Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium carrot, diced
1 celery stalk, diced
4 cups beef broth
1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juice)
2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup milk or heavy cream
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon mustard (optional, for a classic cheeseburger flavor)
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional garnish: chopped green onions, crumbled bacon, or extra cheese
Instructions
1/ Brown the Beef
In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned and fully cooked.
Drain any excess grease, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pot.
2/ Sauté Vegetables
Add the diced onion, carrot, celery, and garlic to the pot.
Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened.
3. Build the Base
Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, mustard (if using), and smoked paprika. Cook for 1 minute to develop flavor.
Pour in the beef broth and diced tomatoes. Bring to a boil.
4/ Cook the Pasta
Add the uncooked macaroni to the pot and stir well.
Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
5/ Add the Cheese and Milk
Lower the heat to medium-low. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and milk (or cream) until the cheese is fully melted and the soup is creamy.
Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
6/ Serve and Garnish
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped green onions, crumbled bacon, or extra cheese if desired.
Serve hot with crusty bread or a side salad.
Tips for Success
For a Thicker Soup: Add a slurry of 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water before adding the cheese and milk.
Make It Spicy: Add a dash of hot sauce or red chili flakes for a kick.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently, adding a splash of broth or milk to loosen if needed.
This One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is the ultimate comfort food, combining creamy cheesiness with hearty beef and pasta. It’s everything you love about a cheeseburger in a bowl!