Ingredients:

For this comforting Crockpot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup, you will need the following ingredients:

For the Soup:

1 lb ground beef: This is the star of the dish, adding that classic cheeseburger flavor.
1 onion, chopped: Onions provide a sweet and savory base for the soup.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic adds depth and aroma.
4 cups beef broth: This forms the base of your soup, bringing richness to the flavors.
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes: For a pop of acidity and sweetness.
1 cup carrots, diced: Carrots add sweetness and nutrition.
2 cups macaroni noodles: The heartiness of macaroni makes this dish comforting and filling.
2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded: The star ingredient for that creamy, cheesy finish.
1 cup heavy cream: This enhances the soup’s creaminess and richness.
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: For umami flavor.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning.
1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing the onions and garlic.

Instructions

Preparation:

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute, stirring constantly to prevent it from burning. This step releases the natural sweetness of the onion and enhances the flavor of the soup.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

In the same skillet, add the ground beef. Cook until it’s browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spatula as you go. Drain any excess grease if necessary. Browning the meat adds depth of flavor and texture to the soup.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot

In your crockpot, combine the sautéed onions and garlic, browned ground beef, diced tomatoes (with their juice), carrots, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and season with salt and pepper. Stir everything together to ensure all the flavors meld.

Step 4: Cook in the Crockpot

Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. This long, slow cooking allows the flavors to develop beautifully and the carrots to become tender.

Step 5: Add Pasta and Cream

About 30 minutes before serving, add the macaroni noodles to the crockpot. If you’re cooking on low, increase the heat to high. Stir in the heavy cream and let it cook until the pasta is tender, which should take about 15-20 minutes. Finally, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.

Notes

Avoid Overcooking the Pasta: Since macaroni noodles will continue to cook even after you’ve turned off the heat, it’s crucial to add them in the last half hour of cooking to avoid mushy pasta.
Consistency Adjustments: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can reduce the broth or add more cheese. Conversely, if it’s too thick, just add a bit more broth or water.
Storage Tips: This soup stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just remember that the pasta will absorb some of the liquid, so you might need to add a splash of broth when reheating.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high

Nutrition

Calories: 420
Sodium: 800
Protein: 25