Step 1

Heat oven to 400 degrees. Place sesame seed bun cubes in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat evenly. Bake for 10 minutes or until crispy on the outside.

Step 2

Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add ground beef, 1 teaspoon oregano, 1 teaspoon thyme, and a couple pinches of salt and pepper. Brown the beef, crumbling with a spatula until cooked through. Remove from pan and set aside.

Step 3

Heat butter in the same large pot over medium heat (no need to wipe it out or drain the grease).

Step 4

Add onion, carrots, celery, and a large pinch of salt and pepper. Turn heat to medium-high and cook, stirring occasionally for 10 minutes.

Step 5

Reduce heat to medium and add garlic, the remaining 1 teaspoon oregano, and the remaining 1 teaspoon thyme, and cook for another minute.

Step 6

Then add flour and stir to coat veggies. Cook for one more minute, stirring frequently.

Step 7

Add a splash of chicken broth to deglaze the pot, scraping all the yummy bits off the bottom. Stir in the remaining chicken broth and macaroni noodles along with another pinch of salt and pepper.

Step 8

Turn heat to medium-high, and bring to a simmer.

Step 9

Once it begins to simmer, turn heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes or pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent noodles from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

Step 10

Remove soup from heat. Stir in heavy cream and shredded cheese.

Step 11

Then add the white balsamic vinegar.

Step 12

Add cooked ground beef back into the pot. Heat the soup over medium heat for a couple minutes, until the beef is heated through. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Step 13

Serve soup with sesame seed bun croutons and garnish with green onions and shredded cheddar cheese and enjoy!