Cozy Cheesy Beefy Macaroni Soup Recipe: Homemade Comfort in a Bowl

Cheesy beefy macaroni soup combines comfort and richness in a single hearty bowl that instantly warms your soul.

Robust beef flavors mingle seamlessly with creamy cheese and tender pasta, creating a delightful culinary experience.

Unexpected depth emerges from carefully balanced ingredients that elevate a simple soup into a memorable meal.

Homemade versions elevate this classic dish beyond standard restaurant offerings, providing a personal touch of warmth and satisfaction.

Nutritious and filling, this soup serves as a complete meal that meets both hunger and cravings simultaneously.

Families and food enthusiasts appreciate its straightforward preparation and impressive results that never fail to impress dinner companions.

Rich, indulgent, and supremely satisfying, this recipe promises a delicious journey through classic comfort food traditions.

Cheesy Beefy Macaroni Soup Overview

• Create a Comfort Food Masterpiece: This soup transforms ordinary ingredients into a heartwarming meal that hugs your taste buds with rich, cheesy goodness and tender beef that makes you feel instantly cozy.
• Quick and Easy Weeknight Winner: Whipped up in just 30 minutes, this one-pot wonder delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, perfect for busy families craving a satisfying dinner without complicated cooking techniques.
• Protein-Packed Flavor Explosion: Loaded with browned ground beef, creamy cheese, and perfectly cooked macaroni, each spoonful delivers a delightful blend of textures and robust flavors that'll keep you full and happy.
• Customize Your Culinary Adventure: Easily adaptable with optional diced tomatoes, adjustable seasonings, and potential garnish variations, this recipe invites home cooks to make it uniquely their own while maintaining its delicious core essence.

Ingredients in Cheesy Beefy Macaroni Soup

• Ground Beef: A hearty meat that provides rich flavor and substantial protein for the soup.
• Beef Broth: Creates a deep, savory base that enhances the overall taste of the soup.

• Heavy Cream, Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Adds creamy texture and sharp, rich cheese flavor that makes the soup indulgent and comforting.

• Onion, Garlic: Classic flavor builders that provide depth and aromatic foundation to the soup.
• Diced Tomatoes: Offers bright, tangy notes and additional moisture to the soup.

• Elbow Macaroni: Classic pasta shape that provides heartiness and texture to the soup.
• Dried Basil: Adds subtle herbal complexity to the overall flavor profile.

• Olive Oil: Used for initial browning and preventing ingredients from sticking.
• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance and balance the soup's flavors.

• Fresh Parsley: Provides a fresh, green finishing touch with bright flavor and visual appeal.

Make Cheesy Macaroni Soup in Minutes

Step 1: Prepare Beef Mixture Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add these ingredients:

• Ground beef
• Chopped onion
• Minced garlic

Cook until beef turns brown and onions become soft. Drain any extra grease from the pot.

Step 2: Create Soup Base Pour beef broth into the pot and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This liquid creates the foundation of your delicious soup.

Step 3: Cook Pasta Add elbow macaroni directly into the simmering broth. Cook for 8-10 minutes until pasta reaches perfect tenderness.

Step 4: Introduce Creamy Elements Reduce heat to low. Blend in these ingredients:

• Heavy cream
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Diced tomatoes (optional)

Stir continuously until cheese melts completely and soup becomes wonderfully creamy.

Step 5: Enhance Flavors Sprinkle in salt, pepper, and dried basil according to your taste preferences. Let the soup simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to blend thoroughly.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Top with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and extra flavor. Enjoy your comforting meal!

Tips for Cheesy Beefy Macaroni Soup

• Choose Lean Beef: Select ground beef with lower fat content to reduce excess grease and create a cleaner, more refined soup texture.
• Master Cheese Melting: Add cheese gradually and stir constantly to prevent clumping and ensure a smooth, creamy consistency throughout the soup.
• Control Pasta Doneness: Cook macaroni directly in the broth to absorb flavors, but remove from heat just before it becomes too soft to prevent mushy texture.
• Enhance Depth of Flavor: Sauté onions and garlic until golden brown to develop a rich, caramelized base that deepens the overall taste profile of the soup.
• Customize Consistency: Adjust soup thickness by adding extra broth if too thick or simmering longer if too thin, creating your perfect personalized texture.

