My family loves a thick and hearty soup, but it has to be loaded with flavor and protein. That’s why this creamy and filling Macaroni & Cheeseburger Soup is the perfect comfort food! The cheese and cream make it extra delicious for kids and adults alike, while the noodles add a fun surprise in every spoonful. Best of all, it’s made in 30 minutes or less, so it’s ideal for busy weeknights.
This soup is perfect for fall and winter, but it’s also great on a dreary spring day. Serve it with fresh sourdough bread for an extra cozy factor.
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Ingredients for Macaroni & Cheeseburger Soup
- Elbow macaroni noodles – These small pasta shapes hold onto the creamy broth well, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
- Ground beef – Adds protein and a rich, hearty flavor, making the soup satisfying.
- Yellow or white onion – Provides a mild, savory taste that enhances the depth of flavor.
- Carrots – Add a natural sweetness, balancing the savory elements while boosting nutrition.
- Celery – Brings depth of flavor, a slight crunch, and complements the other vegetables.
- Flour – Helps thicken the broth, making the soup extra creamy and smooth.
- Lori’s Mac and Cheeseburger Soup Seasoning Packet – The perfect blend of seasonings for rich and delicious flavor, eliminating guesswork.
- Chicken broth – Creates a flavorful base for the soup, bringing everything together.
- Heavy cream – Makes the broth thick, creamy, and extra indulgent for a comforting finish.
- Shredded cheese (cheddar, Colby, or Monterey Jack) – Melts beautifully into the soup for cheesy goodness in every bite.
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the macaroni noodles separately in a medium stockpot. Now, drain and set aside. Meanwhile, brown the ground beef, chopped onion, carrots, and celery in a large stockpot over medium heat.
- Step 2: Now, add the flour and seasoning packet to the pot, stirring well to coat the meat and vegetables.
- Step 3: Next, pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Let it simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Step 4: Lastly, add the heavy cream and shredded cheese to the soup, stirring until melted and creamy.
Substitutions for Macaroni & Cheeseburger Soup
Pasta Substitutes
- Shells or rotini – Holds onto the creamy broth well, making every bite flavorful and enjoyable.
- Gluten-free pasta – A great option for those avoiding gluten while keeping the soup just as delicious and hearty.
- Cauliflower florets – A low-carb swap that still adds texture without sacrificing volume or heartiness.
Protein Substitutes
- Ground turkey or chicken – A leaner alternative to beef while maintaining heartiness and great taste.
- Italian sausage – Adds extra flavor and spice for a bold twist that elevates the dish.
Thickening Agent Substitutes
- Gluten Free Flour works well in this recipe for a gluten free option
- Cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water per cup of chicken broth) – A gluten-free alternative to flour.
- Mashed potatoes – Naturally thickens the soup while adding creaminess.
Liquid Substitutes
- Beef or vegetable broth – Swap for chicken broth if needed, subtly changing the depth of flavor.
- Half-and-half or whole milk – A lighter alternative to heavy cream that still provides creaminess without being too heavy.
Cheese Substitutes
- American cheese – Creates an ultra-creamy texture that melts beautifully into the soup.
- Pepper Jack – Adds a little spice for a unique variation, perfect for those who love a kick of heat.
- Dairy-free shredded cheese – Works well for a lactose-free option while maintaining cheesiness and richness
Ways to Enjoy this Creamy Beef & Noodle Soup
- Bacon Cheeseburger Soup – For an extra smoky flavor, stir in crispy bacon bits before serving.
- Spicy Cheeseburger Soup – Use Pepper Jack cheese instead of cheddar, add diced jalapeños, and sprinkle in red pepper flakes for a kick.
- Dairy-Free Cheeseburger Soup – Swap heavy cream for coconut milk or cashew cream for a creamy, dairy-free version that’s just as indulgent.
Equipment
- Large stockpot – For cooking the soup.
- Medium stockpot – For cooking the macaroni noodles separately.
- Meat/Veggie Browning Tool
Storing the Soup
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-5 days to maintain freshness and flavor.
- Freeze: This soup freezes well! Store in an airtight container and thaw in the refrigerator before reheating. I love to freeze leftovers in Souper Cubes containers. Once the cubes are frozen, I transfer them into a freezer baggie. The frozen cubes are easy to reheat whenever you’re ready to enjoy them.
- Reheat: Heat on the stovetop or microwave. You can also heat directly from frozen in the microwave for added convenience.
Quality Seasonings
When I created my seasoning packets, I knew they had to be made with only the best ingredients. That’s why they contain no anti-caking agents, no MSG, and no preservatives—just pure seasonings and herbs. This is extremely important to me because I want every meal to be as clean and wholesome as possible. With my seasoning packets, you can enjoy bold flavors without the unnecessary additives found in store-bought mixes. Every blend including this Soup is crafted to bring out the best in your dishes, making home cooking easier, healthier, and more delicious. If you love hearty soups, consider also trying my delicious Beef Stew!
Top Tip
Cook the macaroni separately and add it to the soup just before serving! This prevents the pasta from soaking up too much broth and getting mushy, keeping the soup creamy and the noodles perfectly tender.
This Macaroni & Cheeseburger Soup is the ultimate comfort food with cheesy, hearty goodness in every bite. It’s easy to make, kid-friendly, and perfect for busy weeknights. Try it today and let me know how your family enjoys it!
FAQ's for Mac & Cheeseburger Soup
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! If you want to prepare this soup in advance, simply cook it without the macaroni and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you're ready to serve, reheat the soup on the stovetop or in the microwave. Then, stir in freshly cooked macaroni to maintain the best texture and prevent the pasta from becoming too soft. This method ensures the soup stays creamy and delicious while making mealtime even easier!
Can I make this Macaroni & Cheeseburger Soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can! To make this soup in a slow cooker, start by browning the beef and veggies first. After that, add everything except the pasta, cheese, and the cream to the slow cooker. Then, cook it on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Once the soup is ready, stir in the cooked pasta, cheese, and cream just before serving. This method is a great way to set it and forget it while still enjoying a hearty, flavorful soup at the end of the day!
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Macaroni & Cheeseburger Soup
Ingredients
- 8 oz elbow macaroni noodles
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 C Yellow or white onion
- 1 C Carrots
- 1 C Celery
- 4 T Flour
- Lori's Macaroni and Cheeseburger Soup seasoning packet
- 5 C Chicken broth
- 2 C Heavy cream
- 2 C Shredded cheese - cheddar Colby or Monterey Jack
Instructions
- Cook the macaroni noodles separately in a medium stockpot. Drain and set aside to prevent them from becoming too soft or soggy.
- Meanwhile, brown the ground beef, chopped onion, carrots, and celery in a large stockpot over medium heat.
- Next, add the flour and seasoning packet to the pot, stirring well to coat the meat and vegetables.
- Then, pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Let it simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- After that, add the heavy cream and shredded cheese to the soup, stirring until melted and creamy.
- Finally, stir in the cooked macaroni noodles just before serving to maintain their texture.
