Description
A hearty, creamy soup that combines cheeseburger flavors with macaroni in a slow-cooked dish.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
- 1 cup diced carrots (cut into ¼-inch pieces)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb 85% lean ground beef
- 1 tsp kosher salt, divided
- ½ tsp ground black pepper, divided
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with their juice
- 2 cups dry elbow macaroni
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups freshly shredded medium or sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables: Chop the onion, dice the carrots into ¼-inch pieces, mince the garlic, and chop the parsley.
- Cook the aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and carrots, then cook for 4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Brown the beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Season it with ½ teaspoon kosher salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, breaking the meat into small crumbles. Drain excess fat.
- Fill the slow cooker: Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture to the crockpot. Add Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, and diced tomatoes. Stir well and cover.
- Slow-cook the soup base: Cook on low for 5½ to 6 hours or on high for 2½ to 3 hours.
- Add the macaroni: Stir in the elbow macaroni. Cover and cook on high for 15 minutes, then stir thoroughly. Check every 5 minutes until the pasta is barely al dente.
- Finish the creamy broth: Turn the slow cooker to low. Stir in the heavy cream and cheddar in three additions, melting fully before adding more. Cover for 5 minutes.
- Season and serve: Stir in remaining salt, pepper, and parsley. Ladle into bowls and serve promptly.
Notes
For a spicier version, replace cheddar with pepper Jack and add crushed red pepper. Can also substitute ground turkey or add bacon for variation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 385 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 720
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 45g
- Saturated Fat: 25g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 160mg
Keywords: crockpot, soup, macaroni, cheeseburger, beef, easy recipe