Hearty One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Recipe for Cozy Nights

Comfort food takes an exciting twist with this one-pot macaroni cheeseburger soup that blends classic burger flavors into a creamy, hearty meal.

Juicy ground beef and tender pasta swim in a rich, cheesy broth that captures the essence of a cheeseburger.

Each spoonful delivers a nostalgic punch of familiar tastes and textures you’ll absolutely love.

The soup comes together quickly with simple ingredients that pack maximum flavor.

Minimal dishes and maximum satisfaction make this recipe a weeknight winner.

Casual and comforting, this soup transforms an all-American favorite into a warm, inviting meal that sparks joy at the dinner table.

Dive in and savor every delicious bite of this crowd-pleasing culinary creation.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 533 kcal

Servings: 5

What You’ll Need For One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

• Ground Beef: Adds hearty, robust flavor and protein punch; choose lean cut for healthier option.
• Chicken Broth: Creates rich, savory liquid foundation; opt for low-sodium version for better control of salt content.

• Onion, Carrots, Celery: Classic aromatic trio providing depth, sweetness, and nutritional boost; select fresh, firm vegetables with vibrant colors.
• Garlic: Delivers intense, pungent flavor; choose fresh cloves for maximum taste complexity.

• All-Purpose Flour: Thickens soup and creates smooth texture; ensure fresh, lump-free measurement.
• Dried Oregano, Dried Thyme: Infuse herbaceous Mediterranean essence; select high-quality, fragrant dried herbs.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning agents; use freshly ground black pepper for maximum flavor impact.

• Heavy Cream: Introduces luxurious, velvety richness; select high-fat content cream for optimal smoothness.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Provides tangy, melty goodness; grate fresh cheese for superior melting quality.

• Fresh Herbs: Adds bright, fresh dimension; choose parsley or chives for vibrant color and flavor.

Tools To Cook One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

• Large Pot: Essential for cooking and combining all ingredients, perfect for one-pot meals.
• Spatula: Crucial for breaking apart ground beef and stirring ingredients smoothly.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping onions, carrots, and celery with precision.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp tool for dicing and slicing vegetables quickly and evenly.
• Measuring Spoons: Helpful for accurately measuring dried herbs and seasonings.
• Measuring Cups: Important for measuring broth and other liquid ingredients precisely.
• Wooden Spoon or Whisk: Great for stirring soup and melting cheese without scratching the pot.
• Cheese Grater: Useful for shredding fresh cheddar cheese for topping and mixing.

Making One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup At Home

• Beef Foundation

Brown ground beef in a large pot over medium heat, seasoning with herbs. Break meat into small pieces while cooking. Once done, set aside in a separate container.

• Vegetable Harmony

Melt butter in the same pot. Add chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Cook on medium-high heat, stirring occasionally until vegetables soften and develop a golden edge.

• Aromatic Layers

Reduce heat and introduce minced garlic and remaining herbs. Stir for one minute, allowing the kitchen to fill with warm, enticing scents.

• Silky Thickening

Dust vegetables with flour, coating evenly. Stir continuously for a minute to cook out raw flour taste and create a smooth base.

• Liquid Transformation

Pour chicken broth slowly, mixing to blend flavors and release any browned bits from pot bottom. Add macaroni and season. Bring to a gentle simmer, then lower heat. Cook until pasta reaches perfect tenderness.

• Creamy Finale

Remove from heat. Swirl in heavy cream, then gradually incorporate sharp cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.

• Serving Celebration

Return beef to soup, stirring gently. Taste and adjust seasonings. Ladle into bowls, optional cheese sprinkle on top for extra indulgence.

Helpful Tricks For One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

• Meat Flexibility: Swap ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives for a different protein profile and dietary preferences.
• Cheese Adventure: Experiment with cheese varieties like pepper jack, gouda, or monterey jack to create unique flavor combinations and add exciting depth to the soup.
• Low-Carb Twist: Replace traditional elbow macaroni with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to reduce carbohydrate content and make the recipe more keto-friendly.
• Vegetable Boost: Enhance nutritional value by adding extra vegetables like diced bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms during the sautéing stage for increased texture and vitamins.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free cheese alternatives and coconut cream instead of heavy cream to accommodate lactose-intolerant or vegan dietary needs while maintaining a creamy consistency.

Serving One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Warm

• Cozy Comfort Bowl: Ladle this hearty soup into deep ceramic bowls that showcase its rich, creamy texture and invite warm, comforting spoonfuls.
• Burger-Style Topping Party: Sprinkle crispy bacon bits, diced pickles, and a dollop of yellow mustard on top to mimic classic cheeseburger flavors and add delightful crunch.
• Bread Buddy Pairing: Serve alongside toasted garlic bread, crusty sourdough, or buttery dinner rolls to soak up every delicious drop of the cheesy soup base.
• Side Salad Freshness: Complement the rich soup with a light mixed green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette to balance the creamy, meaty main dish and add a refreshing contrast.

Store One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup The Simple Way

• Refrigerator Ready: Store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cool completely before sealing to maintain fresh flavor and prevent bacterial growth.
• Freezer Friendly: Transfer soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freeze for maximum 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating gently on stovetop.
• Reheating Rescue: Warm soup slowly over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add splash of chicken broth if soup seems too thick. Avoid high temperatures to prevent cheese separation.
• Portion Control Hack: Divide soup into individual serving containers for easy grab-and-go lunches. Label with date and contents for quick meal planning.

Hearty One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

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4.8 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Hearty one-pot macaroni cheeseburger soup combines classic comfort flavors in a single delightful dish. Creamy cheese, seasoned ground beef, and tender pasta create a satisfying meal perfect for quick weeknight dinners that you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef
• 1 cup (150g) yellow onion, diced
• 1 cup (130g) carrots, sliced
• 1 cup (100g) celery, sliced
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 cups (1.9 L) chicken broth
• 8 oz (225g) elbow macaroni, uncooked
• 1 cup (240 mL) heavy cream
• 8 oz (225g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 6 tbsps (85g) unsalted butter
• 4 tbsps (30g) all-purpose flour
• 2 tsps dried oregano
• 2 tsps dried thyme
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, freshly ground, to taste

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Instructions

1. Meat Preparation: Sizzle ground beef in a large pot over medium heat, seasoning with dried oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Crumble and cook thoroughly, then set aside.
2. Vegetable Sauté: In the same pot, melt unsalted butter and combine diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery. Cook on elevated heat until vegetables become tender and lightly caramelized, releasing their natural sweetness.
3. Aromatic Enhancement: Lower heat and introduce minced garlic, allowing herbs to bloom and intensify the flavor profile. Sprinkle all-purpose flour evenly, toasting briefly to eliminate raw undertones and create a robust thickening base.
4. Liquid Integration: Gradually pour chicken broth, whisking smoothly to prevent lumps and capture pot’s caramelized essence. Add elbow macaroni, adjusting seasoning, and simmer until pasta reaches perfect al dente texture.
5. Creamy Transformation: Remove from heat, fold in heavy cream and sharp cheddar cheese, stirring until a velvety, uniform consistency develops. Reincorporate reserved ground beef, mixing gently to distribute flavors evenly.
6. Final Touch: Conduct a comprehensive seasoning assessment, making final adjustments. