Description
A rich, creamy American soup blending cheeseburger flavors with tender elbow macaroni. Made with a Cheddar broth, browned beef, and a smooth roux-based sauce for a wholesome, comfort-filled family-friendly meal.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 pound lean ground beef (93/7) or ground turkey/plant-based crumbles
5 tablespoons unsalted butter
2¼ cups mirepoix (diced carrot, celery, onion, equal parts)
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1¼ cups elbow macaroni
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
½ teaspoon ground mustard (optional)
6 cups low-sodium chicken broth or stock
⅓ cup all-purpose flour
3 cups whole milk
½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 cups freshly shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
⅓ cup sour cream
Instructions
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high. Brown ground beef, breaking into small pieces, then drain excess fat if needed.
Reduce heat, add 2 tablespoons butter, and 1¼ cups mirepoix. Sauté until vegetables soften and caramelize, about 8 minutes.
Add garlic, basil, parsley, and ground mustard (if using). Cook 1 minute.
Sprinkle flour over the mixture, stir, and cook 2 minutes to remove raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in chicken broth, then bring to a simmer.
Stir in elbow macaroni and cook until tender, about 10 minutes. Remove macaroni with a slotted spoon and set aside.
In the same pot, whisk in remaining ½ cup broth and 2 tablespoons butter. Add sour cream and remaining 1¼ cups milk-cream mixture. Bring to a slow simmer.
Gradually whisk in shredded Cheddar cheese until melted. Return macaroni to the pot, stir to coat evenly. Simmer 5-10 minutes until thickened. Season with salt and pepper.
Notes
Freshly shredding Cheddar ensures a smooth sauce and avoids grit from anti-caking agents in pre-shredded cheese. Use a mandoline for thin onion slices in the mirepoix. Leftovers keep in the fridge for 3-4 days. Serve with buttered crusty bread for dipping.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx 1¼ cups)
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
