Introduction
If you love cheeseburgers and creamy pasta, you’re about to meet your new favorite comfort food. This Crockpot Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup brings together ground beef, tender macaroni, melty cheddar cheese, and a rich, creamy broth all slow-cooked to cozy perfection. It’s hearty, family-friendly, and perfect for busy weeknights or chilly fall evenings when you crave something that feels like a hug in a bowl.
What Is Crockpot Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup / Why It’s Special
Imagine the best parts of a classic cheeseburger juicy beef, melty cheese, and rich flavor turned into a creamy, spoonable soup with tender pasta and a velvety broth. This soup is special because it’s made in the crockpot, letting the flavors deepen over hours while you go about your day. It’s everything you love about a hearty dinner filling, flavorful, and simple to make.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cups beef broth
- 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cheddar cheese soup
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 ½ cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Optional Add-Ins:
- Crumbled cooked bacon for topping
- A dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick
- Chopped pickles for that true “cheeseburger” twist
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Beef
In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and the ground beef. Cook until browned and crumbly, about 5–6 minutes. Drain excess grease, then transfer the beef to your crockpot.
Step 2: Add Aromatics and Seasonings
Add diced onion, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the crockpot. Stir to mix evenly with the beef.
Step 3: Add Broth and Base
Pour in beef broth, milk, condensed cheddar cheese soup, diced tomatoes, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir gently to combine all ingredients.
Step 4: Cook Low and Slow
Cover the crockpot and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld and the base to become rich and creamy.
Step 5: Add Pasta
About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni. Re-cover and cook until the pasta is tender.
Step 6: Stir in the Cheese
Once the macaroni is cooked, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 7: Serve & Garnish
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley. Add extra cheddar or crumbled bacon if you’re feeling indulgent!
Tips / Variations / Why You’ll Love It
- Tip: To prevent mushy pasta, add it toward the end of cooking or cook separately and stir it in before serving.
- Tip: Use evaporated milk for extra creaminess.
- Variation: Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Variation: Make it vegetarian skip the beef and use plant-based crumbles with veggie broth.
- Why You’ll Love It: It’s everything you love about a cheeseburger cheesy, savory, hearty in a bowl that warms you from the inside out.
FAQs
Q1. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk if it thickens.
Q2. Can I freeze it?
You can freeze it before adding the pasta. Add fresh pasta when reheating for best texture.
Q3. What cheese works best?
Sharp cheddar adds the richest flavor, but Colby Jack or American cheese melts beautifully too.
Q4. How can I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free macaroni and double-check your soup base and Worcestershire sauce labels.
Conclusion
This Crockpot Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup is pure comfort in a bowl hearty, cheesy, and simple enough for any night of the week. With slow-cooked beef, tender pasta, and a creamy cheddar broth, it’s the kind of meal everyone will ask for again and again.
✨ Try it this week and tag @EatTreatsRecipes on Pinterest or Instagram because comfort should always be this delicious!