# One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup with Bacon, Parmesan, and Cheesy Toast
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4-6
## Introduction
What better way to warm up during those cold days than with a cozy, creamy bowl of One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup with Bacon, Parmesan, and Cheesy Toast? This delicious meal incorporates all the rich, savory flavors of a classic cheeseburger into a hearty and satisfying soup. With a handful of staple ingredients and less than an hour of your time, you can whip up a dinner that the whole family will enjoy!
## Why Make This Recipe
This One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup with Bacon, Parmesan, and Cheesy Toast is:
– Comforting and hearty: It’s filling and offers a generous serving of protein, vegetables, and carbohydrates all in one pot.
– Easy to prepare: All you need is a chopping board, knife, and pot. It’s an excellent option for those busy weekdays, either for lunch or dinner.
– Versatile: You can customize the recipe with your favorite cheeses or add in more vegetables for a healthier twist.
## How to Make One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup with Bacon, Parmesan, and Cheesy Toast
### Ingredients:
– 6 strips of bacon, chopped
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
– 4 cups beef broth
– 2 cups elbow macaroni
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1 teaspoon mustard powder
– 2 tablespoons tomato paste
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
### For the Cheesy Toast:
– 4 slices of bread
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
– 2 tablespoons butter
### Directions:
1. Cook bacon in a large pot until crispy. Set aside.
2. Brown the ground beef in the same pot. Set aside.
3. Add onion and garlic to the pot, sautéing until onion is translucent.
4. Stir in tomato paste, diced tomatoes, beef broth, paprika, mustard powder, cooked beef, and macaroni into the pot.
5. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Allow the mixture to simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until pasta is cooked.
7. Stir in shredded cheddar, Parmesan, and heavy cream. Continue cooking for 5 minutes.
8. Butter the bread slices and sprinkle cheese on top. Toast until cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Garnish the soup with crispy bacon bits. Serve hot with cheesy toast on the side.
## How to Serve One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup with Bacon, Parmesan, and Cheesy Toast
Serve this comfort food in a deep soup bowl while it’s still hot. Don’t forget the golden, crispy cheesy toast on the side. It’s the perfect sponge to soak up any leftover soup at the bottom of the bowl.
## How to Store One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup with Bacon, Parmesan, and Cheesy Toast
Store any leftover soup in airtight containers and refrigerate for up to three days. For longer storage, you can also freeze it for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
## Tips to Make One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup with Bacon, Parmesan, and Cheesy Toast
– Always toast the pasta for a little while in the pot with the onions and garlic before adding liquids. It enhances the flavor of the pasta.
– To make it lighter, you can replace the heavy cream with half and half or milk.
– Always use a good quality broth, it significantly impacts the flavor of the soup.
## Variations
If you want to mix things up, here are a few variations:
– Try using other types of ground meat, like chicken or turkey.
– Throw in a can of kidney beans or corn for added texture and flavor.
– Add some chili powder or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
## FAQs
Q1: Can I freeze this soup?
– Yes, simply let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to three months.
Q2: Can I make this soup vegetarian?
– Yes. Omit the ground beef and bacon, and replace the beef broth with vegetable broth.
Q3: Can I use other types of cheese?
– Yes, feel free to use any cheese that melts well. Some other great options could be mozzarella, gouda, or fontina. Experiment to find your favorite combination!