Elbow Macaroni: Provides classic, comforting texture; select standard or whole wheat varieties based on preference.
For Seasoning and Garnish:
Salt, Black Pepper: Fundamental taste enhancers; use freshly ground pepper for more intense flavor.
Dried Basil: Introduces gentle herbal undertone; ensure herbs are fresh and fragrant.
Fresh Parsley: Offers final fresh, green accent; choose crisp, vibrant leaves.
For Cooking Fat:
Olive Oil: Creates initial cooking base; select extra virgin for best flavor profile.
Tools You’ll Use for Cheesy Beefy Macaroni Soup
Large Pot: Essential for browning beef and cooking the entire soup.
Wooden Spoon: Perfect for stirring ingredients and preventing sticking.
Measuring Cups: Helps accurately measure broth and cream.
Cheese Grater: Useful for shredding fresh cheddar cheese.
Cutting Board: Needed for chopping onions and preparing ingredients.
Sharp Knife: Required for dicing vegetables and preparing ingredients.
Ladle: Great for serving the hot soup into bowls.
How to Cook Cheesy Beefy Macaroni Soup Easily
Beef Preparation Initial cooking of ground meat involves sautéing with aromatic vegetables in a spacious cooking vessel. The goal is developing deep, rich flavors while ensuring meat becomes nicely caramelized and broken into small delectable pieces.
Liquid Foundation Creating the soup's core by introducing savory beef stock transforms the meat mixture into a warm, comforting liquid base. The stock infuses extra depth and complexity into the developing soup.
Pasta Integration Gently incorporate uncooked pasta into the simmering liquid, allowing noodles to absorb surrounding flavors while becoming perfectly tender. Watch closely to prevent overcooking and maintain ideal pasta texture.
Dairy Magic The transformative moment arrives when creamy dairy products mingle with existing ingredients. Shredded cheese melts seamlessly, creating a luxurious, silky texture that coats every morsel.
Flavor Harmony Final seasoning stage allows subtle enhancement of overall taste profile. Carefully selected herbs and spices elevate the soup from simple to spectacular, balancing salt, pepper, and aromatic elements.
Presentation Moment Ladle the steaming soup into waiting bowls, garnishing with fresh green herbs that provide visual appeal and bright herbaceous notes. Serve immediately while temperature and consistency remain perfect.
Boost the Taste of Your Cheesy Beefy Macaroni Soup
Transform this hearty soup by swapping ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
Experiment with different cheese varieties like pepper jack, gouda, or a blend of monterey jack and sharp cheddar to create unique flavor profiles.
Enhance nutritional value by adding diced carrots, celery, or frozen mixed vegetables during the browning stage for extra texture and vitamins.
Prepare the soup in advance and store in airtight containers. The flavors actually improve after sitting overnight, making it a perfect meal prep option that tastes even better the next day.
Serving Ideas for Cheesy Macaroni Soup
Sprinkle Cheese Toppings: Enhance the soup's richness by adding extra shredded cheddar or parmesan cheese on top, creating a delightful melty layer that adds depth and excitement to each spoonful.
Pair with Crusty Bread: Serve alongside warm, toasted sourdough or garlic bread to soak up the creamy broth, turning this soup into a hearty and satisfying meal that comforts the soul.
Boost with Fresh Herbs: Garnish with chopped fresh basil or chives right before serving to introduce a bright, aromatic element that cuts through the soup's creaminess and adds a pop of color.
Create a Side Salad: Complement the soup with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette, balancing the richness of the cheesy beef macaroni and providing a refreshing contrast to the warm, comforting dish.
Save and Reheat Cheesy Macaroni Soup Smoothly
Refrigerate Wisely: Store leftover cheesy beefy macaroni soup in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days to maintain optimal flavor and food safety.
Freeze for Later: Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Freeze for up to 2-3 months, ensuring you remove excess air to prevent freezer burn and maintain soup quality.
Reheat Perfectly: Thaw frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator. Warm gently in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of beef broth if the soup seems too thick during reheating to restore its creamy consistency.
Prevent Pasta Mushiness: When reheating, the pasta might absorb more liquid and become soft. To combat this, consider storing pasta and soup separately or adding fresh cooked macaroni when reheating for the best texture and taste.
Hearty cheesy beefy macaroni soup delivers comfort in a bowl with rich, creamy textures and bold flavor profiles. Midwestern home cooks cherish this simple yet satisfying recipe you’ll want to savor down to the last spoonful.
Ingredients
Scale
1 lb (454 g) ground beef
4 cups (946 ml) beef broth
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 ½ cups (190 g) elbow macaroni
1 cup (237 ml) heavy cream
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup diced tomatoes
2 tbsps (30 ml) olive oil
1 tsp dried basil
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley
Instructions
Meat Preparation: Sauté crumbled ground beef with onions and garlic in olive oil over medium heat, breaking meat into fine fragments until thoroughly browned and onions turn translucent.
Broth Integration: Drain excess grease, return pot to heat, and pour in beef broth, creating a robust foundation for the soup.
Pasta Infusion: Add elbow macaroni directly into simmering broth, cooking for 8-10 minutes until noodles reach perfect al dente consistency while stirring periodically.
Creamy Transformation: Reduce heat, introduce heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until cheese melts completely and creates a silky, luxurious texture.
Flavor Enhancement: Fold in diced tomatoes, allowing them to blend seamlessly with the creamy base, then season with kosher salt, black pepper, and dried basil to elevate the taste profile.
Final Flourish: Simmer for an additional 3-4 minutes to marry flavors, then serve hot, garnishing with fresh parsley for a vibrant, aromatic finish.
Notes
Drain Grease Thoroughly: Remove excess fat from ground beef to prevent a greasy, heavy soup texture and ensure a cleaner, more refined flavor.
Pasta Cooking Tip: Stir macaroni frequently during cooking to prevent sticking and achieve perfect al dente texture without becoming mushy.
Cheese Melting Technique: Add cheese gradually and stir continuously to create a smooth, creamy consistency without clumping or separating.
Flavor Balancing Hack: Taste and adjust seasonings incrementally, allowing the soup’s flavors to develop and blend harmoniously throughout the cooking process.
The French Culinary Institute (now part of the International Culinary Center)
Program: Classic Culinary Arts
Focus: An intensive curriculum rooted in classical French techniques, artisanal bread production, and contemporary culinary methods.
Michael Rivera is a seasoned chef and culinary instructor based in San Francisco, CA. Trained in Classic Culinary Arts at The French Culinary Institute, he refined his skills in Michelin-starred kitchens, mastering classic French techniques and artisanal bread baking.
Passionate about making gourmet methods accessible, Michael co-founded thatsmyhome.com to share his expertise through interactive online lessons and innovative, plant-based recipes. He loves blending traditional techniques with modern ideas, encouraging home cooks to enjoy the art of cooking in a relaxed, fun environment.
Michael Rivera
Co-Founder & Culinary Instructor
Expertise
Education
The French Culinary Institute (now part of the International Culinary Center)
Michael Rivera is a seasoned chef and culinary instructor based in San Francisco, CA. Trained in Classic Culinary Arts at The French Culinary Institute, he refined his skills in Michelin-starred kitchens, mastering classic French techniques and artisanal bread baking.
Passionate about making gourmet methods accessible, Michael co-founded thatsmyhome.com to share his expertise through interactive online lessons and innovative, plant-based recipes. He loves blending traditional techniques with modern ideas, encouraging home cooks to enjoy the art of cooking in a relaxed, fun environment.