One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

When the weather gets chilly and you’re craving something hearty and comforting, this One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is the answer. It’s the perfect fusion of two beloved comfort foods — cheeseburgers and macaroni and cheese — all in one creamy, cheesy, and satisfying soup. With tender macaroni, juicy ground beef, and a rich cheese sauce, this soup is sure to become a family favorite.

Not only is it delicious, but this one-pot wonder is also incredibly easy to make. There’s minimal prep work, and the cleanup is a breeze since everything cooks in just one pot. Whether you’re making a cozy weeknight dinner or whipping up something quick for a potluck, this recipe has you covered.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-pot simplicity: Everything cooks in the same pot, which means less time washing dishes and more time enjoying your meal.
• Classic comfort flavors: If you love the taste of a juicy cheeseburger with a side of mac and cheese, you’re going to love this soup. It’s like eating your favorite diner meal in the form of a creamy soup.
• Family-friendly: This dish is a hit with kids and adults alike. Plus, you can customize it with your favorite burger toppings or extra veggies.
• Quick and easy: With simple ingredients and minimal prep, this soup comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients for One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

Here’s what you’ll need to make this comforting One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 cup elbow macaroni (uncooked)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional for thickening)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley or chives, for garnish (optional)
• Pickle slices, for garnish (optional)

Directions for Making One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

1. Cook the beef and onions: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion, cooking until the beef is browned and the onions are softened, about 5-7 minutes. Drain off any excess fat.
2. Add the garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add the broth and tomatoes: Pour in the beef broth and drained diced tomatoes. Stir to combine, and bring the mixture to a boil.
4. Add the macaroni: Once boiling, add the uncooked elbow macaroni. Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover the pot, and cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until the macaroni is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
5. Make it cheesy: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and milk, stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the soup is creamy. If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mix the flour with a little water to make a slurry and stir it into the soup at this point. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to thicken.
6. Season and serve: Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or chives and pickle slices, if desired. Serve hot!

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

Here’s a quick list of the kitchen tools you’ll need for this recipe:

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Ladle for serving

Tips and Tricks for the Best Cheeseburger Soup

• Use lean ground beef: If you want to cut down on fat, opt for lean ground beef (90% lean or higher) or even ground turkey for a lighter version of the soup.
• Customize your cheese: Cheddar is the classic choice for a cheeseburger soup, but feel free to mix in other cheeses like American, Colby Jack, or even a bit of cream cheese for added creaminess.
• Add burger toppings: For an authentic cheeseburger feel, garnish the soup with classic toppings like pickle slices, bacon bits, or even a dollop of ketchup or mustard.
• Thicken the soup: If you prefer a thicker soup, use the optional flour and milk slurry to thicken it up, or add a small amount of cornstarch mixed with water.
• Cook the pasta in the soup: Cooking the pasta directly in the broth not only saves time but also adds extra flavor to the macaroni.

Recipe Variations

This One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is highly customizable. Here are a few variations you can try:

• Vegetable boost: Add diced carrots, celery, or bell peppers to the soup for extra nutrition. You can sauté them with the onions and beef at the beginning.
• Bacon cheeseburger soup: Stir in some cooked, crumbled bacon for a bacon cheeseburger twist.
• Low-carb option: Skip the macaroni and substitute cauliflower florets or zucchini noodles for a low-carb version of this soup.
• Spicy version: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños for a little heat. You can also use pepper jack cheese for an extra kick.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

This soup is perfect for meal prep and makes delicious leftovers. Here’s how to store and reheat it:

• Refrigerate: Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheat: To reheat, simply warm the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. If the soup has thickened too much, add a little extra broth or milk to loosen it up. You can also reheat in the microwave in 1-2 minute intervals, stirring between each interval.
• Freezing: This soup freezes well without the pasta. If you plan to freeze it, cook the soup up until the point of adding the macaroni. Freeze the soup in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw the soup, reheat it, and cook the macaroni fresh in the soup before serving.

Serving Suggestions for One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

This soup is hearty and filling on its own, but if you’re looking to round out the meal, here are a few serving ideas:

• Garlic bread: A side of crispy garlic bread is the perfect accompaniment to this creamy soup.
• Salad: A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette helps balance the richness of the soup.
• Pickles and condiments: Serve the soup with pickle slices, a drizzle of mustard, or even a spoonful of ketchup on top for a true cheeseburger experience.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! While elbow macaroni is classic, you can use any small pasta shape like shells, rotini, or ditalini. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

2. Can I make this soup gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply use gluten-free pasta and substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free thickener like cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend.

3. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken would work well in this recipe if you’re looking for a lighter option.

4. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, this soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Just be aware that the macaroni may absorb more liquid as it sits, so you may need to add more broth when reheating.

5. How can I prevent the soup from being too thick?
If your soup turns out too thick, simply add more beef broth or milk until you reach your desired consistency.

Final Thoughts & Call to Action

This One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is the ultimate comfort food, combining the flavors of a classic cheeseburger with the creamy goodness of macaroni and cheese. It’s easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and perfect for feeding a hungry family or a group of friends.

If you loved this recipe, be sure to share it with friends and family, and don’t forget to subscribe to my blog for more delicious one-pot meals and cozy soup recipes. Happy cooking!