Hey everyone, Jason Griffith here! When those comfort food cravings hit, and you’re dreaming of a juicy cheeseburger paired with a warm bowl of soup, why not have the best of both worlds? Today, I’m bringing you a true culinary marvel: Crock Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup. This isn’t just soup; it’s a rich, creamy, and incredibly satisfying concoction packed with tender ground beef, macaroni, and plenty of cheese, all infused with that irresistible burger flavor. It’s pure comfort in every spoonful and guaranteed to warm you from the inside out!
Why I Love This Recipe
What’s not to love about a soup that perfectly captures the essence of a beloved burger in a comforting, easy-to-eat bowl? I am absolutely obsessed with Crock Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup because it takes all the best elements of a classic cheeseburger—the seasoned ground beef, the melty cheese, and the hearty appeal—and transforms them into a hearty, satisfying soup. The macaroni adds an extra layer of texture, making every bite incredibly satisfying. It’s fantastic for a cozy weeknight dinner, perfect for feeding a hungry family, or an absolute must for chilly evenings. Plus, the slow cooker does most of the work, making it incredibly convenient. It’s a versatile and deeply satisfying meal for everyone.
The Evolution of “Burger” Soups
The concept of “cheeseburger soup” gained popularity as home cooks looked for creative ways to transform familiar comfort foods into a different format, often for convenience or a novel eating experience. These soups typically feature ground beef, cheese (often cheddar or American), and ingredients that mimic classic burger toppings like pickles, onions, or ketchup.
The addition of macaroni to a cheeseburger soup creates a hybrid that blends the appeal of a hearty chili or goulash with the familiar flavors of a cheeseburger. The macaroni cooks directly in the soup, absorbing all the savory goodness of the broth and cheese, leading to a truly comforting “one-pot” style meal, even though it’s made in a crock pot. This recipe leverages the slow cooker’s ability to create a consistent, low-heat environment perfect for gently cooking macaroni and melting cheeses into a silky sauce, resulting in an effortless yet deeply satisfying comfort food.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this incredibly savory and satisfying Crock Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 lean recommended)
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth (low sodium recommended)
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
- 1 1/2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, plus more for topping
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (or Colby Jack)
- Optional Garnishes: Cooked crumbled bacon, sliced green onions, extra shredded cheese, sour cream, crushed potato chips
Swaps and Notes
- Ground Beef: You can use ground turkey or a mix of ground beef and ground sausage.
- Vegetables: The classic mirepoix (onion, celery, carrot) forms a fantastic aromatic base. Feel free to add other finely diced vegetables like bell peppers or corn (add with the macaroni for corn).
- Broth: Low-sodium beef broth is recommended to control the saltiness. Chicken or vegetable broth can be used as alternatives.
- Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes add a nice chunky texture and acidity. Tomato sauce provides a smoother, richer tomato flavor.
- Worcestershire Sauce: This adds a crucial savory, umami punch that enhances the “burger” flavor.
- Elbow Macaroni: This classic pasta shape is perfect for catching the creamy sauce. Do NOT pre-cook the macaroni! It cooks directly in the slow cooker.
- Dairy: Milk provides a creamy broth. For extra richness, you can add 1/2 cup of heavy cream with the milk.
- Cheese: Shred your own cheese from blocks for the best melt – pre-shredded often contains anti-caking agents that can make the soup grainy. A mix of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack gives a great balance of tang and meltiness.
- Optional Toppings: Just like a burger, toppings are crucial! Don’t skimp on the extra cheese, bacon, and fresh greens.
Steps for the Recipe
Let’s get this comforting Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup simmering in your Crock Pot!
- Brown Ground Beef: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon, until fully browned. Drain any excess grease and transfer the beef to a 6-quart (or larger) slow cooker.
- Sauté Aromatics (Optional but Recommended): In the same skillet (or directly in the slow cooker if it has a sauté function), add a little residual beef grease or 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add the chopped onion, celery, and carrots. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Transfer these sautéed vegetables to the slow cooker with the beef.
