Get Ready to Fall in Love with This Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup
Get Ready to Fall in LOVE with This Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is a easy American recipe that serves 4. 550 calories per serving. Recipe by All Wings Everything on YouTube.
Prep: 10 min | Cook: 30 min | Total: 50 min
Cost: $15.09 total, $3.77 per serving
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
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
Drain the Beef
Carefully pour off excess fat into a heat‑proof container, then set the browned beef aside.
Time: PT1M
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
Add Garlic
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
Time: PT1M
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
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
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
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
Dietary info: Contains meat, Contains dairy, Contains gluten, High protein, Comfort food
Allergens: Milk, Cheese, Gluten
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Elbow Macaroni: Small shells, Ditalini
- Instead of Ground Beef: Ground turkey, Ground chicken
- Instead of Onion: Shallot, Leek
- Instead of Celery: Carrots, Bell pepper
- Instead of Garlic: Garlic powder (1 tsp)
- Instead of Beef Broth: Chicken broth, Vegetable broth
- Instead of Cheddar Cheese: Monterey Jack, Colby
- Instead of Diced Tomatoes: Fresh diced tomatoes (1 cup)
- Instead of Heavy Whipping Cream: Whole milk (1.25 cups)
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: Olive oil (2 tbsp)
- Instead of Dried Thyme: Fresh thyme (1 tsp)
- Instead of Dried Oregano: Fresh oregano (1 tsp)
- Instead of Salt: Sea salt
- Instead of Black Pepper: White pepper
- Instead of Liquid Smoke: Smoked paprika (1 tsp)
Equipment Needed
- Dutch Oven
- Cutting Board
- Chef's Knife
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
- Box Grater
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Browning the ground beef fully to develop flavor.
- Cooking the pasta al dente so it doesn’t become mushy in the soup.
- Melting the cheddar cheese slowly to achieve a smooth, creamy texture.
- Adding liquid smoke at the end to preserve its smoky aroma.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use low‑sodium broth so you can control the final salt level.
- A pinch of smoked paprika can be added with the liquid smoke for extra depth.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or a drizzle of hot sauce for a bright finish.
Troubleshooting
Pasta becomes mushy.
Cook the pasta for the minimum time (7 minutes) and check for al dente texture before adding the dairy ingredients.
Soup is too thick.
Thin with additional beef broth, milk, or water a tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.
Cheese clumps or separates.
Reduce heat to low before adding cheese and stir continuously; add cheese in small batches.
Storage
Refrigerator: Cool to room temperature, then store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Portion into freezer‑safe containers; freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature; refrigerate promptly.
Make-Ahead Tips
- The soup reheats well; add a splash of broth or milk when reheating to restore creaminess.
- Prepare the cheese and vegetables ahead of time and store them separately.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup in American comfort food cuisine?
Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is a modern twist on classic American comfort dishes that combine pasta, cheese, and ground beef—ingredients that became household staples during the mid‑20th century. It reflects the post‑war era’s love for quick, one‑pot meals that could feed a family on a budget.
What regional variations of Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup exist within the United States?
In the Midwest, cooks often add corn and use cheddar‑jack cheese, while in the Southwest a touch of chipotle or cumin replaces liquid smoke for a spicier profile. Some Southern versions swap the beef broth for chicken broth and finish with a dash of hot sauce.
How is Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup traditionally served in American households?
It is typically served hot in deep bowls, sometimes topped with extra shredded cheese, a sprinkle of chopped parsley, or a drizzle of hot sauce. It is often paired with crusty bread or a simple side salad for a complete comfort meal.
During what occasions or celebrations is Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup commonly enjoyed in American culture?
Because it’s quick and filling, the soup is popular for casual family dinners, game‑day gatherings, and cold‑weather potlucks. It’s also a go‑to comfort dish for college students and busy parents looking for a hearty meal in under an hour.
What authentic traditional ingredients are essential for Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup versus acceptable substitutes?
Traditional ingredients include ground beef, elbow macaroni, sharp cheddar cheese, beef broth, and a hint of smoky flavor (liquid smoke or smoked paprika). Substitutes can be ground turkey for a leaner protein, pasta shapes like shells, or milk instead of heavy cream, but the core flavor profile remains the same.
What other American dishes pair well with Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup?
Serve it alongside a crisp green salad with vinaigrette, garlic bread, or a simple coleslaw. For a full meal, a side of baked beans or roasted vegetables complements the soup’s richness.
What makes Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup special or unique in American cuisine?
It uniquely blends the heartiness of a beef‑based soup with the creamy, cheesy comfort of a macaroni‑and‑cheese casserole, while the liquid smoke adds a subtle barbecue note that sets it apart from ordinary cheese soups.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup?
Common errors include overcooking the pasta, which makes it mushy, adding cheese over high heat causing it to seize, and using too much liquid smoke which can overpower the flavor. Follow the timing steps and add cheese on low heat for best results.
How do I know when the Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is done cooking?
The soup is ready when the pasta is al dente, the cheese has fully melted into a smooth, creamy broth, and the beef is fully cooked (no pink). A gentle simmer with occasional stirring should achieve this within the listed cooking time.
What does the YouTube channel All Wings Everything specialize in?
The YouTube channel All Wings Everything focuses on creative, comfort‑food style recipes that often feature bold flavors, quick one‑pot meals, and playful twists on classic dishes, all presented with a casual, home‑cook vibe.
Last updated: August 24, 2026
