One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

Ready for a warm, comforting bowl of creamy, cheesy goodness? Picture this: all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger—juicy beef, melty cheese, and all those tasty fixings—wrapped up in a cozy, creamy soup with macaroni pasta swimming in all the deliciousness. This One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is everything you want on a chilly day or when you’re craving something hearty but easy to make. It’s rich, it’s cheesy, it’s filling, and best of all? You don’t have to dirty a bunch of pots. Trust me, this soup is a game-changer.

Why You’ll Love One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

This soup is your new weeknight hero, and here’s why:

Versatile: Whether it’s a cozy dinner at home or a family-friendly meal, this soup fits every occasion. You can even tweak it to suit your tastes or what you have on hand.

Budget-Friendly: This recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients that won’t break the bank. Plus, it’s a great way to stretch a pound of ground beef into a delicious, filling meal for the whole family.

Quick and Easy: No need for complicated steps or hours of simmering. Everything comes together in one pot in under 40 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights when you need something fast but comforting.

Crowd-Pleasing: With its rich, cheesy broth and hearty macaroni, this soup is guaranteed to be a hit. Kids love it, adults love it, and you’ll love how easy it is to make!

Ingredients

You only need a handful of ingredients to create this cheesy, comforting soup. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ground Beef: The star of the show! Ground beef provides the savory, hearty base for the soup. You can also use ground turkey or chicken if you want a leaner option.

Macaroni Pasta: Small elbow macaroni or any short pasta will work perfectly in this soup. It soaks up the creamy, cheesy broth beautifully.

Onion & Garlic: For that essential savory flavor that forms the foundation of the soup. The combination of onion and garlic brings a rich, aromatic base.

Broth: A mix of beef broth adds a deep, meaty flavor, but chicken broth works just as well if that’s what you have on hand.

Cheese: You’ll want a good melting cheese, like cheddar. This creates the creamy, cheesy texture we’re all here for.

Milk & Heavy Cream: Together, these create the rich, velvety texture of the soup. You can swap heavy cream for more milk if you prefer something lighter.

Dijon Mustard & Ketchup: These two give the soup that quintessential cheeseburger flavor—slightly tangy, sweet, and savory all at once.

Pickles & Bacon (Optional): For an extra cheeseburger kick, you can toss in some chopped pickles or crispy bacon at the end. Totally optional but highly recommended.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are listed in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Ready to dive into this easy and delicious soup? Here’s how to make it:

Brown the Beef:

Start by browning your ground beef in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Break it apart as it cooks to ensure it’s evenly crumbled. Once browned, drain any excess fat.

Sauté the Onion and Garlic:

Add the chopped onion and garlic to the pot with the beef. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent, and the garlic is fragrant. This will fill your kitchen with the most comforting aromas!

Add Broth and Seasonings:

Pour in the beef broth, milk, and heavy cream, and stir to combine. Add the Dijon mustard, ketchup, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together, bringing the mixture to a simmer.

Cook the Pasta:

Once the broth is simmering, add the macaroni pasta. Stir it in, making sure the pasta is submerged in the liquid. Let it cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed some of the broth.

Stir in the Cheese:

Once the pasta is cooked, turn off the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until it’s completely melted and the soup is creamy and smooth.

Optional Add-ins:

If you’re using bacon or pickles, add them now! They’ll bring extra flavor and texture to your soup. Pickles give a nice tangy crunch, and bacon adds a smoky richness.

Serve and Enjoy:

Ladle the soup into bowls, and serve it hot! If you like, top each bowl with a little extra shredded cheese or a dollop of sour cream. It’s the perfect comfort food.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 350-400 (depending on portion size)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

How to Serve One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

This soup is hearty enough to stand alone, but you can always add a few side dishes to make it even more satisfying:

Garlic Bread: A warm, crispy slice of garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the creamy soup.

Simple Salad: A fresh, crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette is a great contrast to the richness of the soup.

Fried Pickles: If you’re a fan of pickles, serve some fried pickles on the side for that true cheeseburger experience.

Crusty Rolls: Soft, buttered rolls are perfect for mopping up any leftover cheesy broth.

Additional Tips

Here are a few extra tips to make your One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup even better:

Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Since the pasta cooks directly in the soup, keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking. You want it to be tender but not mushy.

Adjust the Creaminess: If you want a thicker soup, add a little extra heavy cream or reduce the liquid by simmering it longer. If you prefer a lighter soup, just add more broth or milk.

Make It Spicy: Add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to give the soup a little kick.

Leftovers: This soup stores really well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat it gently on the stove over low heat. If it thickens too much, you can add a splash of milk to loosen it up.

Freezing: This soup freezes well too! Let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
A1: Yes, absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken will work just as well. The flavor will be a little lighter, but still delicious.

Q2: Can I make this soup dairy-free?
A2: You can use non-dairy milk (like almond or oat milk) and a dairy-free cheese substitute to make the soup dairy-free. Just be aware the texture might be slightly different.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a bit of milk if it gets too thick.

Q4: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
A4: Yes, you can make it ahead! Just store it in the fridge and reheat when you’re ready to serve. It even tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together.

Q5: How do I freeze this soup?
A5: Let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and heat on the stove.

Q6: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A6: Yes, you can swap the cheddar for any cheese that melts well, like Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or even American cheese for that classic cheeseburger flavor.

Q7: How can I make this soup spicier?
A7: Add a little hot sauce, cayenne pepper, or red pepper flakes to give the soup some heat. You can also stir in some diced jalapeños for an extra kick.

Q8: Can I add vegetables to this soup?
A8: Absolutely! You can stir in some chopped carrots, celery, or bell peppers along with the onion for added veggies. Just sauté them with the onion and garlic.

Q9: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A9: Yes! Any short pasta, like shells, penne, or fusilli, would work perfectly in this soup.

Q10: Is this soup suitable for meal prep?
A10: Yes! This soup is great for meal prep. Just store it in individual containers and reheat throughout the week for an easy, satisfying lunch or dinner.

Conclusion

There you have it—One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup, the perfect blend of comfort food and convenience. Creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-delicious, this soup is guaranteed to satisfy your cravings in no time. So grab your pot and get cooking—you won’t regret it!

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