If you’re craving something that combines the nostalgia of a classic cheeseburger with the comfort of a warm, hearty soup, then you absolutely must try this One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Recipe. It’s a delicious, creamy bowl that feels like a big hug on a chilly day, blending savory ground beef, tender macaroni, gooey cheddar cheese, and just the right amount of tomato and broth to keep it perfectly balanced. What’s truly wonderful about this recipe is how effortless it is to bring all those flavors together in one pot, making it a fantastic weeknight dinner that feels special without any fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple ingredients is the first step to creating this flavorful soup, and each one plays an essential role in delivering that classic cheeseburger taste in a cozy bowl. From the richness of the beef to the melty cheddar, every component is a small star in this delightful dish.
- 1 pound ground beef: Provides hearty flavor and texture that forms the savory base of the soup.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth, softening beautifully as it cooks with the beef.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: A punch of aromatic flavor that elevates the overall dish.
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained: Brings acidity and a hint of sweetness to balance richness.
- 4 cups beef broth: Creates a flavorful, savory liquid that ties everything together.
- 2 cups elbow macaroni: Classic burger bun replacement that soaks up the cheesy goodness.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: For that melty, creamy cheeseburger sensation in every bite.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors.
- Optional Toppings: Diced pickles, ketchup, mustard, or your favorite burger fixings to personalize your bowl.
How to Make One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef & Sauté the Onion
Start by heating a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Once the beef is about halfway browned, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. These will soften and blend together, creating a fragrant, flavorful base. Cook everything until the beef is fully browned and the onions are translucent. If there’s any excess grease, don’t hesitate to drain it off to keep the soup from being too oily.
Step 2: Add Tomatoes, Broth, and Pasta
Next, pour in the entire can of diced tomatoes, including their juices, which add a nice tang and color. Follow with the beef broth to bring the soup together. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then stir in the elbow macaroni. This is where the magic happens — the pasta will cook right in the flavorful liquid, soaking up all those savory notes. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to make sure the pasta doesn’t stick to the bottom, until it’s perfectly tender.
Step 3: Stir in the Cheese
Once your macaroni is cooked through, turn off the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. This step transforms the soup into a luscious, creamy masterpiece. Keep stirring until the cheese is melted completely, creating a rich, smooth texture that’s simply irresistible. Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste — this seasoning step is crucial to bring out every layer of flavor.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle your steaming One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup into bowls and get creative with the toppings. Whether you love diced pickles, a drizzle of ketchup, a swirl of mustard, or all of these classics together, these final touches add an extra burst of classic burger vibes to your soup. Dig in while it’s hot and enjoy this comforting, cheesy delight!
How to Serve One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
Garnishes
To really personalize your bowl, don’t be shy with garnishes. Diced pickles provide a crunchy, tangy bite that cuts through the richness, while ketchup and mustard add that unmistakable burger flavor. If you want to get fancy, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley or shredded lettuce on top for a playful nod to burger toppings.
Side Dishes
This soup is quite filling on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, consider serving it alongside a simple green salad or some crispy oven-baked french fries. Garlic bread also pairs wonderfully, soaking up every last cheesy drop from your bowl.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in small bread bowls for an edible, burger bun-inspired vessel. You can also layer the soup in clear bowls to showcase its colorful ingredients, allowing guests to savor the visual appeal before the first spoonful. It’s a great way to impress at casual dinner parties or cozy family nights.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (which is often the case because this soup is just that good), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, retaining its creamy texture and rich flavor. Just give it a good stir before reheating.
Freezing
This One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Recipe freezes surprisingly well. Spoon the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Keep in mind that pasta can sometimes get a bit softer after freezing, so it might be best to slightly undercook the macaroni before freezing if you plan ahead.
Reheating
Reheat the soup gently on the stove over low heat to avoid curdling the cheese or breaking the creamy texture. Stir frequently and add a splash of broth or milk if it seems too thick. Microwave reheating works too, but do so in short intervals, stirring in between to maintain an even temperature.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While cheddar gives that classic cheeseburger flavor, feel free to experiment with mozzarella, pepper jack, or even a blend of cheeses to mix things up and add new dimensions to the soup.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or add hearty vegetables like mushrooms or lentils. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth, and you’ll have a tasty vegetarian version that still satisfies.
What can I do if the soup is too thick?
If your soup thickens too much as it sits, simply stir in a bit more beef broth or water when reheating until you reach your desired consistency.
Can I prepare this soup in advance?
Definitely! You can prepare everything up to the point of adding cheese and store it in the fridge for a day. When ready to eat, reheat gently, stir in the cheese, and enjoy your fresh, comforting meal.
How spicy is this soup?
This One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Recipe is mild and kid-friendly, but you can spice it up with a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to suit your taste.
Final Thoughts
This One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Recipe is one of those rare finds that feels indulgent yet simple, filling yet comforting. It’s perfect for busy nights when you want something quick but satisfying, and it never fails to bring smiles to the dinner table. I truly hope you give it a try and discover your new favorite go-to comfort meal!
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One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is a comforting and hearty dish that combines all the classic flavors of a cheeseburger in a creamy, cheesy soup. Made with ground beef, onions, garlic, diced tomatoes, beef broth, elbow macaroni, and plenty of cheddar cheese, this soup is easy to prepare and perfect for a cozy meal. Topped with your favorite burger condiments like pickles, ketchup, or mustard, it’s an irresistible twist on traditional cheeseburger flavor.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Toppings
- Diced pickles
- Ketchup
- Mustard
- Other favorite burger toppings
Instructions
- Brown the Beef & Sauté the Onion: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it apart as it cooks. When the beef is about halfway browned, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Continue cooking until the onion becomes translucent and the beef is fully browned. Drain any excess grease if necessary to keep the soup from being too oily.
- Add Tomatoes, Broth, and Pasta: Stir in the diced tomatoes with their juices and the beef broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Add the elbow macaroni and stir to combine everything. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and simmer the soup for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking, until the macaroni is tender.
- Stir in the Cheese: Once the pasta is cooked, turn off the heat and gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese melts completely, creating a creamy, smooth texture. Season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Serve & Enjoy: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and add your favorite burger-inspired toppings such as diced pickles, ketchup, or a swirl of mustard. Serve immediately to enjoy the rich and comforting cheeseburger flavor in every spoonful.
Notes
- For a creamier soup, add a splash of milk or cream when stirring in the cheese.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Use gluten-free macaroni to make the soup gluten-free.
- Leftovers refrigerate well and can be reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed after reheating.
