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Instructions
1. Brown the Ground Beef
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned.
- Stir in the diced onion and garlic, cooking until fragrant and softened, about 3–4 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
2. Add the Base Ingredients
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, smoked paprika, mustard powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
- Pour in the beef broth and bring to a gentle boil.
3. Cook the Pasta
- Add the elbow macaroni to the pot, stirring to prevent sticking.
- Lower the heat to medium and let the pasta cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender.
4. Make It Creamy
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream.
- Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring constantly until melted and creamy.
5. Serve and Garnish
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or additional shredded cheese if desired.
Tips for Success
- Choose Quality Cheese: Use freshly shredded cheddar for the best melting consistency.
- Watch the Pasta: Avoid overcooking the macaroni to keep it al dente and prevent it from becoming mushy.
- Make It Thicker: If you prefer a thicker soup, mix 1 tbsp of cornstarch with water and stir it into the soup before adding the cheese.
Variations
- Vegetable Boost: Add diced carrots, celery, or bell peppers for added nutrition and color.
- Spicy Twist: Sprinkle in red pepper flakes or use pepper jack cheese for a kick.
- Turkey or Chicken: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair the soup with warm crusty bread or buttery dinner rolls to soak up every drop of creamy goodness.
- Top with crispy bacon bits, pickles, or a dollop of sour cream for a cheeseburger-inspired finish.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or cream if the soup has thickened.
Why This Soup Stands Out
This One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is more than just a meal—it’s a bowl of nostalgia and comfort. The savory, cheesy broth combined with tender macaroni and seasoned beef makes every bite irresistible. Whether it’s for a cozy family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this dish is bound to become a staple in your recipe collection.
So grab a spoon, dig in, and savor the flavors of this ultimate comfort food!
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