Today, we’re diving into the ultimate comfort food: Bacon Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup!
Yes, you read that right – all the delicious flavors of a classic bacon cheeseburger packed into a cozy, creamy soup.
Imagine tender elbow macaroni swimming in a creamy broth with crispy bacon, savory ground beef, and ooey-gooey melted cheddar cheese. It’s the kind of soup that warms you from the inside out and leaves you with a satisfied smile.
Whether you’re craving a hearty weeknight dinner or looking to impress your friends at a casual get-together, this soup has got you covered.
So grab your apron and let’s get cooking – because once you try this Bacon Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup, you’ll be hooked!
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Ingredients in Bacon Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup
So, for this awesome Bacon Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup, you’ll need 4 teaspoons of Italian seasoning to give it that flavorful kick.
Don’t forget 6 tablespoons of butter for sautéing and richness.
Grab a yellow onion, a cup each of sliced carrots and celery, and 5 cloves of garlic for those aromatic veggies.
You’ll also want 4 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to make a nice thick base for the soup.
For the liquid, get ready with 8 cups of chicken broth.
Of course, we can’t forget the star of the show – 8 ounces of elbow macaroni, uncooked.
To make it creamy and indulgent, you’ll need a cup of heavy cream.
And for that classic bacon cheeseburger taste, you’ll need half a pound of crispy cooked bacon and a pound of browned ground beef.
Oh, and don’t forget the cheese! You’ll need 2 cups of sharp cheddar cheese to melt in there.
Lastly, a teaspoon of white vinegar adds a nice tangy twist.
So get these ingredients together, and we’re on our way to some seriously delicious soup!
Substitute Ingredients for Bacon Cheeseburger Soup
Don’t worry if you’re missing some ingredients for your Bacon Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup, here are some easy swaps.
If you’re out of Italian seasoning, try using a mix of dried oregano, basil, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for that herby flavor.
Instead of butter, you can use olive oil or even margarine.
If you don’t have a yellow onion, a white onion or even a couple of shallots will do the trick. In place of sliced carrots and celery, frozen mixed vegetables work great for a quick fix.
No fresh garlic? Garlic powder or garlic paste can save the day.
If you’re out of all-purpose flour, cornstarch or arrowroot powder can be used as a thickener.
Vegetable broth can be a substitute for chicken broth if that’s what you have.
Any small pasta like shells or penne can stand in for elbow macaroni.
For the creamy element, half-and-half or whole milk can replace heavy cream.
If bacon is scarce, turkey bacon or even a smoky paprika can mimic that bacon flavor.
Ground turkey can be used instead of ground beef for a lighter option.
And if you’re out of sharp cheddar cheese, mild cheddar or even Monterey Jack will still give you that cheesy goodness.
Finally, if white vinegar isn’t on hand, a squeeze of lemon juice can provide a similar tang. With these swaps, you can still whip up a tasty Bacon Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup with what you have in the pantry!
Instructions for Making Bacon Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup Recipe
Alright, let’s get cooking this Bacon Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup!
First up, grab a large pot or Dutch oven. Add in 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, the diced onions and minced garlic. Season it up with the salt, and pepper to taste. Cook the ground beef until it’s browned and cooked through. Remove from pot and set aside.
Cook the bacon in the same pot until it’s nice and crispy. Once it’s done, take out the bacon and set it aside. Keep that flavorful bacon grease in the pot.
Add in the butter and let it melt. Toss in your sliced carrots and celery. Add the other 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning. Cook them up until they’re nice and tender, about 5-7 minutes.
Sprinkle in the flour, stirring constantly to make a roux. Let that cook for a few minutes to get rid of that raw flour taste.
Now, slowly whisk in the chicken broth, making sure there are no lumps from the roux. Bring it all to a simmer.
Once it’s simmering, add in the elbow macaroni and cook it until it’s nice and tender, following the package instructions for al dente.
Now, stir in the heavy cream, white vinegar, cooked ground beef, and half of that crispy bacon you set aside earlier.
Let it all simmer together for another 5 minutes or so. Gradually add in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, stirring until it’s all melted and creamy.
Taste it and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Now you’re ready to serve! Ladle that delicious soup into bowls and top it off with the remaining crispy bacon pieces.
Maybe throw on some chopped green onions and extra shredded cheese for good measure!
