One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

Cozy One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Recipe For Chilly Days

Comfort meets convenience in this mouthwatering one-pot macaroni cheeseburger soup that combines classic burger flavors with creamy pasta goodness.

Hearty ingredients meld together in a single pan, promising minimal cleanup and maximum satisfaction.

Savory ground beef mingles with tender pasta shells, creating a rich and indulgent meal that feels like a warm hug.

Melted cheese and smoky seasonings dance through each spoonful, delivering pure culinary excitement.

Packed with protein and bursting with familiar flavors, this soup brings the best of a cheeseburger into a cozy, slurpable form.

Grab a ladle and dive right into this crowd-pleasing recipe that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Common Questions About One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

  • Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken works great as a lean alternative to beef. Just ensure it’s fully cooked before adding other ingredients.

  • Is this soup kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Kids love the cheesy, meaty flavor and soft macaroni. It’s like a cheeseburger and soup combined, making it a fun meal for children.

  • How can I make this soup more nutritious?

Add extra vegetables like diced carrots or bell peppers during the onion cooking stage. This boosts the nutritional value without changing the core flavor profile.

  • What if I don't have cheddar cheese?

No problem! You can substitute with monterey jack, colby, or a blend of cheeses. The key is using a cheese that melts smoothly and complements the beef flavor.

Why One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Is Comfort in a Bowl

  • Simplify Mealtime: Ditch multiple pots and pans with this single-pot wonder that combines the classic flavors of a cheeseburger and mac and cheese in one delicious soup.
  • Kid-Approved Comfort: Packed with familiar tastes that children love, this recipe transforms a traditional burger into a hearty, slurp-worthy meal that satisfies both parents and picky eaters.
  • Speedy Weeknight Savior: Requires minimal prep and cooking steps, making it a perfect solution for busy families craving a quick, satisfying dinner without complicated techniques or long ingredient lists.
  • Customizable Crowd-Pleaser: Easily dress up the soup with optional toppings like crispy bacon bits, green onions, or extra cheese to match individual preferences and add exciting texture variations.

Ingredients for One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

Meat Base:
  • Ground Beef: A protein-packed ingredient that provides a hearty and rich flavor to the soup.
Vegetables and Aromatics:
  • Onion, Garlic: Aromatic ingredients that add depth and savory notes to the base of the soup.
  • Diced Tomatoes: Brings a bright, tangy element and adds moisture to the soup.
Soup Essentials:
  • Beef Broth: Provides a rich, meaty liquid base that enhances the overall flavor of the soup.
  • Macaroni Pasta: The classic pasta shape that adds texture and makes the soup more filling.
Cheese and Seasonings:
  • Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts smoothly to create a creamy, cheesy finish to the soup.
  • Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that help balance and enhance the overall taste of the dish.

How to Cook One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

Step 1: Brown Juicy Ground Beef

Sizzle the ground beef in a spacious pot over medium flame. Break up the meat into crumbly pieces while cooking. Once the beef turns a rich brown color, carefully drain away any extra grease to keep the soup light and delicious.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

Toss in the chopped onions and minced garlic. Let them dance around the pot, releasing their wonderful fragrance. Cook until the onions become translucent and soft, creating a flavor base for the soup.

Step 3: Build Soup Foundation

  • Diced tomatoes
  • Beef broth

Pour the tomatoes and broth into the pot. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle bubbling simmer. This is where the magic of blending flavors begins.

Step 4: Cook Pasta to Perfection

Add the macaroni directly into the simmering liquid. Let it cook and absorb all the delicious surrounding flavors. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook until the pasta reaches a tender texture, typically around 10 minutes.

Step 5: Create Creamy Cheese Sensation

Sprinkle in the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese melts completely, creating a luxurious, smooth texture that coats every single morsel in the pot.

Step 6: Season and Enhance

Taste the soup and add salt and pepper. Adjust the seasoning to your personal preference, ensuring a balanced and mouthwatering flavor profile.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Top with optional garnishes like:
  • Crispy bacon bits
  • Chopped green onions
  • Extra cheese
  • Sour cream

Enjoy your comforting one-pot macaroni cheeseburger soup!

Pro Tips for One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

  • Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and create a healthier soup version.
  • Customize the soup's thickness by adjusting beef broth quantity for your preferred consistency.
  • Add diced bell peppers or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor complexity.
  • Substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian alternative that maintains similar taste profiles.
  • Use gluten-free macaroni to make the recipe suitable for individuals with gluten sensitivities.

