Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup for the Table

Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup is the kind of comforting dinner everyone loves, filled with tender pasta, plenty of cheese, and savory ground beef!

Author’s Notes

Cheesy, Beefy, & Totally reliable

I’ve shared before how nostalgic Hamburger Helper is for me (thanks, Mom!), and this chili mac is another one of those comfort classics, all in one pot too. There’s just something about colder weather that makes me crave cozy, hearty meals and plenty of pasta.

So I decided to riff on my popular sausage potato soup and create a cheeseburger-inspired version packed with pasta. Elbows, of course, because they’re the ultimate comfort pasta.

This Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup checks every box. It’s creamy with a subtle cheese flavor and loaded with pasta, savory ground beef, and tender veggies. It’s just so dang good, especially with cheesy bread for dipping!

Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup Ingredients

Ingredients	Helpful Notes & Tips
Ground Beef	Choose 93/7 lean beef for the best flavor without excess grease. Brown it deeply for rich flavor. Alternatively, use ground Italian sausage.
Mirepoix (onion, carrot, celery) & Garlic	Dice the veggies small so they soften quickly and evenly. Don’t skip sautéing; it’s the flavor base.
Elbow Pasta	Any similar-sized pasta will work. Cook it a little less than the package suggests since it will keep cooking in the hot broth.
Broth, Milk & Cream	Use good-quality chicken broth for flavor, whole milk for richness without being too heavy, and cream for that smooth, creamy mouthfeel.
Cheddar Cheese & Sour Cream	Freshly shred the cheese so it melts evenly. Stir both in off the heat for the smoothest finish. If the Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup is too hot, the cheese can become grainy.

How To Make Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup

1. Brown Beef: Cook ground beef in olive oil until browned and keep nearby.
2. Sauté Veggies: Melt butter, cook veggies to tender, add garlic and seasonings.
3. Add Pasta & Broth: Pour in broth, bring to a boil, add pasta, and cook until just tender.
4. Make Cream Base: In another pot, melt butter, whisk in flour, then add milk & cream.
5. Combine & Serve: Add cream mixture, beef, and cheese to the soup. Stir & serve.

Storage

Use a wire skimmer to remove the pasta and store it separately from the Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup. Keep leftovers in airtight containers for 3–4 days. Reheat gently over a low burner and add a splash of broth to loosen if needed.

More Comforting Meals

Dinner

Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe

Dinner

Beef and Broccoli Ramen

Soups And Stews

Creamy Vegetable Soup

What To Serve With Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup:

• Buttered Bread or Garlic Bread: reliable for soaking up that creamy broth.
• Simple Garden Salad: A light, crisp side to balance the richness.
• from-scratch Dinner Rolls: Soft and fluffy, great for dipping.
• Roasted Veggies: Try broccoli, green beans, or carrots for extra color.
• Pickles or a Dill Cucumber Salad: Adds a fun “burger” touch.

Variations

Change Things Up!

1. Bacon Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup: mix in diced bacon for a smoky flavor.
2. Spicy Kick: Add a dash of hot sauce or diced jalapeños for a little heat.
3. Veggie-Loaded: Mix in corn, peas, or spinach for extra color.
4. Pickle Lover’s: Top with diced pickles.
5. Tater Tot Topping: Spoon the soup into bowls and top with crispy tater tots for a fun “burger and fries” vibe.

Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup Tips

1. Grate Your Own Cheese: It melts smoother than pre-shredded.
2. Use Warm Dairy: Let milk and cream sit out before adding to prevent curdling.
3. Add Cheese Slowly: mix in small handfuls for a smooth texture.
4. Adjust Seasoning Last: Cheese adds salt, so taste right before serving.