One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

Introduction

When I first stumbled upon the idea of making a One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup, I didn’t expect it to be such a hit with my family. But after trying it, I quickly realized how much it hit all the right notes. It has everything you love about a classic cheeseburger—tender ground beef, melty cheese, savory broth, and a satisfying crunch from the pasta—combined into a creamy, comforting soup. My family devoured it in no time, and I couldn’t help but smile as I saw everyone digging into their bowls with pure contentment. It’s one of those dishes that feels both hearty and comforting, making it perfect for any night of the week, whether you’re in a rush or looking for something cozy to enjoy with loved ones. If you’re a fan of cheeseburgers, you’ll fall in love with this soup version, especially on a cold evening!

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:

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat. Break it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
2. When the beef is about halfway browned, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent and the beef is fully browned.
3. If necessary, drain any excess grease from the pot to keep the soup from becoming too greasy.

Add Tomatoes, Broth, and Pasta:

4. Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juices) and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
5. 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:

6. 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 becomes creamy and smooth.
7. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve & Enjoy:

8. Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Top with your favorite burger-inspired toppings like diced pickles, a drizzle of ketchup, or a swirl of mustard.
9. Serve immediately and enjoy the rich, cheesy goodness of your homemade soup!

Nutrition Facts (Servings and Calories per Serving)

• Servings: 6
• Calories per serving: ~380 kcal (depending on exact ingredients)
• Sugar: ~6g
• Sodium: ~900mg
• Fat: ~20g
• Saturated Fat: ~9g
• Unsaturated Fat: ~8g
• Trans Fat: ~0g
• Carbohydrates: ~30g
• Fiber: ~2g
• Protein: ~24g
• Cholesterol: ~50mg

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Total Time: 30-35 minutes

How to Serve

• Serve hot: This soup is best served warm right after it’s prepared.
• Add toppings: Top with diced pickles, a drizzle of ketchup, or a swirl of mustard to give it a true cheeseburger vibe.
• Pair with bread: Serve with crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up the creamy broth.
• Side salad: If you want a lighter side, serve with a fresh green salad to balance out the richness of the soup.
• Make it a complete meal: This soup is hearty enough on its own, but you can also serve it with fries or potato chips for a true comfort-food experience.

Additional Tips

1. Use lean ground beef: To reduce the fat content of the soup, opt for lean ground beef (90% lean or higher).
2. Customize the cheese: If you prefer a different cheese, feel free to swap cheddar with gouda, mozzarella, or even American cheese for a creamier texture.
3. For a thicker soup: If you like a thicker soup, reduce the amount of broth or add a little bit of cornstarch mixed with water during the last few minutes of cooking.
4. Add vegetables: Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for added flavor and nutrition.
5. Adjust the seasonings: Taste the soup as you go and adjust the seasonings with more salt, pepper, or even a pinch of garlic powder if desired.

Recipe Variations

• Spicy Cheeseburger Soup: For a kick, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the soup. You can also top the soup with some spicy sriracha sauce.
• Vegetarian Version: Swap the ground beef for plant-based meat or lentils for a vegetarian version of this soup.
• Bacon Cheeseburger Soup: For extra flavor, sprinkle crispy bacon bits over the soup or mix them into the soup base.
• Cheeseburger Soup with Bacon and Pickles: Make the soup even more like a classic cheeseburger by adding crispy bacon pieces and extra pickles to the topping.
• Creamier Soup: Stir in a bit of heavy cream or half-and-half along with the cheese for an extra creamy consistency.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a burger: This soup pairs beautifully with a classic cheeseburger on the side for a fun, burger-inspired meal.
• Side of fries: Since it’s a cheeseburger in soup form, serve alongside crispy fries for the ultimate comfort food combo.
• With a side salad: Pair it with a simple side salad, like a Caesar or mixed greens, to balance the richness of the soup.
• Top with extra cheese: For extra cheesiness, sprinkle some additional shredded cheddar or mozzarella on top just before serving.

Freezing and Storage

• Storing leftovers: Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: This soup freezes well! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove.
• Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup has thickened too much after refrigeration, add a little more broth or water to thin it out.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
   Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative to ground beef, though it will change the flavor slightly.
2. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
   Yes, you can make it a day ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Reheat before serving.
3. Can I use other types of pasta?
   Yes, you can substitute elbow macaroni with other small pasta shapes like penne or rotini.
4. What if I don’t have beef broth?
   You can substitute beef broth with chicken broth or vegetable broth for a slightly different flavor.
5. Can I use frozen macaroni instead of dry?
   It’s best to use dry macaroni, but if you have frozen macaroni, add it directly to the soup and adjust the cooking time as needed.
6. Can I use fresh garlic instead of minced garlic?
   Yes, use 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder or fresh minced garlic. Adjust to taste.
7. How can I make the soup spicier?
   Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat. You can also drizzle some hot sauce on top when serving.
8. How do I store leftover soup?
   Store the soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze it for longer storage.
9. Can I make this soup vegetarian?
   Yes, you can replace the ground beef with plant-based meat or lentils for a vegetarian version.
10. What can I serve with this soup?
    This soup pairs well with a side salad, garlic bread, or even a classic cheeseburger for a fun and filling meal.

Conclusion

This One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is the ultimate comfort food—hearty, cheesy, and packed with all the flavors you love about a classic cheeseburger. It’s easy to make, and the combination of beef, cheese, pasta, and savory seasonings makes it incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re looking for a cozy weeknight meal or a dish to serve at a gathering, this soup is sure to please everyone at the table. Plus, with the option to freeze it, you can have a comforting meal ready whenever you need it. Enjoy this rich, cheesy goodness in every bite!

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