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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Bring liquid to a gentle simmer, allowing the broth to develop depth and release aromatic flavors from the meat and vegetables.
- 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.
- 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.
- Incorporate diced tomatoes, allowing them to blend seamlessly with the creamy mixture. Stir gently to distribute ingredients evenly.
- Season the soup with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and dried basil. Adjust seasonings to personal taste preferences, ensuring a balanced flavor profile.
- Allow soup to simmer for an additional 3-4 minutes, permitting flavors to meld and intensify.
- 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