If you’ve ever wished your favorite diner cheeseburger could cozy up in a bowl, let me introduce you to Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup. It’s creamy, cheesy, and the kind of dish that makes you sigh happily after the first spoonful. Think of it as the love child of a juicy burger and your grandma’s macaroni casserole—warm, hearty, and a little nostalgic.
I first whipped this up on a hectic Tuesday (because Tuesdays need saving, don’t they?), and my kids declared it “better than takeout.” From that moment on, it became a family regular—especially during cooler months when we crave something filling yet fun.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup
- One-pot wonder: Less mess, fewer dishes, more joy.
- Family-friendly: Even picky eaters dig in happily.
- Quick comfort: Ready in just 40 minutes.
- Leftovers win: Tastes even better the next day!
What Does Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup Taste Like?
Imagine the savory bite of ground beef, the creaminess of melted cheddar, and the cozy slurp of macaroni noodles all swimming in a rich, velvety broth. It’s like eating a cheeseburger and mac & cheese—together, in spoonfuls. Comfort food jackpot!
Ingredients You’ll Need for Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup
One of my favorite parts about making Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup is that the ingredients are simple, affordable, and things you probably already have in your pantry or fridge. No fancy grocery store trips needed—just real, everyday staples that come together to create something truly cozy and comforting.
Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need (and why each ingredient matters):
- Olive Oil (1 tablespoon) – A drizzle of olive oil helps the beef brown beautifully and adds a touch of richness. You could swap it with avocado oil or even butter if that’s what you have on hand.
- Lean Ground Beef (2 lbs) – The heart of this soup! I go for lean beef to keep it from getting greasy, but you can use ground turkey or chicken if you’d like a lighter version. Pro tip: if you love hearty beef soups, you’ll also enjoy my Lasagna Soup with Sausage and Ground Beef.
- Yellow Onion (1 large, diced) – Onions bring a savory sweetness that balances the richness of the cheese. Don’t skip them—they’re the flavor builders!
- Garlic (1 tablespoon, chopped) – That little punch of garlic makes the soup aromatic and irresistible.
- All-Purpose Flour (½ cup) – Acts as a thickener, giving your soup that creamy, chowder-like consistency we love.
- Chicken Broth (4 cups) – The base of your soup. Use low-sodium broth if you want more control over the saltiness.
- Heavy Cream (2 cups) – The secret to making this Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup luxuriously creamy. If you want to lighten it up, try half-and-half.
- Salt and Black Pepper (1 ½ teaspoons each) – Classic seasonings that bring all the flavors together.
- Onion Powder (1 tablespoon) – Layers on more onion flavor without the bite.
- Italian Seasoning (1 tablespoon) – Adds warmth and depth with its blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme.
- Paprika (½ teaspoon) – A hint of smokiness and color that makes the soup even more inviting.
- Matchstick Carrots (1 cup) – I buy the pre-cut ones to save time. They add sweetness, color, and a little veggie boost (so you can feel good about going back for seconds).
- Macaroni Noodles (1 ½ cups, uncooked) – Because what’s cheeseburger macaroni soup without macaroni? You can sub with shells or elbow pasta too.
- Cheddar Cheese (3 cups, shredded) – Sharp cheddar melts right into the broth, creating that signature cheeseburger flavor.
- Parmesan Cheese (⅓ cup, shredded) – Adds a salty, nutty bite that balances the cheddar beautifully.
👉 See how comforting and pantry-friendly this list is? That’s why I love recipes like this—and why I often pair them with other cozy favorites like Pumpkin Wild Rice Soup or Creamy Cajun Chicken Soup.
How to Make Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup (Step by Step)
Making Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup is easier than you might think. We’re talking one pot, simple steps, and a whole lot of comfort at the end. If you’ve ever made a classic Chicken Parm Soup, this recipe feels just as approachable—only with all the cozy vibes of a burger-and-pasta combo.
Here’s your foolproof, step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Heat the Pot
Start with a large pot or Dutch oven (trust me, you’ll need the space). Drizzle in 1 tablespoon of olive oil and let it warm up over medium-high heat. This creates a nice base for browning the beef without sticking.
Step 2: Brown the Beef and Onion
Add in 2 lbs of lean ground beef and 1 large diced onion. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break the beef into crumbles as it cooks. You’ll know it’s ready when the beef is browned all the way through and the onion turns translucent and fragrant. This is where the “burger” flavor begins to shine in your Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup.
Step 3: Add Garlic Magic
Toss in 1 tablespoon of chopped garlic. Stir and let it sizzle for about a minute. Garlic burns quickly, so don’t wander off. At this point, your kitchen will smell amazing—like a cozy diner at dinnertime.
