This Crock Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is a creamy, comforting dish made with ground beef, macaroni, and cheese for a hearty meal that cooks while you relax.

Introduction

There’s nothing better than coming home to the smell of a warm, comforting meal ready and waiting for you. This Crock Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is the perfect solution for a busy day when you want a meal that’s filling, flavorful, and requires minimal prep time. Think of all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger, turned into a creamy, savory soup! With tender macaroni, seasoned ground beef, melty cheddar cheese, and a rich broth, this soup will be a hit with the whole family.

Using the slow cooker makes this dish incredibly convenient, allowing you to set it and forget it until dinnertime. Just a few minutes of prep in the morning, and by evening, you’ll have a delicious, hearty soup ready to serve. It’s a comforting option for chilly nights or anytime you crave a warm, cheesy bowl of goodness.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup milk or half-and-half
• 1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions

1. Brown the beef: In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
2. Transfer to the slow cooker: Add the cooked ground beef, chopped onion, minced garlic, beef broth, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper to the crock pot. Stir to combine.
3. Cook the soup: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours.
4. Add macaroni and cheese: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the uncooked macaroni and shredded cheese. Cover and cook on high for 30 minutes, or until the macaroni is tender and the cheese is fully melted.
5. Finish with milk: Stir in the milk or half-and-half just before serving for added creaminess. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
6. Garnish and serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

How to Prepare

Using a slow cooker makes this recipe incredibly simple. Start by browning the beef to enhance its flavor, then add all the ingredients to the crock pot and let it simmer for hours, filling your home with a savory aroma. Add the macaroni and cheese in the final 30 minutes of cooking to ensure the pasta is perfectly tender and the cheese is rich and creamy. Adding milk at the end enhances the soup’s texture, giving it a smooth, satisfying finish.

Preparation Time

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
• Total time: 6.5-7.5 hours

Servings

This recipe makes approximately 6-8 servings.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
   Yes! Small pasta like shells or ditalini work well. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
2. Can I make this soup dairy-free?
   You can use dairy-free cheese and milk substitutes, although the taste may vary slightly.
3. Is it necessary to brown the beef first?
   Browning adds flavor, but you can skip this step if you’re short on time. Just add the beef raw to the crock pot and cook as directed.
4. Can I make this soup ahead?
   Yes! Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
5. Can I freeze leftovers?
   Absolutely. This soup freezes well; just cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Thaw and reheat as needed.

Conclusion

This Crock Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup combines the flavors of a juicy cheeseburger with the cozy comfort of a slow-cooked soup. It’s creamy, rich, and perfect for those days when you need a warm meal that’s ready when you are. With minimal prep and a slow cooker doing the work, it’s the ultimate convenience meal with maximum flavor. Give it a try, and watch as this hearty soup becomes a family favorite in no time!