Imagine the irresistible flavors of a juicy cheeseburger transformed into a creamy, hearty soup that'll make your taste buds dance with joy! This Crockpot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is the ultimate comfort food that combines the classic taste of a cheeseburger with the warm, comforting embrace of a cheesy pasta dish. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, this recipe is about to become your new family favorite that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 4 hrs
Total Time: 4 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it into small crumbles. Drain excess fat.
- Transfer the browned ground beef to the crockpot. Add chopped onions and mix well.
- Pour in beef broth and diced tomatoes, stirring to combine all ingredients.
- Season the mixture with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to distribute seasonings evenly.
- Cover the crockpot and set to low heat. Cook for 3-4 hours, allowing flavors to meld together.
- About 30 minutes before serving, add uncooked elbow macaroni to the crockpot. Stir to ensure pasta is submerged in liquid.
- Once macaroni is tender, turn off the crockpot and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and fully incorporated.
- Let the soup rest for 5-10 minutes to thicken slightly before serving.
- Ladle into bowls and optionally garnish with additional cheese or chopped parsley.
Tips
- Drain the ground beef thoroughly to prevent excess grease in your soup.
- For extra flavor, consider using a mix of cheeses like sharp cheddar and monterey jack.
- Don't add the macaroni too early - adding it in the last 30 minutes prevents mushy pasta.
- Use low-sodium beef broth to control the salt content of your soup.
- For a creamier texture, you can add a splash of heavy cream when stirring in the cheese.
- If the soup is too thick, add a little extra beef broth to reach your desired consistency.
- Garnish with crispy bacon bits, green onions, or additional cheese for extra pizzazz.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and reheat beautifully.
- For a lighter version, you can use lean ground beef or ground turkey.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 85mg
