Crockpot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is a delightful dish that combines the comforting flavors of a cheeseburger with the heartiness of a warming soup. This unique recipe is perfect for busy days when you want a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Simply throw all the ingredients into your crockpot and let it do the work for you. The result is a creamy, savory soup that is sure to please everyone at the table.
Why We Love This Crockpot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
There are many reasons why this Crockpot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup recipe stands out in the world of comfort food. First and foremost, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. You can set it and forget it, and come back to a deliciously rich and satisfying dish. Additionally, it offers a perfect blend of flavors and textures: the savory ground beef, the creamy cheese, and the tender macaroni create a symphony of tastes that are sure to fill you up and keep you cozy. Plus, it’s highly customizable—feel free to add your favorite toppings or side ingredients for a personal touch. Overflowing with cheese and flavor, it’s a meal the whole family can enjoy.
Ingredients about Crockpot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup
To whip up this warm and hearty bowl of Crockpot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup, gather these ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 cups macaroni, uncooked
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional toppings: diced pickles, mustard
How to Make Crockpot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Directions
Making this Crockpot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is a straightforward process that will have your kitchen smelling amazing in no time.
- Brown the Ground Beef: Start by browning 1 pound of ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. This step is essential to develop flavor and ensure the meat is fully cooked.
- Add Onions and Garlic: As the beef cooks, incorporate 1 chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves into the pan. Stir them together, cooking until the beef is no longer pink and the onions are translucent, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Drain the Fat: Once the beef, onion, and garlic are cooked, drain any excess fat from the skillet. This step ensures your soup won’t be greasy.
- Transfer to the Crockpot: Now, transfer the beef mixture to your crockpot to kick off the slow cooking process.
- Mix in Remaining Ingredients: In the crockpot, add 4 cups of beef broth, 1 can of diced tomatoes (including the juice), and 2 cups of uncooked macaroni. Mix everything together to make sure the ingredients are well combined.
- Set the Heat: Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. This slow cooking process helps blend all the flavors beautifully.
- Add the Creaminess: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in 1 cup of milk and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese melts and combines well with the soup.
- Seasoning Time: Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting according to your preference for flavor.
- Serve: Once done, serve it hot and relish the amazing flavors in every spoonful!
How to Serve Crockpot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup
Serving your Crockpot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is just as important as preparing it. This dish is wonderfully filling on its own, but you can elevate the experience in a few simple ways.
First, ladle the soup into bowls and offer optional toppings like diced pickles and mustard. These additions can add that classic cheeseburger taste that people love. You might also consider serving this soup with some freshly baked bread or crispy crackers on the side to make it even heartier. A simple green salad could be a great accompaniment, too, to balance the richness of the dish.
Encouraging your family and friends to personalize their bowls with toppings can create a fun and interactive meal experience. Everyone will enjoy adding their unique touch to the warm, cheesy goodness in front of them.
Expert Tips: Crockpot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup
To make your experience with Crockpot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup even better, here are some expert tips that you can use:
- Beef Variations: If you’re not a fan of ground beef, you could easily swap it out for ground turkey or even ground chicken for a lighter option. Just remember to adjust the cooking time if you use fresh ingredients.
- Cheese Selection: While cheddar is a classic choice, don’t hesitate to experiment with different cheeses. Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even a mix of cheeses can elevate the flavor profile of your soup.
- Spice it Up: If you’re craving a little heat, you can add a dash of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños to the mixture for a spicy kick.
- Veggie Boost: Consider tossing in some vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or even spinach to boost the nutritional value and add more texture to your soup.
- Slow Cooking: Make sure to follow the cooking times strictly—cooking too long can lead to mushy macaroni. If you’re short on time, the high setting is a great alternative.
How to Store Crockpot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup
If you happen to have leftovers after a delightful meal of Crockpot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup, storing them properly ensures you can enjoy it later.
- Cool the Soup: Allow the soup to cool down to room temperature after serving. This helps prevent condensation in the storage container.
- Use Airtight Containers: Transfer the cooled soup into airtight containers. Ensure that each container is filled to the top to minimize air exposure.
- Refrigeration: Store the containers in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the soup within three to four days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, consider freezing portions of the soup. It can last up to three months in the freezer. Just remember to label the containers with the date for your reference.
- Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheat the soup on the stove or in the microwave, adding a little more milk if necessary to restore its creamy texture.
Variation of Crockpot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup
One of the best features of this recipe is its flexibility. You can make it your own with these variations:
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute ground beef with plant-based ground meat or lentils to create a vegetarian-friendly option while maintaining a similar texture.
- Cheesy Broccoli Addition: For a twist, toss in some frozen broccoli florets into the crockpot. This adds delightful veggies and extra nutrients without sacrificing flavor.
- Italian Flair: Make an Italian version by stirring in some Italian seasoning and swapping the beef broth for a marinara sauce base instead of broth.
- Asian Influence: Try a fusion twist by adding cooked noodles and incorporating soy sauce, sesame oil, and chopped scallions as toppings for a ramen-inspired dish.
- Loaded Toppings: Create a loaded cheeseburger experience by topping each bowl with crispy fried onions, crumbled chips, or diced avocados for an extra layer of flavor.
FAQ
What is Crockpot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup?
Crockpot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is a comforting dish that combines seasoned ground beef, macaroni, diced tomatoes, and creamy cheese, all slow-cooked together in a hearty broth.
How long does it take to cook Crockpot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup?
You can cook this soup on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours in your crockpot, making it an easy, low-maintenance meal.
Can I freeze Crockpot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup?
Yes, you can freeze the soup for up to three months. Just ensure it’s in a well-sealed container to maintain its quality.
What kind of cheese works best in this soup?
While shredded cheddar cheese is the classic choice, you can experiment with other cheeses such as Monterey Jack or a blend to find your preferred flavor.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can replace the ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or lentils, along with vegetable broth to create a delicious vegetarian version of the soup.
Crockpot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 cups macaroni, uncooked
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes including juice
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Toppings
- diced pickles
- mustard
Instructions
Preparation
- Brown 1 pound of ground beef in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add 1 chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves to the pan while beef cooks.
- Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
Cooking
- Transfer beef mixture to the crockpot.
- Add 4 cups of beef broth, 1 can of diced tomatoes, and 2 cups of uncooked macaroni to the crockpot.
- Cover and set the crockpot to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- 30 minutes before serving, stir in 1 cup of milk and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot.
Send me this recipe!
Just enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox!