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Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup

Cheeseburger macaroni soup combines browned ground beef, tomatoes, and elbow macaroni in a creamy beef broth. Stirring cheddar in off the heat makes the soup smooth and cheesy without boiling it.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 550
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef 85% lean
  • 1 yellow onion small, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 0.5 tsp kosher salt
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper
  • 0.25 cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juices
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp yellow mustard
  • 0.5 tsp paprika
  • 8 oz elbow macaroni
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese shredded

Equipment

  • 1 5-quart Dutch oven

Method
 

  1. In a 5-quart pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the ground beef and onion, breaking up the beef, until the beef is browned and the onion is softened, 6 to 8 minutes; drain excess fat if needed.
  2. Stir in the garlic, salt, and pepper and cook for 30 seconds, then sprinkle in the flour and stir for 1 minute.
  3. Gradually stir in the beef broth, then add the tomatoes with their juices, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, and paprika; bring to a gentle boil, stirring to dissolve any flour lumps.
  4. Stir in the macaroni, reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer, and cook uncovered, stirring often, until the pasta is tender, 8 to 10 minutes or according to the package directions.
  5. Stir in the milk and heat gently until steaming, 2 to 3 minutes; do not boil.
  6. Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the cheddar a handful at a time until melted and smooth.

Notes

For the smoothest texture, add the cheddar gradually after removing the pot from the heat. Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3–4 days; freezing is possible, though the dairy may separate slightly when reheated. For a gluten-free variation, use gluten-free elbow macaroni and a gluten-free flour blend.