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Cheeseburger Pasta Soup: Comfort Food with Pickle Relish

This Cheeseburger Pasta Soup combines the beloved flavors of a classic cheeseburger with the warmth of a hearty soup. It’s a delightful mash-up that delivers comfort in every slurp!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb 80/20 ground beef
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 1 tbsp yellow mustard
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) petite diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 1/2 cups small pasta (elbow macaroni, ditalini, or small shells)
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup milk or heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup dill pickle relish
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • Paprika to taste (optional)
  • Olive oil (for cooking)

Instructions

  1. In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat a tiny splash of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it's completely browned and no pink remains.
  2. Once browned, carefully drain off any excess fat.
  3. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the diced onion to the pot with the cooked beef. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens and becomes translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  5. Stir in the tomato paste, ketchup, yellow mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly.
  6. Season with salt, black pepper, and paprika to taste.
  7. Pour in the beef broth and add the diced tomatoes (undrained). Stir everything together, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
  8. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for at least 15 minutes.
  9. Increase the heat back to medium-low. Add the dry pasta directly into the simmering soup. Cook according to package directions, or until the pasta is al dente.
  10. Once the pasta is cooked, remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the milk or cream.
  11. Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until each addition is completely melted and the soup is smooth and creamy.
  12. Finally, stir in the dill pickle relish. Give it a good mix to distribute that wonderful tangy flavor throughout the soup.
  13. Taste the soup and adjust seasonings as needed. Ladle into bowls and serve immediately.

Nutrition

Keywords: For the best texture, avoid overcooking the pasta. Grate your own cheese for a smoother melt. Feel free to adjust the amount of pickle relish based on your taste preference.