One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

If you’re looking for a cozy dish that warms the heart and satisfies the soul, let me introduce you to my favorite comfort food: One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup. This delightful soup is a perfect blend of cheesy goodness and hearty flavors, all cooked in just one pot! It’s an easy recipe that I turn to during busy weeknights or when friends and family gather around the table. Everyone loves it, and trust me, it’ll quickly become a cherished favorite in your home!

This recipe is special because it combines the classic flavors of a cheeseburger with creamy macaroni in a delightful soup form. Plus, there’s no need for any fancy cheese products—this comforting bowl of goodness features real sharp cheddar cheese, making it rich and satisfying without compromising on quality.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: You can whip up this delicious soup in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for those hectic days.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the cheesy flavor and hearty ingredients—it’s sure to please everyone at the table!
• One Pot Wonder: Less cleanup means more time to relax! Everything cooks together beautifully in one pot.
• Make Ahead Friendly: This soup stores well in the fridge or freezer, so you can enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
• Customizable: With a few simple swaps, you can easily adapt this recipe to suit your taste preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To create this mouthwatering One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup, you’ll need some simple and wholesome ingredients that are likely already in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll gather:

• 1 lb. ground beef
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano, divided
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme, divided
• 6 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup yellow onion, diced
• 1 cup sliced carrots
• 1 cup sliced celery
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 tablespoons flour
• 8 cups chicken broth
• 8 oz. uncooked elbow macaroni
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 8 oz. sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 teaspoon white balsamic vinegar
• Kosher salt
• fresh cracked pepper
• 4 sesame seed buns, diced into 1-inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• sliced green onion, for garnish
• shredded cheddar cheese, for garnish

Variations

One of the best parts about cooking is getting creative! This One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is flexible, so feel free to play around with its ingredients based on your preferences. Here are some fun variations you might try:

• Swap the protein: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
• Add some veggies: Toss in other vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition and flavor.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños if you like your soup with a kick!
• Make it vegetarian: Substitute the ground beef with lentils or mushrooms for a delicious plant-based version.

How to Make One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

Step 1: Prepare the Croutons

First things first! Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. Dice your sesame seed buns into bite-sized pieces and spread them out on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Drizzle them with olive oil and toss gently to ensure they’re evenly coated. Bake for about 10 minutes until they’re crispy on the outside—these croutons will add a delightful crunch to your soup!

Step 2: Brown the Beef

In a large pot over medium heat, add your ground beef along with one teaspoon each of dried oregano and thyme. Sprinkle on some salt and pepper too! As it browns, use a spatula to crumble it up into small pieces until it’s cooked through. Once done, remove it from the pot and set aside while we build our flavorful base.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

With all that delicious beef flavor still in the pot, melt six tablespoons of butter over medium heat (no need to wipe out any residue!). Add diced onions, sliced carrots, sliced celery, plus another generous pinch of salt and pepper. Cook this mix for about ten minutes until everything is softened—this step really brings out their natural sweetness!

Step 4: Add Garlic & Herbs

Now that your veggies are ready, lower the heat slightly and stir in minced garlic along with the remaining oregano and thyme. Sauté this fragrant mixture for about a minute; garlic adds depth to our soup!

Step 5: Thicken It Up

Sprinkle four tablespoons of flour over your sautéed veggies and stir well to coat them evenly. This will help thicken our soup later on! Let this cook for another minute while stirring frequently—you want that raw flour taste cooked out.

Step 6: Deglaze & Simmer

Time to deglaze! Pour in just a splash of chicken broth to lift all those tasty bits stuck at the bottom of the pot. Once that’s done, stir in the rest of your chicken broth along with uncooked elbow macaroni noodles and another pinch of salt and pepper. Bring everything up to a simmer—this is where magic happens!

Step 7: Cook Pasta & Finish Off

Once simmering away nicely, reduce heat again to low and let everything gently bubble for about five to seven minutes until pasta is al dente; give it an occasional stir so nothing sticks! Remove from heat when ready.

