Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Mac Soup

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cheddar cheese soup
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup elbow macaroni, uncooked
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional toppings: sour cream, green onions, extra bacon

Step-by-Step

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.

2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Cook until the onion is softened, about 5 minutes.

3. Stir in the beef broth, diced tomatoes (undrained), cheddar cheese soup, and milk.

4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

6. Add the uncooked elbow macaroni.

7. Cook according to package directions or until the macaroni is tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes.

8. Stir in the cooked and crumbled bacon and shredded cheddar cheese.

9. Continue stirring until the cheese is melted and the soup is heated through.

10. Serve hot, garnished with your favorite toppings like sour cream, green onions, or extra bacon.

The Ultimate Comfort Food: A Deep Dive

This Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Mac Soup is a symphony of flavors. It combines the beloved tastes of a classic cheeseburger with the creamy comfort of macaroni and cheese, all in a hearty soup.

It is a perfect way to warm up on a chilly day.

It is also a crowd-pleasing dish for potlucks and family gatherings.

Why This Recipe Works

The combination of ground beef, bacon, and cheddar cheese creates that unmistakable cheeseburger flavor.

The macaroni adds a comforting texture and heartiness.

The beef broth and milk provide a creamy base that ties everything together.

Using condensed cheddar cheese soup adds extra cheesiness and richness, while helping to thicken the soup.

Customizing Your Soup

This recipe is a great starting point, but you can easily customize it to your liking.

Adjusting the Meat: You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef. For a vegetarian option, consider using plant-based ground meat. You can also use different types of bacon, such as turkey bacon or maple-flavored bacon.

Adding Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the soup. Diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or corn would all be delicious additions.

Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little kick. Diced jalapenos would also work well.

Cheese Variations: While cheddar cheese is the classic choice, you can experiment with other cheeses. Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or even a little bit of pepper jack would be delicious.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Soup

Making a great soup is easy, but here are a few tips and tricks to ensure success.

Browning the Ground Beef

Make sure to brown the ground beef thoroughly. This will develop a richer flavor.

Drain off any excess grease after browning to prevent the soup from becoming too greasy.

Cooking the Macaroni

Be careful not to overcook the macaroni. Overcooked macaroni will become mushy in the soup. Cook it until it is just tender.

You can cook the macaroni separately and add it to the soup at the end to avoid overcooking.

Cheese Matters

Use a good quality cheddar cheese for the best flavor. Pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting smoothly. Shred your own cheese for a creamier result.

Stir the cheese in gradually until it is completely melted.

The Importance of Broth

Using a good quality beef broth is essential. Low-sodium broth allows you to control the saltiness of the soup.

You can also use chicken broth or vegetable broth if you prefer.

Don’t Forget the Toppings

The toppings are what really make this soup special. Sour cream, green onions, and extra bacon are all great choices.

Other topping ideas include diced tomatoes, avocado, or a dollop of Greek yogurt.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Mac Soup is delicious on its own, but it can also be paired with other dishes.

Side Dish Ideas

A simple side salad is a great way to balance out the richness of the soup.

Crusty bread is perfect for dipping into the soup.

A grilled cheese sandwich would also be a fun and indulgent pairing.

Drink Pairings

A light beer or cider would complement the flavors of the soup.

A glass of milk is a classic pairing with macaroni and cheese.

A crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, would also work well.

Make it a Meal

Serve the soup in a bread bowl for a complete and satisfying meal.

Add a side of coleslaw or potato salad for a picnic-inspired lunch.

Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions

This soup is great for meal prepping and can be made ahead of time.

Make-Ahead Instructions

You can make the soup up to 2 days in advance. Store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container.

Reheat the soup on the stovetop or in the microwave.

You may need to add a little extra milk or broth to thin the soup out after it has been refrigerated.

Storage Instructions

Store leftover soup in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

The soup can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating Instructions

Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally.

You can also reheat the soup in the microwave. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.

Nutritional Information and Health Benefits

This Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Mac Soup is a hearty and satisfying meal, but it’s important to be mindful of the nutritional content.

Key Nutrients

This soup is a good source of protein, calcium, and iron.

It also provides some fiber and vitamins.

Calorie Count and Macros

The calorie count will vary depending on the ingredients used. A typical serving contains approximately 400-500 calories.

The soup is relatively high in fat and carbohydrates.

Health Considerations

This soup should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

It is important to be mindful of the sodium content, especially if you are watching your sodium intake.

You can reduce the sodium content by using low-sodium broth and cheese.

Consider using lean ground beef and turkey bacon to reduce the fat content.

FAQ Section

Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes, you can definitely experiment with different cheeses. Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or pepper jack would all be great alternatives to cheddar.

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Brown the ground beef and onion as directed, then transfer everything to the slow cooker except the macaroni and cheese. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Stir in the macaroni and cheese during the last 30 minutes, or until the noodles are cooked.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, you can make this soup vegetarian by using plant-based ground meat and vegetable broth. You’ll also need to omit the bacon or use a vegetarian bacon substitute.

Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, you can freeze this soup. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

How can I make this soup thicker?

If you want a thicker soup, you can add a cornstarch slurry. Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water, then stir it into the soup while it’s simmering. Cook for a few minutes until the soup thickens. Alternatively, you can mash some of the macaroni with a fork to thicken the soup.