Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

  1. Heat a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
  2. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks (about 5-7 minutes).
  3. Once the beef is browned, drain any excess fat if necessary.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

  1. Add the chopped onion and garlic to the pot with the ground beef.
  2. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant.

Step 3: Add Seasonings

  1. Stir in the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
  2. Mix well to coat the beef and aromatics evenly with the spices.

Step 4: Incorporate the Liquid Base

  1. Pour in the beef broth and stir to deglaze the pot, scraping up any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom.
  2. Add the can of diced tomatoes (including the liquid), ketchup, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir to combine.

Step 5: Add the Macaroni

  1. Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
  2. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the soup simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the macaroni is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom.

Step 6: Add the Cream and Cheese

  1. Once the macaroni is cooked, reduce the heat to low.
  2. Stir in the milk (or heavy cream) to create a creamy base.
  3. Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, one handful at a time, stirring continuously until the cheese is fully melted and the soup is creamy.

Step 7: Optional Additions

  1. Stir in the frozen corn if desired, allowing it to heat through for 2-3 minutes.
  2. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Step 8: Serve and Garnish

  1. Ladle the hot macaroni cheeseburger soup into bowls.
  2. Garnish with fresh parsley, green onions, crumbled bacon, or extra shredded cheese for added flavor and presentation.

Tips for Success

  1. Use High-Quality Cheese: Opt for freshly shredded cheddar cheese for better melting and flavor compared to pre-shredded cheese, which often contains anti-caking agents.
  2. Customize the Protein: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based alternatives for a different twist.
  3. Make It Veggie-Packed: Add diced carrots, celery, or bell peppers when sautéing the onions and garlic for extra nutrients.
  4. Control the Creaminess: For a thicker soup, use heavy cream instead of milk or reduce the broth slightly.

Why One-Pot Meals Work

One-pot meals like this macaroni cheeseburger soup are not only convenient but also enhance the flavor by allowing all the ingredients to cook together in the same pot. This method simplifies the cleanup process and makes the dish more approachable for cooks of all skill levels