Follow these steps, and you’ll have a steaming pot of delicious soup ready to enjoy. Bon appétit!
Tips and Tricks for Making this Bacon Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup
Here are a few tips to make it even more delicious!
When cooking the bacon, use a sharp knife to slice it into small pieces before frying. This helps it cook evenly and get super crispy.
Save time by prepping your veggies ahead of time – you can even find pre-cut carrots and celery at the store for convenience.
Want to make it a bit healthier? Use lean ground turkey instead of beef, and low-fat milk instead of heavy cream.
If you’re a fan of extra cheese (who isn’t?), add some shredded cheese on top of each bowl when serving for an extra cheesy kick.
Don’t have Italian seasoning? No problem! A mix of dried oregano, basil, and a pinch of thyme works just as well.
Want to make it ahead? This soup reheats beautifully, so go ahead and make a big batch for leftovers. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
And lastly, don’t forget the garnishes! Chopped green onions, a dollop of sour cream, or even some crushed tortilla chips can take this soup to the next level. So get creative and make this Bacon Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup your own!
Storing and Reheating Leftover Bacon Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup
Alright, so you’ve made a big batch of Bacon Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup and you’re wondering how to store and reheat it? No worries, I got you covered!
Let the soup cool down a bit before storing it.
Transfer any leftovers into an airtight container or airtight zip-top bags. Pop it in the fridge, and it’ll stay good for up to 3 days.
Want to keep it even longer? You can freeze it!
Just make sure it’s in a freezer-safe container or bag, leaving some room for expansion.
Reheating:
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, there are a couple of ways to reheat.
If it’s from the fridge, simply transfer it to a pot and heat it over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it’s heated through.
If you’re reheating from frozen, you can thaw it in the fridge overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave. Once it’s thawed, heat this hearty soup up in a pot on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.
And there you go! A steaming bowl of delicious Bacon Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup ready to warm you up again. Easy peasy!
Items to Pair with Bacon Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup
Alright, so you’ve got a steaming bowl of Bacon Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup ready to go, but what should you serve with it? Here are some tasty ideas!
A classic side of crusty garlic bread or buttery dinner rolls is perfect for dunking into that creamy soup.
If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, why not whip up a simple side salad with fresh greens, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty vinaigrette? The crispness of the salad will complement the rich flavors of the soup.
For a heartier option, how about some loaded potato skins or crispy tater tots on the side? They’ll add a nice crunch and extra indulgence to your meal.
And of course, you can never go wrong with a cold, refreshing beverage like an ice-cold beer, a glass of chilled white wine, or even a tall glass of lemonade. These drinks will balance out the warmth and richness of the soup.
So whether you’re in the mood for something light and fresh or comforting and indulgent, these pairings will take your Bacon Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup to the next level!
If you’ve liked this recipe, check out my other Soup Recipes!
Bacon Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup
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Ingredients
- 4 tsp Italian seasoning
- 6 tablespoons butter
- 1 yellow onion diced
- 1 cup sliced carrots
- 1 cup sliced celery
- 5 cloves garlic minced
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 8 ounces uncooked elbow macaroni
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 pound bacon cooked until crisp and sliced
- 1 pound ground beef browned and drained
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: chopped green onions additional shredded cheese, crispy bacon bits
Instructions
- Cook Bacon: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon, leaving the bacon grease in the pot. Set the bacon aside to use as a topping later.
- Saute Vegetables: In the same pot with the bacon grease, add the diced onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Cook over medium heat until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
- Make Roux: Add the butter to the pot and allow it to melt. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and butter, stirring constantly to create a roux. Cook for 2-3 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
- Add Broth and Seasoning: Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, stirring to combine and remove any lumps from the roux. Add the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Cook Macaroni: Once simmering, add the uncooked elbow macaroni to the pot. Cook according to package instructions until the macaroni is tender, stirring occasionally.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream, white vinegar, cooked ground beef, and half of the crispy bacon pieces. Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes. Then, gradually stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
- Serve: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with remaining crispy bacon pieces, chopped green onions, and extra shredded cheese if desired.
- Enjoy this hearty and flavorful Bacon Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup!
- Feel free to adjust the seasoning, cheese, or any other ingredients according to your taste preferences. Enjoy your delicious soup!