Step 8: Stir In Cream & Cheese

Now comes my favorite part—adding creaminess! Stir in one cup of heavy cream followed by eight ounces of shredded sharp cheddar cheese until perfectly melted into blissful goodness.

Step 9: Final Touches

Don’t forget our beef! Add back that cooked ground beef along with white balsamic vinegar for an added zing. Heat through over medium heat for just a couple more minutes before adjusting seasoning as needed.

Step 10: Serve & Enjoy!

Ladle this comforting cheeseburger soup into bowls topped generously with those crispy sesame seed bun croutons. Add sliced green onions and extra shredded cheddar cheese as garnishes if desired! Enjoy every warm spoonful—you deserve it!

Feel free to share this recipe with those you love—it’s always better when made together!

Pro Tips for Making One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

Making the perfect One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is a breeze with a little guidance! Here are some tips to elevate your cooking experience.

• Prep Your Ingredients First: Having all your veggies diced and ready to go will streamline your cooking process, allowing you to focus on enjoying the moment rather than scrambling for ingredients.

• Don’t Skimp on Seasoning: Proper seasoning is essential for bringing out the flavors in your soup. A good pinch of salt and fresh cracked pepper can transform a dish from bland to fantastic!

• Use Fresh Cheese: Opting for freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese instead of pre-packaged cheese will give your soup a creamier texture and richer flavor, making each bite incredibly satisfying.

• Adjust the Creaminess: Feel free to adjust the amount of heavy cream based on your preference. For a lighter version, you can reduce it or substitute it with half-and-half or even coconut cream for a unique twist.

• Store Leftovers Properly: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove for best results, adding a splash of broth if needed to restore creaminess.

How to Serve One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

Serving this delicious soup can be as fun as making it! Adding some simple touches can turn your meal into a delightful experience.

Garnishes

• Sliced Green Onions: These add a fresh crunch and vibrant color that brighten up each bowl.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: A little extra cheese on top melts beautifully and enhances the cheesy goodness of the soup.
• Croutons: Those crispy sesame seed bun croutons not only add texture but also make each spoonful more interesting!

Side Dishes

• Garlic Bread: A classic choice that pairs perfectly with soups, garlic bread adds a crunchy element and is perfect for dipping.
• Simple Side Salad: A light salad with mixed greens dressed in vinaigrette complements the richness of the soup, providing balance.
• Steamed Broccoli: This nutritious side brings some color to your plate and offers a healthy crunch alongside the creamy soup.
• Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad provides a sweet contrast to the savory flavors, making it an ideal light dessert after your meal.

With these serving ideas and pro tips, you’ll have everything you need to impress family and friends with your One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup! Enjoy every comforting bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a big batch, store it, and enjoy it throughout the week. Here’s how to keep your delicious soup fresh and ready to eat.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• It will stay fresh for about 3-4 days.
• To prevent the pasta from becoming soggy, consider storing the macaroni separately if you plan on keeping leftovers for more than a day.

Freezing

• Allow the soup to cool completely before freezing.
• Transfer the soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
• It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Just remember to label your containers with the date!

Reheating

• Thaw frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
• If the soup has thickened, feel free to add a splash of chicken broth or cream to bring it back to your desired consistency.

FAQs

If you have questions about this tasty recipe, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries.

Can I make One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup without ground beef?

Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef with lean turkey or even plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian option. The flavor will still be fantastic!

How do I adjust the recipe for One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup if I’m cooking for a smaller family?

You can easily halve the ingredients! Just make sure to adjust cooking times slightly if you use less broth and pasta.

What should I serve with One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup?

This soup is hearty enough on its own, but you can serve it with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

How long does One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup last in the fridge?

Stored properly in an airtight container, this soup will last about 3-4 days in the fridge.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited to make this One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup as I am! It’s truly special—comforting, cheesy, and packed with flavor. Whether it’s a busy weekday dinner or a cozy weekend meal, this recipe is sure to please everyone around your table. Enjoy every spoonful and don’t hesitate to share your experience with me. Happy cooking!