Name: Creamy Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lbs lean ground beef; 1 large yellow onion, diced; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon minced garlic; ½ cup all-purpose flour; 4 cups chicken broth; 2 cups heavy cream; 1½ teaspoons salt; 1½ teaspoons black pepper; 1 tablespoon onion powder; 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning; ½ teaspoon paprika; 1 cup matchstick carrots; 1½ cups uncooked macaroni noodles; 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese; ⅓ cup shredded parmesan cheese

If you’ve ever wished your favorite comfort foods could merge into one spectacular, soul-warming meal, this Creamy Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup is precisely what you’ve been searching for. This dish is a cozy, decadent blend of ground beef, tender pasta, and loads of gooey cheese, woven together with a creamy base and bright pops of carrots and warming spices. From the very first spoonful, you’ll taste all the nostalgia of a cheeseburger and macaroni, but in an irresistibly creamy, soupy form. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or hosting friends who crave classic flavors with a twist, this is the recipe that will have everyone begging for seconds.

Creamy Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list for Creamy Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup may look classic, but every component plays an important role in creating that signature creamy, cheesy, and hearty harmony. Each ingredient brings out bold flavors, rich textures, or gorgeous color that makes each bite so satisfying.

Lean ground beef: Delivers all the savory flavor and hearty texture of a great cheeseburger, without excess grease.
Yellow onion: Sautéed with the beef, onion adds natural sweetness and depth.
Olive oil: Just a touch to help the beef brown and the onions soften beautifully.
Minced garlic: Brings life and aroma to the soup, making the flavor really pop.
All-purpose flour: Thickens the soup to create that lush, creamy base.
Chicken broth: Balances richness with lightness, while infusing every bite with savory flavor.
Heavy cream: The secret to a rich, velvety texture—don’t skimp for maximum creaminess.
Salt & black pepper: Fundamental for coaxing out all the flavors—always taste and adjust as you go!
Onion powder: Backs up the fresh onion, lending a mellow, comforting undertone.
Italian seasoning: Gives the soup familiar herby warmth with a hint of complexity.
Paprika: Adds subtle smokiness and beautiful color.
Matchstick carrots: Bring a delicate sweetness, pop of color, and a bit of tender crunch.
Uncooked macaroni noodles: The pasta that ties together every classic cheeseburger-macaroni element!
Shredded cheddar cheese: The star cheese—melted to creamy, golden perfection.
Shredded parmesan cheese: Adds a punch of sharp, nutty depth for that gourmet finish.

How to Make Creamy Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Start by heating olive oil in a large Dutch oven or sturdy soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the lean ground beef and diced yellow onion together. Let them cook, stirring and breaking up the beef as you go, until the meat turns beautifully browned and crumbly and the onion softens and turns translucent. This builds the flavorful foundation for our Creamy Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup.

Step 2: Add Garlic & Flour

Sprinkle in the minced garlic and give everything a good stir, letting the garlic cook just long enough to release its delicious aroma. Next, stir in the flour, making sure to coat the beef and onion evenly. Let this cook for a couple of minutes; the flour absorbs the fat and preps the soup for its satisfying thickness later on.

Step 3: Build the Base

Gradually pour in the chicken broth while whisking or stirring constantly, ensuring the broth blends smoothly with the flour mixture. Pour in the heavy cream and stir well—that gorgeous creamy base is what makes this soup so irresistible and diner-worthy!

Step 4: Season the Soup

Add your salt, black pepper, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and paprika now. These simple but strategic seasonings work together to capture that perfect burger flavor and add just the right warmth and complexity to your Creamy Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup.

Step 5: Add Pasta & Carrots

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Now, it’s time to add the matchstick carrots and uncooked macaroni noodles. Give everything a thorough stir to combine and make sure the noodles are submerged. The pasta will absorb all those delicious flavors as it cooks.

Step 6: Simmer

Cover your pot with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and let the soup simmer for about 20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking. This is when everything comes together and the kitchen starts to smell absolutely incredible!

Step 7: Melt the Cheese

Once the noodles are perfectly tender, remove the lid and add the shredded cheddar and parmesan cheeses. Stir until the cheeses are melted and you have a thick, creamy, cheesy soup that looks as luscious as it tastes.

Step 8: Serve

Grab a ladle and serve the Creamy Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup hot into cozy bowls. Each spoonful is the culinary equivalent of a warm, cheesy hug!

How to Serve Creamy Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup

Garnishes

A bowl of Creamy Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup is pretty much perfect as-is, but a handful of garnishes can take it over the top. Sprinkle some extra shredded cheddar, a few fresh chives, or even a dash of paprika for a pop of color and flavor. For crunch, try crispy bacon bits or very thinly sliced pickles (trust me, it’s a cheeseburger thing!).

Side Dishes

This soup is hearty enough to be the main event, but it still loves some company! Serve it with garlic breadsticks, a crisp green salad with a zippy vinaigrette, or even oven-toasted sandwich rolls. These simple sides help balance the rich, cheesy goodness of the Creamy Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup.

Creative Ways to Present

Take your presentation up a notch by serving your soup in bread bowls, or top each bowl with toasted mini buns as a nod to the cheeseburger inspiration. For parties, you can serve smaller portions in mugs or ramekins for a fun, “sippable” twist that’s as Instagram-worthy as it is delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Creamy Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup stores beautifully! Transfer cooled soup into airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making those leftovers something you’ll actually look forward to. If the soup thickens, don’t worry—you can easily loosen it up when reheating.

Freezing

While this soup is safe to freeze, dairy-heavy soups can change texture when thawed. If you plan on freezing, you may want to undercook the noodles slightly; then cool completely and freeze in portions. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently. If it’s too thick, simply add a splash of broth or milk until you reach your desired consistency. Microwaving works too—just go low and slow, and give it a good stir halfway through.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Substitute an equal amount of ground turkey or chicken for the beef if you want to lighten things up. Just keep in mind that the flavor will change a bit, but all those gooey, cheesy vibes will still shine through.

What type of cheese melts best in Creamy Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup?

Sharp cheddar and parmesan both melt beautifully and provide excellent flavor in this soup. Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Colby Jack or a bit of smoked gouda for a twist.

Will the noodles get mushy if I make the soup ahead of time?

The noodles will continue to soak up liquid as the soup sits, so they may soften more after storing. If you know you’ll be making the soup ahead, consider cooking the macaroni separately and adding it to each portion just before serving.

Can I make this soup gluten-free?

Definitely! Just swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free blend and use gluten-free macaroni noodles. The rest of the recipe stays exactly the same, ensuring everyone can dig in.

Is there a way to add more veggies to this soup?

Yes! Try tossing in diced bell peppers, corn, or even baby spinach just before the cheese goes in. This is a forgiving, flexible recipe—so get creative and make it your own!

Final Thoughts

There’s a reason this Creamy Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup has become a true favorite in my home: it’s the ultimate comfort food, familiar yet exciting, and so easy to make. Whether you follow the recipe to a tee or add your unique spin, you’ll find it warms both the heart and belly. I hope you and your loved ones enjoy every cheesy, hearty spoonful as much as we do!