Name: Creamy Beef & Mac Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 lb Ground beef (Preferably 80/20 for flavor); 1 medium Onion, diced; 3 cups Beef broth (Low-sodium if preferred); 2 cups Elbow macaroni, uncooked; 2 cups Shredded cheddar cheese (Freshly shredded for best melt); 2 cups Milk (Whole or 2% for creaminess); Salt and pepper (To taste)

Jump to Recipe

Creamy Beef & Mac Soup is the kind of bowl that hugs you from the inside out — rich, creamy, and packed with juicy browned beef and tender macaroni. This cozy one-pot supper comes together quickly, uses simple pantry ingredients, and feeds a hungry family with leftovers to spare. Fun fact: many classic comfort soups began as kitchen experiments to stretch ingredients during colder months, which is probably how this hearty mash-up of cheeseburger vibes and noodle soup was born. If you love easy, satisfying dinners, you’ll appreciate how this recipe is as approachable as it is comforting. For another beef-forward comfort option, check out this Creamy Beef Taco Soup for a spicy twist. Ready to warm up the kitchen and your crew? Let’s dive in.

What is Creamy Beef & Mac Soup?

What’s in a name? Creamy Beef & Mac Soup sounds like a cross between a cheeseburger and your favorite bowl of childhood noodles — and honestly, that’s part of its charm. Why is it called that? Is it because the mac and cheese met beef in a cozy pot and decided to throw a party? Maybe. I like to joke that it exists to prove “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” Whether you call it soup, skillet dinner, or comfort food, it’s all about warm, cheesy broth and little pasta hugs. Give it a try and see which name sticks in your household.

Why You’ll Love This

Creamy, comforting, and filling — the main highlight is the silky cheese-milk sauce that clings to each macaroni, turning every spoonful into a little celebration of texture and flavor.
Budget-friendly and efficient — ground beef and elbow macaroni are inexpensive staples, so you get a big, satisfying pot of soup without breaking the bank.
Flavor boosters and toppings — shredded cheddar, a sprinkle of black pepper, or a handful of chopped green onions add brightness and a sharp finish that keeps each bite interesting.

If you enjoy rich, meaty soups like this, you might also like the Creamy Bacon and White Bean Soup for a smokier, bean-forward comfort option. Try this recipe tonight — it’s an easy way to feed a family and get rave reviews.

How to Make

Quick Overview

This recipe is easy to make, very forgiving, and yields a creamy, comforting bowl in about 30 minutes. The preparation is straightforward: brown the beef and onion, simmer the macaroni in beef broth, then stir in milk and cheese for a luxuriously creamy finish. The standout element is the creamy cheese sauce that transforms a simple beef and pasta dish into a soup that tastes indulgent without fuss.

Approximate time: Prep 10 minutes, Cook 20 minutes, Total 30 minutes.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef, preferably 80/20 for flavor
1 medium onion, diced
3 cups beef broth, low-sodium if preferred
2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, freshly shredded for best melt
2 cups milk, whole or 2% for creaminess
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

In a large pot over medium heat, add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook, breaking the beef apart with a spoon, until the beef is fully browned and the onion is soft and translucent, about 6–8 minutes.
Drain any excess fat carefully, leaving a little browned fond to build flavor.
Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Scrape the bottom of the pot to lift any browned bits.
Add the elbow macaroni to the boiling broth. Reduce the heat slightly so the broth maintains a gentle boil and cook the pasta until tender, about 7–8 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Once the macaroni is tender, reduce the heat to low. Stir in the milk slowly, then add the shredded cheddar cheese in small handfuls, stirring after each addition until the cheese is fully melted and the soup is smooth and creamy.
Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. If the soup is too thick, thin it with a splash more milk or broth until you reach the desired consistency.
Serve hot in bowls, garnished with extra shredded cheddar, chopped green onions, or a sprinkle of paprika if desired. Enjoy!

Creamy Beef & Mac Soup

What to Serve With

A crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness.
Warm, crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping into the creamy broth.
Roasted vegetables such as broccoli or green beans for color and a slight crunch.
Pickles or a simple slaw on the side to add acidity and balance.
A cold, light beer or an iced tea for a casual family meal.

Top Tips for Perfecting

Use freshly shredded cheese rather than pre-shredded: it melts smoother and gives a silkier finish.
If you prefer a dairy-free version, substitute the milk and cheese with a creamy non-dairy alternative and a vegan cheese that melts well, though texture will vary.
Don’t overcook the macaroni: aim for al dente before adding milk and cheese so it doesn’t become mushy after sitting.
For deeper flavor, brown the beef longer to develop more caramelized bits, and deglaze the pot with a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce or a splash of red wine before adding broth.
Avoid adding cold milk directly to a very hot pot; temper it by stirring a small ladle of hot broth into the milk first to prevent curdling.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Refrigeration: Cool the soup to room temperature then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Freezing: This soup can be frozen, but note that dairy-based soups can change texture after thawing. Freeze in a suitable container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: Gently reheat on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of milk or broth if the soup thickens or the pasta has absorbed too much liquid. Microwaving is possible in the short term, reheating in 1-minute intervals and stirring between bursts for even heat.

FAQs

What can I substitute for elbow macaroni?
You can use small shells, ditalini, or any small pasta shape that holds up well in soup. Adjust cooking time as needed.

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Yes — ground turkey or chicken work fine. Brown them well and consider adding a bit more seasoning, since they are milder than beef.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, swap beef broth for vegetable broth and use plant-based ground crumbles or extra mushrooms for a meaty texture. Use dairy-free milk and cheese if needed.

How do I prevent the cheese from separating or becoming grainy?
Grate the cheese fresh and add it over low heat, stirring gently. Avoid boiling once the cheese is added and use a high-quality cheese for best results.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes. Brown the beef and onions first, then add all ingredients except milk and cheese to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 3–4 hours, add milk and cheese at the end, and stir until melted. Add pasta later if you don’t want it to become too soft.

Conclusion

Creamy Beef & Mac Soup is a fast, comforting meal that delivers on flavor, texture, and ease — a perfect weeknight winner that also stretches the grocery budget. It’s forgiving for beginner cooks and customizable for families who like to tweak toppings or swap ingredients. If you enjoy cheeseburger-style soups, you might also find inspiration in recipes like One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup – NO VELVEETA! – Midwest Foodie and Creamy Beef and Tomato Noodle Soup – Mel’s Kitchen Cafe. Give this bowl a try tonight, share it with loved ones, and savor how simple ingredients can become something truly special.