One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup (No Velveeta) 🍲

Introduction

If you’re looking for a comforting, hearty meal that the entire family will love, this One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is a great choice. It’s rich, creamy, and packs the savory flavors of a cheeseburger in a bowl, making it a fun and satisfying dish to prepare for lunch or dinner. I was surprised at how easy it was to whip up, and the best part is that there’s no Velveeta cheese involved, so you can feel good about what you’re serving. My family couldn’t get enough of this soup – even my picky eaters! It’s become a regular on our meal rotation, and it’s a fantastic way to enjoy the flavors of a classic cheeseburger without all the fuss.

Ingredients

• 1 lb. ground beef
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup milk
• Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions

1️⃣ Brown Beef: In a large pot, cook the ground beef and diced onion over medium heat until the beef is browned and the onion is soft, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the pot to avoid an overly greasy soup base.

2️⃣ Add Broth: Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Stir occasionally to combine the flavors.

3️⃣ Cook Macaroni: Once the broth is boiling, stir in the elbow macaroni. Cook for 7-8 minutes, or until the macaroni is al dente. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

4️⃣ Add Cheese & Milk: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and milk. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the soup is creamy.

5️⃣ Season & Serve: Add salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning to your preference. Once it’s perfectly seasoned, serve the soup hot for a comforting meal.

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 6
• Calories per serving: Approximately 380-420 calories

Preparation Time

• Total time: 30 minutes
• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 20 minutes

How to Serve

• Serve the soup as a standalone meal in bowls.
• Pair with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
• Sprinkle extra cheddar cheese on top for a cheesier bite.
• Add a dollop of sour cream to each serving for added creaminess.
• Garnish with fresh herbs, like parsley or chives, for a fresh finish.

Additional Tips

1. Beef Quality: Use lean ground beef to keep the soup less greasy, or swap it out for ground turkey for a leaner option.
2. Cheese Choices: If you’re not a fan of cheddar, you can substitute with mozzarella or a blend of your favorite cheeses for a different flavor.
3. Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to give the soup a spicy kick.
4. Customize the Veggies: Add in other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to enhance the flavor and texture.
5. Thicker Soup: For a thicker consistency, use less broth or add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water toward the end of cooking.

Recipe Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Omit the ground beef and use plant-based crumbles or beans as a substitute. Add extra veggies for flavor.
• Cheesy Bacon Macaroni Soup: Add crumbled cooked bacon for an extra layer of smoky flavor.
• Spicy Cheeseburger Soup: Stir in diced jalapeños or hot pepper jack cheese for a spicy twist.
• Low-Carb Version: Swap elbow macaroni for zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.
• Chicken Cheeseburger Soup: Replace the ground beef with cooked shredded chicken for a different protein option.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
• Pair with garlic bread or breadsticks for dipping.
• Top the soup with crumbled crispy bacon or extra cheese for added texture and flavor.
• Add a side of pickles for that classic cheeseburger combo!

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze this soup for up to 3 months. Make sure it cools completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm up on the stove over low heat. You may need to add a little extra milk to reach the desired consistency.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef? Yes, ground turkey works well as a substitute. It will give the soup a lighter flavor.
2. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker? Yes, you can brown the beef and onion first, then add everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours.
3. What other types of pasta can I use? You can use any small pasta like penne, rotini, or even gluten-free pasta as a substitute for elbow macaroni.
4. Can I add vegetables to this soup? Yes! Try adding chopped carrots, celery, or mushrooms for more flavor and texture.
5. Can I make this soup ahead of time? Yes, you can make it ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat it before serving.
6. Is there a dairy-free version of this soup? Yes, you can use dairy-free cheese and milk alternatives to make this soup dairy-free.
7. What kind of cheese works best for this soup? Cheddar is the most common cheese used, but you can also use Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a cheese blend.
8. Can I add a spicy kick to this soup? Yes! Add jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for some heat.
9. How can I thicken the soup? If you prefer a thicker soup, reduce the amount of broth or add a bit of cornstarch mixed with water to the soup toward the end of cooking.
10. Is this soup kid-friendly? Yes! The mild flavors and creamy texture make it a hit with kids.

Conclusion

This One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is the ultimate comfort food – creamy, cheesy, and packed with savory flavors. It’s simple to make, using just a few ingredients, and there’s no Velveeta in sight! Whether you’re cooking for your family on a busy weeknight or preparing a cozy meal for yourself, this soup is sure to please. The beauty of this dish is in its versatility – you can make it as cheesy, spicy, or veggie-filled as you like. Give it a try and watch it become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

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