Step 4: Thicken with Flour
Sprinkle in ½ cup all-purpose flour and stir until the beef and onions are well coated. Cook for about 3 minutes, stirring often. This step is crucial because it gets rid of that raw flour taste and sets the stage for a creamy, thick soup base.
Step 5: Build the Broth
Pour in 4 cups of chicken broth slowly while stirring to avoid lumps. The flour mixture will thicken the broth as it heats. Next, add 2 cups of heavy cream for that dreamy, velvety texture that makes this soup feel like a cheeseburger in a bowl.
Step 6: Season the Soup
Add your spices: salt, pepper, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Stir everything together so the flavors marry. Don’t skip this step—seasoning layers are what make this Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup go from “good” to “can’t stop eating it.”
Step 7: Add Carrots and Pasta
Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then stir in 1 cup of matchstick carrots and 1 ½ cups of uncooked macaroni noodles. Both will cook right in the broth, soaking up all that cheesy, savory goodness.
Step 8: Simmer to Perfection
Cover the pot with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and let the soup simmer for 20 minutes. Stir occasionally so nothing sticks to the bottom. The pasta will become tender, the carrots soften, and the broth will thicken beautifully.
Step 9: Stir in the Cheese
Remove the lid and stir well. Now comes the best part—slowly add 3 cups of shredded cheddar cheese and ⅓ cup of parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese melts completely and blends into the creamy broth. This is the magic moment when your Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup transforms into a cheesy, velvety dream.
Step 10: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the soup into big bowls and serve warm. I like to top mine with extra shredded cheddar, a sprinkle of parsley, or even crumbled pickles if I’m feeling adventurous (yes, pickle-topped soup works—it’s like the burger’s secret handshake). Pair it with crusty bread for dipping, and dinner is done!
👉 If you’re as obsessed with cozy soups as I am, you’ll also love my Stuffed Pepper Soup for another hearty, family-approved dinner.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup
- Don’t overcook the noodles: They’ll keep softening in the hot soup.
- Go lighter: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half if you want fewer calories.
- Add veggies: Toss in peas or spinach for extra nutrition (sneaky mom hack).
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or jalapeños if your crew likes heat.
- Storage tip: Keep noodles slightly underdone if you’re storing for later—they’ll absorb liquid overnight.
Storage for Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup
- Fridge: Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze without noodles for up to 2 months. Add fresh noodles when reheating for best texture.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! It’ll be a little lighter but still delicious.
What cheese works best?
Cheddar is classic, but Colby Jack or Gouda add fun twists.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes—use gluten-free pasta and a cornstarch slurry instead of flour.
Conclusion
This Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup is more than just dinner—it’s a hug in a bowl. Whether you’re feeding kids after school, warming up after a chilly day, or just needing something cozy and reliable, this soup has your back. Give it a try and let me know if it becomes a new family favorite too.
If you love hearty soups, you might also enjoy my Stuffed Pepper Soup or this cozy Pumpkin Wild Rice Soup.
Follow us on Pinterest for weekly slow cooker inspiration, or join the conversation over on our Facebook page where fellow food lovers share their favorite comfort meal.
Print
The Best Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup – Quick, Creamy, and Totally Comforting
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
If you love the flavors of a classic cheeseburger, this creamy, cheesy Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup will become your new favorite comfort food—ready in just one pot and guaranteed to satisfy every craving! This hearty soup is loaded with ground beef, matchstick carrots, macaroni noodles, cheddar cheese, parmesan cheese, chicken broth and heavy cream.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 lbs lean ground beef
1 large yellow onion, diced
1 tablespoon chopped garlic
½ cup all purpose flour
4 cups chicken broth
2 cups heavy cream
1 ½ teaspoons salt
1 ½ teaspoons pepper
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon paprika
1 cup matchstick cut carrots
1 ½ cups uncooked macaroni noodles
3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
⅓ cup shredded parmesan cheese
Instructions
1. Pour the olive oil into a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Once the oil is hot add the ground beef and the diced onions to the pot.
3. Crumble the ground beef well and continue cooking until the beef is fully browned.
4. Add the chopped garlic, stir and continue cooking for about 1 minute.
5. Add the flour, stir well and continue cooking for about 3 minutes.
6. Add the chicken broth and stir until the broth thickens.
7. Add the heavy cream and stir again.
8. Add the salt, pepper, onion powder, Italian seasoning and paprika to the pot and stir well.
9. Bring the soup to a boil and add the carrots and uncooked macaroni noodles.
10. Stir well and return the soup to a boil.
11. Once the soup is boiling, place a lid on the pot and reduce the heat to low.
12. Leave the soup to simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, for 20 minutes.
13. After 20 minutes remove the lid and stir well. Add the shredded cheddar and parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted.
14. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
For added cheeseburger flavor, top each serving with chopped pickles or a drizzle of ketchup and mustard. This soup also reheats well and makes a great next-day lunch.
