Manly Meal: Macaroni and Cheese Beer-ger Soup

Two nights a week I find myself rather short on time given that I am taking Cardiovascular Technology classes. On those nights, I need something that either can be put into a slow cooker and forgotten about, or is quick and easy to make. Today, I was busy trying to develop new recipes for fall inspired baked goods; so I needed to make something rather quickly. I also want to make sure that even though the meal was thrown together quickly, it was hearty and filling enough for my boys.

My boys love "manly" meals. What our family considers manly meals are ones that are hearty and full of meat. You know, food that men love. Our son loves being able to bond with his dad over their love for meat and cheese. And I...while I enjoy both meat and cheese, I do not quite share their deep rooted love, but I do love making them meals they love.

That was my inspiration for tonight: Macaroni and Cheese Beer-ger Soup.

With just a handful of ingredients you get a flavorful and filling soup that the most manly of men and daintiest of women will both enjoy.

MACARONI AND CHEESE BEER-GER SOUP

(Makes 6 hearty servings)

• 1 (16oz) package of macaroni (I like to use rice macaroni)
• 2 lbs ground sirloin
  
• 1/2 cup carrot, diced
• 1/2 cup onion, diced
• 1/2 cup celery, diced
• 2 tsp garlic, minced
• 3 tbsp vegetable oil
• 3 tbsp flour
  
• 2 (12 oz) cans beer
• 1 1/4 cups water
• 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 2/3 cup milk
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 12 oz American cheese
• 1/2 cup cheddar cheese , shredded
• salt and pepper, to taste
• hot sauce, optional
  

1. Before you start on your soup base, get a big pot of salted water boiling. Once it has come to a rolling boil, add your macaroni. Cook your macaroni until al dente, or slightly chewy in the middle. Drain, rinse, and reserve for a little later on.
   
2. Saute carrots, onion, celery and garlic in vegetable oil until tender. Whisk flour into sauteed vegetables and allow to cook for 1 minute while whisking constantly. You do not want your soup tasting of raw flour.
3. Add beer to vegetable/flour mixture and whisk until all the flour has dissolved into beer. Add water, chicken broth and milk. Bring to a light simmer. Turn down burner and allow to simmer for 15 minutes.
4. While the soup base is simmering, in a separate pan, brown and drain your ground sirloin.
   
5. Add sour cream and American cheese. Stir until well incorporated. Also add your macaroni and browned ground sirloin.
   
6. Add remaining cheese and stir until all the cheese has melted and been incorporated. Season with salt, pepper, and hot sauce (if using).

I hope you enjoy your manly meal. Happy cooking!