Get Ready to Fall in LOVE with This Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

Ingredients

• 8 oz Elbow Macaroni (dry)
• 1 lb Ground Beef (80% lean)
• 1 piece Onion (medium, diced)
• 2 stalks Celery (diced)
• 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 4 cups Beef Broth (low‑sodium)
• 2 cups Cheddar Cheese (shredded, sharp)
• 1 can Diced Tomatoes (14.5 oz, undrained)
• 1 cup Heavy Whipping Cream (can substitute with whole milk)
• 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (cut into pieces)
• 1 teaspoon Dried Thyme (divided half/half)
• 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano (divided half/half)
• 1 teaspoon Salt (plus extra to taste)
• 0.5 teaspoon Black Pepper (plus extra to taste)
• 0.5 teaspoon Liquid Smoke (adds smoky flavor)

Instructions

1. Brown the Ground Beef

   Add the ground beef to the Dutch oven, season with half of the thyme, half of the oregano, half of the salt, and half of the pepper. Break it up and cook over medium‑high heat until fully browned, about 5 minutes.

   Time: PT5M

2. Drain the Beef

   Carefully pour off excess fat into a heat‑proof container, then set the browned beef aside.

   Time: PT1M

3. Sauté Aromatics

   Melt 2 tbsp butter in the same pot. Add diced onion, diced celery, and the remaining thyme and oregano. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 3 minutes.

   Time: PT3M

4. Add Garlic

   Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.

   Time: PT1M

5. Combine Beef and Broth

   Return the browned beef to the pot, pour in the beef broth, and bring the mixture to a rolling boil.

   Time: PT5M

6. Cook the Pasta

   Add the elbow macaroni, reduce heat to maintain a gentle boil, and cook uncovered for 7‑8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente.

   Time: PT8M

7. Finish the Soup

   Turn the heat to low. Stir in the liquid smoke, undrained diced tomatoes, heavy whipping cream, and shredded cheddar cheese. Simmer gently, stirring until the cheese melts and the soup is smooth, about 5 minutes. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.

   Time: PT5M

8. Serve

   Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with extra shredded cheese or chopped parsley if desired, and enjoy immediately.

   Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

550

Protein

30 g

Carbohydrates

45 g

Fat

25 g

Fiber

3 g