If you’re looking for the perfect cozy, comforting meal that’s both hearty and satisfying, then One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is exactly what you need. This dish is a total game-changer—imagine the cheesy, meaty goodness of a cheeseburger, combined with the heartiness of macaroni soup. It’s creamy, it’s savory, and it’s packed with everything you love about a cheeseburger, but in the form of a soup that’s just begging to be devoured. Plus, it’s made in one pot, so cleanup is a breeze! How’s that for winning?
Whether you’re serving it on a chilly night, hosting a casual dinner, or feeding a crowd, this soup is the ultimate comfort food. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll want to make it a regular in your weeknight dinner rotation.
Why You’ll Love One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup
Here’s why this Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is going to steal your heart:
One-Pot Wonder
This soup is so easy to make—it’s all cooked in one pot! No need for multiple pans or complicated steps. Just sauté, simmer, and enjoy. It’s perfect for a stress-free dinner after a busy day.
Hearty and Filling
With ground beef, macaroni, cheese, and a rich, creamy broth, this soup is the ultimate comfort food. It’s packed with protein, carbs, and all the flavor of a cheeseburger in a cozy, soup-y form.
Quick and Easy
This dish comes together in about 30 minutes, so it’s perfect for a weeknight when you want something hearty but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.
Kid-Friendly
If you’ve got picky eaters at home, this soup is a surefire hit. The flavors are familiar (who doesn’t love cheeseburgers and macaroni?) and it’s easy for little hands to scoop up with a spoon.
Customizable
Want to make it a little spicier? Add some jalapeños or hot sauce. Prefer a little more veggie action? Throw in some diced tomatoes, onions, or even carrots. You can easily tweak this recipe to suit your tastes.
Ingredients
This One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup uses simple, everyday ingredients, so you likely already have everything you need in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ground Beef
The star of this soup! Ground beef adds richness and flavor, giving it that meaty, cheeseburger feel. You can also swap it for ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a leaner option.
Macaroni Pasta
The macaroni gives this soup that hearty, satisfying texture. It soaks up all the creamy, cheesy goodness as it cooks, making every bite irresistible.
Onion
Onion brings in a bit of sweetness and depth of flavor. Sautéing it at the beginning of the recipe adds a base layer of savory goodness to the soup.
Garlic
A few cloves of garlic add a fragrant punch that takes this soup to the next level.
Beef Broth
Beef broth provides a rich, savory base for the soup. You can use chicken broth or vegetable broth if you prefer a different flavor, but beef broth is the most authentic for this recipe.
Milk & Heavy Cream
A combination of milk and heavy cream creates the creamy base of this soup, making it rich and comforting without being too heavy.
Cheddar Cheese
The cheese! Sharp cheddar is perfect for adding that cheesy, gooey goodness that makes this soup feel like a true indulgence.
Worcestershire Sauce
A few dashes of Worcestershire sauce bring in a savory umami flavor that rounds out the taste, making the soup taste just like a cheeseburger.
Salt & Pepper
Basic seasoning to enhance the natural flavors of the ingredients. You can always adjust these to taste as you go along.
(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into making this One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup—it’s so easy!
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a little oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Once it’s cooked through, drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pot, add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, until fragrant. This creates a flavorful base for your soup.
Step 3: Add the Liquids and Seasoning
Pour in the beef broth and milk, scraping any bits off the bottom of the pot (those little bits are flavor gold!). Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Step 4: Add the Macaroni
Once the liquid is simmering, add the macaroni to the pot. Stir to combine, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Let the soup simmer for about 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and the liquid has thickened slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom.
Step 5: Stir in the Cream
Once the macaroni is cooked, add the heavy cream to the soup and stir well to combine. The cream will make the soup extra rich and velvety.
