients like crushed red pepper flakes. For those who enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding diced jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or even a splash of hot sauce during cooking. Always taste as you go, and add your spice gradually to achieve the desired level of heat without overpowering the other flavors.

Conclusion

Embrace the cozy and comforting flavors of Mac and Cheese Burger Soup this season. This delightful dish combines the familiar elements of a classic cheeseburger with the creamy, cheesy goodness of mac and cheese, creating a truly irresistible meal. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a casual gathering, this soup is sure to warm hearts and satisfy taste buds. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different cheese varieties, toppings, and spice levels to make it your own. Enjoy this hearty and indulgent Mac and Cheese Burger Soup and share the experience with your loved ones!

Looking for more visual inspiration? Follow me on Pinterest, where I share new recipes, dinner tips, and behind-the-scenes kitchen moments every week. Buon appetito!

Indulge in the Comforting Mac and Cheese Burger Soup Today!

Author: Sofia Rojas
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

Cozy and Comforting Mac and Cheese Burger Soup is a hearty and indulgent dish that combines the flavors of a classic cheeseburger with the creamy, cheesy goodness of mac and cheese.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup carrots, diced
1 cup celery, diced
4 tablespoon butter
4 tablespoon all-purpose flour
6 cup chicken or beef broth
2 cup elbow macaroni
1 cup heavy cream
2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon white vinegar or pickle juice
Salt and black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Brown Beef: Start by cooking the ground beef with the Italian seasoning and thyme in a large pot over medium heat until it’s browned. Drain the excess fat and set the beef aside.

2. Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, melt the butter. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables have softened. Then, add the garlic and cook for 1 more minute.

3. Make Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir to coat them. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux.

4. Add Broth: Gradually pour in the broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Bring the mixture to a boil.

5. Cook Pasta: Add the elbow macaroni to the boiling broth. Reduce the heat and simmer for 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.

6. Finish Soup: Stir in the heavy cream, then add the shredded cheddar cheese gradually, allowing it to melt. Finally, add the white vinegar or pickle juice and return the cooked beef to the pot.

7. Season and Serve: Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Ladle the Mac and Cheese Burger Soup into bowls and top with diced pickles, if desired. Enjoy this comforting and indulgent dish!