- Combine Ingredients: To the slow cooker, add the beef broth, undrained diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or on HIGH for 2.5-3.5 hours, or until the vegetables are very tender and the flavors have melded.
- Add Macaroni & Dairy: About 30-45 minutes before serving, stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni and milk (and heavy cream, if using). Increase heat to HIGH (if not already on high).
- Finish & Serve: Continue cooking, stirring every 10-15 minutes, until the macaroni is tender and cooked through. Stir in 1 cup of the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and all of the shredded Monterey Jack cheese until melted and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Ladle into bowls, top with remaining shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, green onions, or other desired burger-style toppings. Serve hot.
Tips for Success
- Brown Meat & Veggies: While it’s an extra step for a slow cooker, browning the ground beef and sautéing the vegetables before adding them to the slow cooker significantly deepens the flavor of the soup.
- Add Macaroni at the End: This is crucial! Macaroni cooks relatively quickly, and adding it too early will result in mushy pasta. Wait until the last 30-45 minutes.
- Stir Macaroni Frequently: Once the macaroni is added, stir every 10-15 minutes to prevent it from clumping or sticking to the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Shred Your Own Cheese: For the creamiest, smoothest cheese melt, shred cheese from blocks. Pre-shredded often contains anti-caking agents that can make the soup grainy.
- Don’t Overcook Macaroni: It should be tender but still hold its shape.
- Top Generously: Just like a burger, toppings are crucial for this soup!
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Crock Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is a hearty meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with:
- Crusty Bread or Dinner Rolls: Perfect for dipping and soaking up all that delicious creamy broth.
- Pickle Slices: A side of dill pickle slices adds a classic cheeseburger tang.
- Simple Side Salad: A light green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast.
- Other Comfort Foods: This soup complements other hearty dishes well, such as my This Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole Is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always a Hit.
- Beverage Pairings: A simple glass of water, iced tea, or a crisp lager would complement this soup nicely.
Storage and Leftover Tips
Crock Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup makes fantastic leftovers, and the flavors often deepen even more the next day!
- Refrigerate: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The soup will thicken considerably upon chilling, as the macaroni will continue to absorb liquid.
- Reheat: To reheat, gently warm portions in a saucepan on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or milk to thin out the soup and bring it back to your desired creamy consistency. Stir frequently. You can also microwave individual portions, stirring halfway through.
- Freezing: Freezing is possible, but the texture of the macaroni and cream can sometimes change slightly upon thawing. If freezing, use freezer-safe containers and leave some headspace. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat gently, adding liquid as needed.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you enjoyed the comfort and savory flavors of this soup, you might also like these other hearty and easy-to-make meals:
- For another fantastic cheesy slow cooker dip that’s always a hit, check out This Crockpot Nacho Dip Is The Reason I Never Have Leftovers.
- If you love deep, comforting bowls of flavor, my This Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo Is My Favorite Bowl of Southern Comfort is a must-try.
- For truly simple, satisfying comfort food that lets your oven do the work, you’ll love These Easy Turkey Wings Are My Favorite Comfort Food for Lazy Sundays.
- And for a classic comforting pasta dish, you can’t go wrong with my Classic Spaghetti Recipe with Homemade Sauce.
Final Thoughts
Crock Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is a true triumph of comfort food – it offers all the rich, savory, and cozy flavors you crave in a hearty bowl, with the incredible convenience of a slow cooker. It’s perfect for chilly evenings, easy meal prepping, or simply indulging in pure, cheesy comfort. This recipe is a game-changer that will quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen.
I hope you give this amazing soup a try and enjoy every comforting spoonful! Let me know in the comments below if this becomes your new go-to soup recipe, or what your favorite burger-inspired dishes are. I always love hearing from you! Happy cooking!
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