Step 6: Add the Cheese
Turn off the heat and add the shredded cheddar cheese to the pot. Stir until the cheese is melted and the soup becomes smooth and creamy. If the soup is too thick, feel free to add a little extra broth or milk to reach your desired consistency.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Ladle the soup into bowls, and garnish with extra shredded cheese, chopped green onions, or crispy bacon bits for a little extra flair. Serve with some crusty bread on the side to soak up all that cheesy goodness!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: [Number of servings]
Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]
Preparation Time
Prep Time: [Time to prepare ingredients]
Cook Time: [Time to cook or bake]
Total Time: [Total time needed]
How to Serve One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup
This One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is hearty enough to be a full meal on its own, but here are a few ideas for sides to make it even more satisfying:
Crusty Bread
Serve this soup with a warm, crusty loaf of bread for dipping. It’s perfect for soaking up all that cheesy, savory broth.
Side Salad
Pair the soup with a crisp, fresh salad to balance out the richness. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette works great.
Roasted Vegetables
If you’re looking to add a veggie side, roasted carrots, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts are fantastic options that complement the soup beautifully.
Pickles or Chips
For a little crunch and tang, serve some pickles or chips on the side. They’re the perfect contrast to the creamy soup.
Additional Tips
Here are a few tips to make your One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup even better:
Use Leaner Ground Beef
If you’re looking to reduce the fat content, you can use lean ground beef or even ground turkey. Just be sure to drain any excess fat to keep the soup from being greasy.
Spice It Up
If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes, a dash of hot sauce, or even some diced jalapeños to give the soup a spicy kick.
Add More Veggies
You can easily sneak in some extra veggies like carrots, bell peppers, or spinach. Just chop them finely and add them along with the onions and garlic in the beginning.
Make It Ahead
This soup actually tastes even better the next day once the flavors have had time to meld together. Make a big batch and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat it on the stove, adding a little extra milk or broth to thin it out if needed.
Freeze Leftovers
If you want to freeze leftovers, let the soup cool completely and transfer it to an airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove, adding a little extra liquid to restore its creamy texture.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use a different kind of cheese?
A1: Absolutely! While cheddar cheese gives it that classic cheeseburger flavor, you can use other cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a mix of cheeses for a different twist.
Q2: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
A2: Yes! This soup actually gets better after sitting for a few hours or even the next day. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge.
Q3: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A3: Definitely! While macaroni is traditional, you can use any small pasta, like shells, fusilli, or penne, depending on what you have on hand.
Q4: Can I make this soup vegetarian?
A4: Yes! Simply omit the ground beef and add some plant-based protein, like lentils or beans. You could also toss in extra veggies for added texture and flavor.
Q5: How can I make the soup thicker?
A5: If you want a thicker soup, you can simmer it for a
little longer to reduce the liquid, or you can make a quick slurry with cornstarch and water and stir it in to thicken the soup.
With its cheesy, meaty, and creamy goodness, One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is a meal everyone will love. It’s the kind of comfort food you’ll crave on cold nights, and the best part? It’s easy to make, and clean-up is a breeze! Enjoy! 🧀🍲
PrintOne-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is everything you love about a cheeseburger, but in a comforting, creamy soup form! Packed with savory ground beef, melted cheddar cheese, and hearty elbow macaroni, it’s a simple and satisfying meal that will warm you up from the inside out. Top it off with your favorite burger-inspired toppings, and you’ve got the ultimate comfort food.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Toppings:
- Diced pickles
- Ketchup
- Mustard
- Other favorite burger toppings
Instructions
- Brown the Beef & Sauté the Onion: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it apart as it cooks. When the beef is about halfway browned, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Continue cooking until the onion is translucent and the beef is fully browned. Drain any excess grease if necessary.
- Add Tomatoes, Broth, and Pasta: Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juices) and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Add the elbow macaroni and stir to combine. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.
- Stir in the Cheese: Once the macaroni is cooked, turn off the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is completely melted and the soup is creamy and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve & Enjoy: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and top with your favorite burger-inspired toppings such as diced pickles, ketchup, or a swirl of mustard. Serve immediately and enjoy the rich, cheesy goodness!
Notes
- Custom toppings: Feel free to top the soup with extra cheese, crispy bacon bits, or a dollop of sour cream to make it even more indulgent.
- Adjust seasonings: Taste the soup before serving and adjust the salt and pepper as needed.
- Use lean ground beef: If you prefer a leaner option, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a healthier version.
- Thickening the soup: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add a small amount of cornstarch mixed with water near the end of cooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 50mg