Storing Cheesy Macaroni Soup Made Simple

• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Minimize oxygen exposure by using a container that fits the soup's volume closely.
• Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Add a splash of beef broth or water to restore the soup's original creamy consistency if it has thickened during storage.
• Avoid microwaving if possible, as the pasta can become mushy and cheese might separate. If using a microwave, heat in short 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly.

Best Pairings for Cheesy Macaroni Soup

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Select a bold Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot to complement the rich beef and cheesy flavors, cutting through the creamy texture with its tannic structure.
• Serve with Crusty Garlic Bread: Prepare a warm, buttery garlic bread to dip into the soup, absorbing the delicious broth and adding a crispy contrast to the creamy soup.
• Match with Fresh Green Salad: Create a light mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the heavy, comforting nature of the cheesy beef macaroni soup, providing a refreshing counterpoint.
• Enhance with Crisp Pilsner Beer: Choose a cold, crisp pilsner that will cut through the richness of the cheese and beef, offering a clean and refreshing accompaniment to the hearty soup.

Variations for Cheesy Macaroni Soup

• Spicy Southwest Beef Soup: Enhance the soup by adding diced green chilies, a dash of cumin, and a sprinkle of chili powder. Top with crispy tortilla strips and a dollop of sour cream for a zesty Mexican-inspired variation.
• Veggie-Loaded Beef Mac Soup: Incorporate chopped bell peppers, zucchini, and spinach to boost nutritional value. The extra vegetables add vibrant colors and a fresh texture to the classic recipe.
• Italian-Style Beef Pasta Soup: Transform the dish by mixing in Italian herbs like oregano and thyme. Swap cheddar for mozzarella cheese and garnish with fresh basil leaves for an authentic Mediterranean flair.
• Lean Protein Mac Soup: Replace ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter protein option. Use Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream to reduce calories while maintaining a creamy consistency.

Cheesy Beefy Macaroni Soup Recipe

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4.6 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Cheesy Beefy Macaroni Soup delivers hearty comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen with rich beef and melted cheese. Warm spices and tender pasta create a soul-satisfying meal you’ll crave on chilly evenings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup diced tomatoes (optional)

Liquid and Dairy Components:

• 4 cups (946 milliliters) beef broth
• 1 cup (237 milliliters) heavy cream
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Pasta and Seasonings:

• 1 ½ cups (190 grams) elbow macaroni
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried basil (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish:

• Fresh parsley

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Crumble ground beef into the pot, then incorporate finely diced onions and minced garlic. Cook the mixture thoroughly, breaking beef into small fragments until meat browns completely and onions become translucent.
2. Carefully drain excess grease from the meat mixture to ensure a clean, rich flavor profile. Return pot to heat and pour in beef broth, stirring to combine all ingredients.
3. Bring liquid to a gentle simmer, allowing the broth to develop depth and release aromatic flavors from the meat and vegetables.
4. Gradually add elbow macaroni directly into the simmering broth. Cook pasta for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until noodles reach an al dente texture.
5. Reduce cooking temperature to low. Pour in heavy cream, creating a luxurious base. Sprinkle 1 shredded cheddar cheese into the soup, stirring continuously until cheese melts completely.
6. Incorporate diced tomatoes, allowing them to blend seamlessly with the creamy mixture. Stir gently to distribute ingredients evenly.
7. Season the soup with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and dried basil. Adjust seasonings to personal taste preferences, ensuring a balanced flavor profile.
8. Allow soup to simmer for an additional 3-4 minutes, permitting flavors to meld and intensify.
9. Ladle hot soup into serving bowls. Garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley for a vibrant, aromatic finishing touch.

Notes

• This hearty soup combines the comforting flavors of ground beef, tender macaroni, and melted cheese in one delightful one-pot meal.
• Perfectly balanced with rich beef broth, creamy texture, and a blend of seasonings that create a satisfying and warming dining experience.
• Drain excess beef grease thoroughly to prevent an oily soup and ensure a cleaner, more appetizing final dish.
• Choose sharp cheddar cheese for a more intense flavor profile that elevates the overall taste of the soup.
• Fresh parsley isn’t just a garnish; it adds a bright, herbaceous note that cuts through the richness of the beef and cheese.
• Cooking macaroni directly in the broth allows the pasta to absorb additional flavor, making each bite more delicious and complex.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 525 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 19 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 125 mg