One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

If you’re looking for a cozy meal that warms the heart and satisfies the belly, look no further than this One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup! This delightful recipe is a family favorite in my home, and I’m excited to share it with you. It combines the comforting flavors of cheeseburgers with the creamy goodness of macaroni soup, all cooked in just one pot. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual family gatherings, this dish is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

The best part? It’s ready in only 30 minutes and doesn’t require any fancy ingredients. With its cheesy goodness and hearty texture, everyone at your table will be asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for those nights when you need dinner on the table fast.
• Family-Friendly: Who doesn’t love a warm bowl of cheesy soup? Kids and adults alike will enjoy this comforting dish.
• One Pot Wonder: Less cleanup means more time to relax after dinner! Everything cooks in one pot, keeping things simple.
• Deliciously Versatile: Feel free to customize it with your favorite veggies or spices for a personal touch.
• No VELVEETA Needed: Enjoy real cheese flavor without processed ingredients—just pure deliciousness!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is half the fun of cooking! For this One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup, you’ll need:

For the Soup

• 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

For the Croutons

• 4 sesame seed buns, diced into 1-inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For Garnish

• Sliced green onion
• Shredded cheddar cheese

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun ideas to change things up:

• Swap the protein: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
• Add more veggies: Toss in some spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition and color.
• Change the cheese: Experiment with different cheeses like gouda or pepper jack for a unique twist on flavor.
• Make it spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños for a kick!

How to Make One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

Step 1: Prepare the Croutons

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. While it heats up, place your sesame seed bun cubes on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Drizzle them with olive oil and toss them around until they’re nicely coated. Bake these for about 10 minutes until they’re golden and crispy—these croutons will add a delightful crunch to your soup!

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

In a large pot over medium heat, add your ground beef along with 1 teaspoon each of oregano and thyme, plus some salt and pepper. Cook until browned while breaking it up with a spatula—this helps develop rich flavors. Once browned, remove it from the pot and set it aside; we’ll bring it back later.

Step 3: Sauté Your Veggies

Using the same pot (no need to clean!), melt 6 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add in your diced onion, sliced carrots, sliced celery, along with a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Cooking these veggies will take about 10 minutes until they’re tender and fragrant—it’s key to building that delicious base flavor.

Step 4: Add Garlic and Seasonings

Reduce the heat slightly before adding 5 cloves of minced garlic along with the remaining oregano and thyme. Cook this mixture for another minute; you want that garlic to get aromatic without burning.

Step 5: Thicken It Up

Sprinkle in your flour over the veggie mix and stir well to coat everything—this step helps thicken our soup later on. Cook for another minute while stirring frequently.

Step 6: Deglaze the Pot

Pour a splash of chicken broth into the pot to deglaze it. Scrape those flavorful bits stuck to the bottom—don’t skip this step; it adds so much depth!

Step 7: Simmer Away!

Now stir in the rest of the chicken broth along with those uncooked elbow macaroni noodles. Add another pinch of salt and pepper before increasing the heat to medium-high until it reaches a simmer. Once bubbling away, reduce heat to low and let simmer for about 5-7 minutes until pasta is al dente.

Step 8: Creamy Finish

Remove from heat once done cooking pasta! Stir in that luscious heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese until melted into blissful gooeyness.

Step 9: Bring It All Together

Finally, add your cooked ground beef back into this cheesy concoction along with white balsamic vinegar—this little touch brightens up all those rich flavors! Heat through on medium heat until everything is warmed up nicely.

Step 10: Serve & Enjoy!

Ladle that scrumptious soup into bowls topped with crispy sesame seed bun croutons. Don’t forget to sprinkle fresh green onions and extra cheddar cheese on top before digging in! Enjoy every spoonful!

Pro Tips for Making One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

Creating the perfect One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is easier than you think! Here are some helpful tips to ensure your soup turns out delicious every time.

• Use fresh ingredients – Fresh veggies and quality ground beef enhance the flavor of the soup, making it taste homemade and heartwarming.

• Adjust the cheese – Feel free to mix cheeses! Adding mozzarella or pepper jack can give your soup a unique twist and a delightful creaminess or spice level.

• Control the thickness – If you prefer a thicker soup, let it simmer longer to reduce the liquid. For a thinner consistency, add more broth or cream until you reach your desired texture.

• Make it ahead of time – This soup tastes even better the next day! Prepare it in advance and let the flavors meld overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for an easy meal.

• Customize with toppings – Get creative with toppings! Croutons, diced tomatoes, or even jalapeños can add texture and flavor that makes each bowl special.

How to Serve One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

Serving this comforting dish can be just as fun as making it! Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends, here’s how to present your One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup beautifully.

Garnishes

• Sliced green onions – They add a fresh crunch that contrasts nicely with the creamy soup.
• Shredded cheddar cheese – A classic addition that melts wonderfully into each bowl for extra cheesiness.
• Chopped parsley or cilantro – These herbs bring a pop of color and freshness that brightens up the dish.

Side Dishes

• Garlic Bread – Crispy, buttery garlic bread complements the richness of the soup while providing a satisfying crunch.

• Mixed Green Salad – A light salad with vinaigrette balances out the meal, offering freshness alongside the hearty soup. Toss in some cherry tomatoes and cucumbers for added texture!

• Steamed Broccoli or Green Beans – A simple side of steamed veggies adds nutrition and color to your plate while being quick to prepare.

• Potato Chips or Crisps – For an easy, crunchy side, serve some potato chips. Their saltiness pairs perfectly with the creamy cheeseburger flavors in your soup.

Now that you’re armed with these pro tips and serving ideas, you’re ready to wow your family and friends with this delightful One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup! Enjoy every comforting spoonful.

Make Ahead and Storage

This One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is a fantastic option for meal prep! It’s quick to make and stores beautifully, making it perfect for busy days when you want a comforting meal without the fuss.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• If you notice the soup thickens as it sits, simply add a little chicken broth when reheating.

Freezing

• To freeze, portion the soup into freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Leave some space at the top of the container, as the soup will expand while freezing.
• This soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Heat on the stove over medium heat until warmed through, adding broth if necessary to adjust consistency.
• You can also microwave individual portions until hot.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup!

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef in One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great alternative that will still give you that hearty flavor while being a leaner option.

How do I make One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup vegetarian?

To make this recipe vegetarian, substitute the ground beef with your favorite plant-based protein and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Can I add more vegetables to my One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup?

Definitely! Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, peas, or spinach for extra nutrition and flavor.

What can I serve with One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup?

Pair this delicious soup with a fresh salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this comforting and delicious One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup as much as I do! It’s such a wonderful recipe that brings warmth and joy to any table. Whether you’re serving it on a chilly evening or enjoying leftovers for lunch, it’s sure to be a hit with your family. Happy cooking!