One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

If you’re looking for a cozy meal that comes together in just 30 minutes, you’ve found it! One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is the perfect blend of comfort and convenience. This recipe is not only easy to make, but it also delivers that cheesy goodness we all crave, without any processed ingredients. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a family gathering, this soup will warm your heart and fill your belly.

What makes this recipe truly special is how it combines the flavors of a classic cheeseburger with the creamy texture of macaroni soup. It’s a hit with kids and adults alike, making it an instant family favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to prepare: You can have this delicious soup on the table in just 30 minutes.
• One pot wonder: Less mess means more time to enjoy your meal and less time cleaning up!
• Comfort food classic: The combination of macaroni and cheeseburger flavors will satisfy any craving.
• Customizable options: Easily adapt the ingredients to suit your taste or what you have on hand.
• Family-friendly: This hearty soup is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup, you’ll need simple, wholesome ingredients that are likely already in your kitchen. Here’s what 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 Serving

• 4 sesame seed buns, diced into 1-inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Sliced green onion, for garnish
• Shredded cheddar cheese, for garnish

Variations

This recipe is flexible and can be adjusted to fit your preferences! Here are some fun variations to consider:

• Swap the protein: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version.
• Add more veggies: Toss in some spinach or bell peppers for an extra nutrient boost.
• Make it spicier: Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce for a little kick!
• Go dairy-free: Substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk and use dairy-free cheese for a plant-based option.

How to Make One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

Step 1: Prepare the Croutons

Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees F. Cut the sesame seed buns into cubes and spread them out on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and toss until evenly coated. Baking them until crispy adds 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. Don’t forget those pinches of salt and pepper! Crumble the beef as it cooks until browned. This step builds flavor right from the start.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pot (no need to wash it!), melt six tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add diced onions, sliced carrots, and celery along with another pinch of salt and pepper. Sauté these veggies for about 10 minutes until they soften—this creates a flavorful base for your soup.

Step 4: Add Garlic and Herbs

Reduce the heat slightly before adding minced garlic along with the remaining oregano and thyme. Cooking them just long enough (about a minute) allows all those lovely aromas to come alive.

Step 5: Incorporate Flour

Stir in four tablespoons of flour and coat all those veggies well; this will help thicken our soup later on! Cook this mixture for another minute while stirring frequently.

Step 6: Deglaze the Pot

Pour in just a splash of chicken broth to deglaze the pot. Scrape up any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom—that’s where all that deliciousness lies!

Step 7: Bring It All Together

Now stir in the rest of your chicken broth along with uncooked macaroni noodles and another pinch of salt and pepper. Turn up the heat to medium-high so we can bring everything to a simmer!

Step 8: Simmer Until Cooked

Once you see bubbles forming, reduce heat again and let it simmer gently for about 5-7 minutes or until your pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally so nothing sticks!

Step 9: Add Cream and Cheese

Remove from heat before stirring in one cup of heavy cream followed by eight ounces of shredded cheddar cheese until melted into gooey perfection.

Step 10: Final Touches

Mix in one teaspoon of white balsamic vinegar before returning that cooked ground beef back into the pot. Heat everything through again over medium heat—season with more salt and pepper as needed.

Step 11: Serve It Up!

Ladle out generous portions into bowls topped with those crispy sesame seed bun croutons. Garnish each bowl with sliced green onions and extra shredded cheese if desired. Enjoy every comforting spoonful!

Pro Tips for Making One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

Making this One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is a breeze, but these tips will help you take it to the next level!

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables not only enhance the flavor but also add nutritional benefits to your soup. Opt for fresh garlic, crisp celery, and vibrant carrots to brighten up your dish.

• Don’t Rush the Browning: Taking time to brown the ground beef properly adds depth of flavor. This step caramelizes the meat and enhances the overall taste of your soup.

• Adjust Seasonings to Your Taste: Everyone’s palate is different! Feel free to experiment with additional spices or herbs like smoked paprika or crushed red pepper for some extra kick.

• Monitor Pasta Cooking Time: Keep an eye on the macaroni while it cooks; overcooking can lead to mushy pasta. Aim for al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly in the residual heat of the soup.

• Make It Ahead: This recipe holds up beautifully in the fridge! Prepare it a day ahead for even better flavors, just be sure to store the croutons separately until serving to maintain their crunch.

How to Serve One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

Serving this delicious soup can be just as fun as making it! Here are some ideas on how to present this hearty dish that will impress your family and friends.

Garnishes

• Sliced Green Onions: Add a pop of color and a mild onion flavor that complements the richness of the soup.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: A sprinkle of extra cheese on top melts beautifully and adds an inviting cheesiness.
• Croutons: The crispy sesame seed bun croutons provide texture and a delightful crunch that contrasts perfectly with the creamy soup.

Side Dishes

• Simple Garden Salad: A fresh salad made with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers dressed in a light vinaigrette balances out the richness of the soup.
• Garlic Breadsticks: Soft and buttery garlic breadsticks are perfect for dipping into your cheesy soup, enhancing every bite.
• Steamed Broccoli: Lightly seasoned steamed broccoli adds a nutritious touch while also bringing a pop of color to your meal.
• Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad serves as a sweet contrast to your savory soup and makes for a delightful finish to your meal.

Enjoy crafting this comforting One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup! It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience filled with warmth and flavor that everyone will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

This One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a large batch ahead of time and have delicious, hearty meals ready to go throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• If you have croutons, keep them separate to maintain their crunchiness.

Freezing

• Let the soup cool down before placing it in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Freeze for up to 2-3 months; be sure to label with the date!
• When ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

Reheating

• Reheat on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until fully warmed through.
• You can also microwave in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in 1-minute intervals until hot.
• If the soup thickens too much after freezing, add a splash of chicken broth or cream when reheating.

FAQs

Here’s a quick look at some common questions about this comforting dish!

Can I make One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef with plant-based ground meat or lentils. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

How do I make One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, simply replace regular flour with a gluten-free flour alternative and use gluten-free elbow macaroni.

Can I use different types of cheese in this soup?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with your favorite cheeses. Just keep in mind that flavor and creaminess may vary based on what you choose.

What can I serve with One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup?

This soup is delicious on its own but pairs wonderfully with salads, crusty bread, or even simple veggie sticks for dipping!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this comforting One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup as much as I do! It’s an easy recipe that brings warmth and smiles around the dinner table. Don’t hesitate to share your thoughts or any tweaks you’ve made; I love hearing from you! Happy cooking!