Variations to Try with One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

  • Veggie Burger Version: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black bean patties for a vegetarian alternative that maintains the hearty soup texture.
  • Spicy Southwest Kick: Add diced green chilies, jalapeños, and swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese to create a zesty, fiery version of the original recipe.
  • Mediterranean Makeover: Incorporate ground lamb, add oregano, use feta cheese, and include diced cucumber for a Mediterranean-inspired transformation.
  • Bacon Cheeseburger Boost: Crisp up bacon bits before cooking beef, sprinkle on top, and use a blend of sharp cheddar and smoky gouda for extra rich flavor complexity.

Best Pairings for One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

  • Savor Burger-Inspired Wine Pairing: Choose a bold, fruity red like Zinfandel to complement the rich beef and cheese flavors, cutting through the creamy texture with its vibrant tannins.
  • Crunchy Sidekick Selection: Serve crispy dill pickle spears or homemade potato chips to add textural contrast and enhance the cheeseburger-inspired soup's zesty profile.
  • Fresh Herb Garnish Boost: Sprinkle chopped fresh chives or parsley on top to brighten the dish, adding a light, green note that lifts the heavy, meaty soup's intensity.
  • Craft Beer Companion: Select an amber ale or hoppy IPA with malty undertones that mirror the soup's robust beef and cheese elements, creating a harmonious flavor connection.

Storage Instructions for One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

  • Transfer leftover soup to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the soup completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
  • Place soup in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals. Stir between intervals to ensure even warming. Check temperature before serving to avoid hot spots.
  • Pour soup into a pot, add a splash of beef broth to restore moisture, and warm over medium-low heat.
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One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Recipe


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4.6 from 28 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty “one-pot macaroni cheeseburger soup” brings classic American comfort to your dinner table with robust flavors of ground beef and cheesy pasta. Simmering with rich seasonings and creamy texture, this quick meal satisfies hungry families in less than 30 minutes.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes

Base and Seasonings:

  • 4 cups (32 fluid ounces) beef broth
  • 2 cups elbow macaroni
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste

Optional Toppings:

  • Chopped pickles
  • Diced onions
  • Ketchup

Instructions

  1. Heat a large pot over medium-high temperature and brown the ground beef, breaking it into crumbly pieces while cooking.
  2. Remove excess grease from the meat and return pot to stove.
  3. Sauté diced onions and minced garlic in the same pot until vegetables become translucent and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes.
  4. Pour beef broth and diced tomatoes into the pot, stirring to combine and create a rich liquid base.
  5. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and add uncooked macaroni, allowing pasta to cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente.
  6. Reduce heat to low and gradually incorporate shredded cheddar cheese, continuously stirring until cheese melts completely and creates a smooth, creamy texture.
  7. Season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting flavors to personal preference.
  8. Let the soup rest for 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to meld and sauce to thicken slightly.
  9. Ladle into serving bowls and garnish with optional toppings like chopped green onions, crispy bacon bits, or additional cheese if desired.

Notes

  • Lean meat option: Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version that’s lower in fat and calories.
  • Gluten-free adaptation: Swap regular macaroni with gluten-free pasta to make the soup celiac-friendly.
  • Veggie boost: Toss in extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or spinach to increase nutritional value and add more texture.
  • Cheese flexibility: Experiment with different cheese blends like pepper jack or smoked gouda for unique flavor profiles.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 570 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 38 g
  • Saturated Fat: 18 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 100 mg
Olivia Brooks

Olivia Brooks

Contributing Writer

Expertise

  • Healthy recipe development
  • Plant-based cooking
  • Nutritional analysis
  • Food writing and content creation

Education

Culinary Institute of America
Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate Program
Focus: Culinary fundamentals, nutrition, and healthy cooking technique


Olivia believes good food should feed both the body and the soul. She earned her Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate from the Culinary Institute of America, where she focused on nutrition and practical cooking techniques that make healthy eating easy.
At 10 Below Ice Cream, Olivia shares single-serving recipes that are fresh, plant-forward, and full of heart. She loves helping people eat better, without stress, strict rules, or sacrificing flavor.
Beyond the kitchen, Olivia spends her time tending her backyard garden, practicing yoga, and discovering hidden gems in Portland’s food scene.

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