One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting meal that brings the whole family together, look no further than this One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup! This recipe has stolen my heart (and my taste buds) because it’s not only delicious but incredibly easy to whip up in just 30 minutes. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a fun family gathering, this soup is perfect for any occasion. The best part? Everything cooks in one pot, making cleanup a breeze!

This hearty soup combines the best of cheeseburgers and macaroni, bringing together gooey cheese and savory beef in a warm bowl of happiness. Trust me, once you try it, your family will be asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-pot convenience: All the magic happens in one pot, saving you time on cooking and cleanup.
• Quick and easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty without the hassle.
• Family-friendly: Even the pickiest eaters will love this cheesy comfort food; it’s a surefire crowd-pleaser!
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or swap proteins to suit your family’s tastes.
• Deliciously rich flavor: With sharp cheddar and creamy goodness, every spoonful is bursting with cheesy deliciousness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple and wholesome ingredients to make this delightful soup. Each one plays an important role in creating that rich, comforting flavor we all crave.

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

Variations

The beauty of this One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is its flexibility! You can easily tweak it to match your mood or what you have on hand.

• Swap the protein: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
• Add extra veggies: Toss in some chopped bell peppers or spinach for added nutrition and color.
• Make it spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños for a kick!
• Go dairy-free: Substitute coconut cream and nutritional yeast instead of heavy cream and cheese for a dairy-free version.

How to Make One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

Step 1: Prepare the Croutons

To start off with some crunch, heat your oven to 400 degrees. Place the diced sesame seed buns on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Drizzle them with olive oil and toss gently to coat evenly. Bake them for about 10 minutes until they’re crispy on the outside. This adds a delightful texture when served atop your soup!

Step 2: Brown the Beef

In a large pot over medium heat, add the ground beef along with one teaspoon each of oregano and thyme, plus some salt and pepper. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks through. Once done, remove it from the pot and set it aside. Browning the beef first helps to build up those rich flavors you’ll love in every bite!

Step 3: Sauté the Veggies

In that same pot (no need to clean it!), melt six tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add your diced onions, carrots, celery, and season with salt and pepper. Turn up the heat slightly to medium-high and sauté these veggies until they soften—about ten minutes—stirring occasionally. This step brings out their natural sweetness and enhances the soup’s overall flavor.

Step 4: Add Garlic & Herbs

Lower the heat back down to medium before adding minced garlic along with the remaining oregano and thyme. Cook this mixture for another minute until fragrant—it’s such an aromatic delight!

Step 5: Thicken It Up

Next comes flour! Sprinkle four tablespoons over your veggies and stir well to coat them all evenly. Cook this mixture for another minute while stirring frequently; this step helps thicken our soup nicely.

Step 6: Deglaze & Simmer

Pour in just a splash of chicken broth at first to deglaze the pot—scraping up all those flavorful bits stuck on the bottom is essential! Then add in the rest of your chicken broth along with uncooked elbow macaroni noodles. Don’t forget another pinch of salt and pepper! Bring everything to a simmer by turning up to medium-high heat.

Step 7: Cook Your Pasta

Once simmering, reduce back down to low heat and let it bubble away for about five to seven minutes or until your pasta is al dente—remember to stir occasionally so nothing sticks!

Step 8: Finish It Off

Remove from heat once done cooking! Stir in that lovely heavy cream along with shredded sharp cheddar cheese until everything melts beautifully together. Then add in that white balsamic vinegar—this gives an extra layer of flavor! Finally, fold back in your cooked ground beef into this cheesy mix.

Step 9: Serve & Enjoy

Heat everything through over medium heat for another couple of minutes before seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot topped with your crispy sesame seed croutons along with green onions and more shredded cheddar cheese as desired!

And there you have it—a big warm bowl of One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup ready to enjoy! Perfect for cozy nights or any time you’re craving comfort food made easy!

Pro Tips for Making One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

Making a delicious One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is easy, but a few helpful tips can take your soup to the next level!

• Brown the beef well: Ensure the ground beef is cooked until browned and crumbled. This adds depth of flavor that enhances the overall taste of your soup.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables, particularly the onions, carrots, and celery, contribute to a vibrant flavor and texture in your soup. They make all the difference in this comforting dish!

• Don’t skip deglazing: When you add chicken broth after cooking the veggies, it helps lift those tasty bits stuck at the bottom of the pot. This step adds rich flavor to your soup.

• Adjust thickness with cream: If you prefer a thicker soup, consider adding more cream or cooking it down a bit longer. Just remember to stir frequently to prevent sticking!

• Taste as you go: Always taste your soup before serving. Adjusting salt, pepper, or vinegar allows you to personalize the flavors to your liking!

How to Serve One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

Serving this hearty soup can be just as fun as making it! Here are some ideas to present this comforting dish beautifully.

Garnishes

• Sliced green onions: These add a fresh crunch and color that brightens up each bowl.
• Shredded cheddar cheese: A sprinkle on top melts perfectly into the warm soup, adding an extra cheesy goodness.
• Crispy sesame seed bun croutons: These not only provide delightful texture but also reinforce the cheeseburger theme!

Side Dishes

• Garlic bread: Warm, buttery garlic bread complements the richness of the soup and is perfect for dipping.
• Simple side salad: A light salad with mixed greens and vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the creamy soup.
• Steamed broccoli: This adds a nutritious element while providing a nice visual pop of green on your plate.
• Fruit salad: A sweet fruit salad can balance out the savory flavors of the soup, making it a delightful end to your meal.

Enjoy creating this cozy bowl of One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup with these pro tips and serving suggestions!

Make Ahead and Storage

This One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a big batch and store it for later, ensuring a quick and delicious meal is always at your fingertips.

Storing Leftovers

• Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Label the container with the date so you can keep track of freshness.

Freezing

• Cool the soup completely before freezing.
• Portion it into freezer-safe containers or freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. Remember to label with the date!

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat on the stovetop over 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 you might have about this delicious recipe!

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef in One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great alternative that will still yield a tasty and hearty soup. Just be sure to season it well while cooking!

How do I make One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup vegetarian?

You can replace the ground beef with lentils or your favorite plant-based meat substitute. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a fully vegetarian dish.

Can I add other vegetables to my One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup?

Yes, feel free to get creative! Bell peppers, zucchini, or even spinach could be wonderful additions to enhance flavor and nutrition.

How long does One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup last in the fridge?

When stored properly, this soup lasts about 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Just make sure it’s in an airtight container!

Can I make this soup dairy-free?

You can use non-dairy milk and cheese alternatives to create a dairy-free version. Just ensure that the substitutes you choose melt well for that creamy texture.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup as much as I do! It’s a comforting and satisfying dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. Enjoy every cheesy spoonful and feel free to share your thoughts or any variations you come up with. Happy cooking!