Ingredients
- Ground Beef – 1 lb (lean or extra-lean for fewer calories)
- Yellow Onion – 1 medium, finely diced
- Garlic – 3 cloves, minced
- Carrots – 2 large, diced
- Celery – 2 stalks, diced
- Beef Broth – 4 cups (or low-sodium for less salt)
- Diced Tomatoes – 1 can (~14 oz) with juice
- Tomato Paste – 2 tablespoons
- Elbow Macaroni – 1.5 cups (adjust for smaller/larger batches)
- Cheddar Cheese – 1 cup shredded (sharp cheddar works best)
- Whole Milk or Heavy Cream – 1 cup (for creaminess)
- Paprika – 1 teaspoon
- Worcestershire Sauce – 1 tablespoon (optional but recommended)
- Salt and Black Pepper – To taste
- Fresh Parsley (Optional garnish)
Pro Tip: For a more vibrant flavour, use fire-roasted canned tomatoes.
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté Your Base
- In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat over medium heat.
- Add ground beef. Cook, crumbling and stirring until browned (~5-7 min).
- Remove beef from the pot, leaving about 1 tablespoon of fat (add olive oil instead, if making lean).
- Add a few chopped yellow onion, garlic, carrots and celery. Cook on med-high heat until softened for ~5 minutes.
Step 2: Make the Broth
- Take the cooked beef to the pot along with the beef broth, diced tomatoes (including their juice), tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce (if using) and paprika. Stir to combine.
- Heat gently to a simmer over medium heat.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
- Stir the dry macaroni straight into the pot. Cover and simmer for ~10-12 minutes, casually stirring so pasta does not congeal to each other.
Step 4: Add the Creamy Finish
- Once the pasta’s al dente, lower the heat, and stir in the milk or heavy cream.
- Add shredded cheese in batches, stirring until melted and incorporated.
Step 5: Season and Serve
- Add salt and pepper to taste; adjusters to your liking.
- They also make excellent leftovers if you want to double the batch and eat it a second time.
Notes
How to Serve
One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is filling enough on its own but goes well with side dishes. For a full meal, try one of the following:
- Classic Pairing: Warm crusty bread or garlic rolls for sopping.
- Light Side: A fresh green salad with balsamic vinaigrette to cut its richness.
- Toppings Bar: Set up a toppings bar to personalize the bowls with crumbled bacon, sour cream, diced pickles or even a drizzle of hot sauce.
Key Nutrition Highlights (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~384
- Protein: ~24g
- Carbohydrates: ~26g
- Fat: ~21g
Note: Exact values may vary depending on ingredient brands.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: One-pot recipe
- Cuisine: American