One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

If you’re looking for a cozy meal that warms the heart and fills the belly, this One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is just the ticket! This delightful dish is one of my family’s favorites because it brings together all the comforting flavors of a classic cheeseburger in a creamy, cheesy soup. Plus, it all comes together in just 30 minutes with minimal cleanup—perfect for busy weeknights or casual family gatherings. Trust me, your loved ones will be asking for seconds!

What makes this recipe truly special is its simplicity and heartiness. It’s made without any processed cheese products, so you can feel good serving it to your family. With each spoonful, you’ll enjoy the rich flavors of beef, veggies, and gooey cheddar—all in one pot!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This soup comes together in just 30 minutes, making it a great choice for busy nights.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the cheesy goodness and familiar flavors of this comforting dish.
• One Pot Wonder: Less cleanup means more time enjoying your meal and relaxing with loved ones!
• Customizable: You can easily adapt this recipe to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
• Deliciously Satisfying: Each bowl is hearty enough to fill you up while being creamy and comforting at the same time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup, you’ll want some simple and wholesome ingredients. Most likely, you already have many of these items on hand! Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Soup Base

• 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

For Thickening and Flavor

• 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 to taste
• Fresh cracked pepper to taste

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 One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is incredibly flexible! Feel free to mix things up according to your preferences.

• 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.
• Make it spicy: Add some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce if your family enjoys a little heat.
• Go dairy-free: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and use dairy-free cheese for a lactose-free version.

How to Make One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

Step 1: Prepare the Croutons

Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees. Dice those sesame seed buns into 1-inch pieces and spread them out on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and toss them around until they are well-coated. Bake these crunchy croutons for about 10 minutes until they are crispy on the outside. These will add a delightful texture to your soup!

Step 2: Brown the 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. Brown the beef while breaking it apart with a spatula until fully cooked through. Once it’s done, remove it from the pot and set aside; this step adds flavor by using the drippings left behind.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

In that same pot (no need to clean it!), melt 6 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add in your diced onion, sliced carrots, sliced celery, and another generous pinch of salt and pepper. Sauté these veggies for about 10 minutes until they’re tender—this helps release their natural sweetness which enhances the soup’s flavor.

Step 4: Add Garlic & Herbs

Once your veggies are ready, reduce the heat slightly and toss in minced garlic along with the remaining oregano and thyme. Cook for another minute; this step really allows those aromatic ingredients to infuse their flavors into the mixture!

Step 5: Create a Roux

Sprinkle in 4 tablespoons of flour over those sautéed veggies while stirring constantly for about one minute. This roux will help thicken our soup later on.

Step 6: Deglaze & Simmer

Pour in just a splash of chicken broth first to deglaze the pot—scrape up all those tasty bits stuck on the bottom! Then gradually stir in the remaining chicken broth along with your uncooked elbow macaroni noodles plus another pinch of salt and pepper. Raise the heat back up until it comes to a simmer.

Step 7: Cook Pasta

Once simmering, lower the heat again so that everything can gently bubble away for about 5-7 minutes or until your macaroni is al dente. Stir occasionally—this prevents those noodles from sticking at the bottom!

Step 8: Stir in Cream & Cheese

Remove your pot from heat after cooking! Now it’s time for that rich finishing touch: stir in 1 cup of heavy cream followed by shredded cheddar cheese until melted into that luscious soup base.

Step 9: Final Touches

Add in that splash of white balsamic vinegar along with your cooked ground beef back into the pot! Heat everything through over medium heat for an additional couple minutes while tasting to adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 10: Serve & Enjoy!

Ladle out generous portions into bowls topped with those crunchy sesame seed bun croutons! Finish off each bowl with garnishes of sliced green onions and more shredded cheddar cheese if desired—and there you have it—a comforting bowl of One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup ready to enjoy!

Pro Tips for Making One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

Making the perfect One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is a breeze with a few helpful tips!

• Use fresh ingredients – Fresh vegetables and high-quality cheese can significantly enhance the flavor of your soup, making it more delicious and wholesome.
• Don’t skip the deglazing step – This allows you to scrape up any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom of the pot, ensuring that every spoonful of soup is packed with rich taste.
• Adjust thickness to your liking – If you prefer a thicker soup, let it simmer a bit longer to allow more liquid to evaporate. For a thinner consistency, simply add a little more broth or cream.
• Add extra veggies – Feel free to sneak in some additional vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for added nutrition and flavor. It’s a great way to customize the soup and make it your own!
• Store leftovers properly – If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors will continue to meld together, making it even tastier the next day!

How to Serve One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

Serving this hearty soup is just as fun as making it! Here are some ideas to present your dish beautifully and make mealtime special.

Garnishes

• Sliced green onions – A sprinkle of fresh green onions adds a pop of color and a mild onion flavor that complements the richness of the soup.
• Shredded cheddar cheese – A handful of shredded cheddar on top provides that extra cheesy goodness that everyone loves.
• Croutons from sesame seed buns – These add a delightful crunch and texture contrast, making each bite even more enjoyable.

Side Dishes

• Garlic Breadsticks – Warm, buttery breadsticks with garlic are perfect for dipping into your creamy soup and are sure to please everyone at the table.
• Simple Garden Salad – A fresh salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers adds a refreshing crunch that balances out the rich flavors of the soup.
• Steamed Broccoli or Green Beans – Lightly steamed veggies can offer a nutritious side that complements the meal without overshadowing its comforting essence.
• Potato Wedges or Sweet Potato Fries – Crispy potato wedges or sweet potato fries provide an excellent side option that pairs well with cheeseburgers in any form!

Now that you have all these tips and serving ideas, you’re ready to create a memorable meal with this One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup. Enjoy!

Make Ahead and Storage

This One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is perfect for meal prep! You can easily whip up a batch ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week. Here’s how to store and reheat your delicious creation:

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 possible, keep the croutons separate until you’re ready to serve for optimal crispiness.

Freezing

• If you want to freeze the soup, let it cool completely and portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• When freezing, consider leaving out the heavy cream and cheese, as they might change texture when reheated.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat on the stovetop over low-medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
• Add a splash of broth or water if the soup has thickened too much during storage.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this comforting dish!

Can I make One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute regular flour with a gluten-free blend and use gluten-free elbow macaroni.

How long does One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup take to prepare?

This recipe takes only about 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!

What can I use instead of heavy cream in One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup?

You can substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative for a lighter version.

How can I spice up my One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup?

Feel free to add some diced jalapeños or hot sauce for an extra kick!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup! It’s not just a meal; it’s a hug in a bowl that brings everyone together. Whether you’re serving it on a cozy night or meal prepping for busy days ahead, I’m sure your family will love this cheesy delight. Enjoy every spoonful, and don’t hesitate to share your experience with me! Happy cooking!