Macaroni cheeseburger soup

Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup combines the comforting flavors of a cheeseburger with the creamy richness of macaroni and cheese. Here’s a simple recipe to make this hearty, flavorful soup:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef (or turkey)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
• 2 cups whole milk
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 cups elbow macaroni (or any small pasta)
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt (to taste)
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (optional, for extra depth)
• 1/2 tsp mustard powder (optional)
• 1/4 tsp paprika (optional)
• Chopped pickles or relish (for garnish, optional)

Instructions:

1. Brown the beef:
   • In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Break it up into small pieces as it cooks. Once done, drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.
2. Cook the vegetables:
   • In the same pot, add a bit of butter (or oil), and sauté the diced onion until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring frequently.
3. Make the roux:
   • Add the butter to the pot and melt it. Sprinkle in the flour and stir to create a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes, until the flour becomes slightly golden. This will help thicken your soup.
4. Add liquids:
   • Slowly whisk in the beef broth and milk, making sure there are no lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
5. Add pasta:
   • Stir in the elbow macaroni and cook according to the pasta package instructions until tender (usually about 8-10 minutes). Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom.
6. Finish the soup:
   • Once the pasta is cooked, reduce the heat to low. Stir in the cooked ground beef, shredded cheddar cheese, Worcestershire sauce, mustard powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy.
7. Serve:
   • Taste the soup and adjust seasoning as needed. If desired, top with chopped pickles or relish for a “burger” flair. Serve hot, and enjoy!

This soup is great for a cozy meal and can be made ahead for easy leftovers. You can also add some cooked bacon or extra vegetables for variation!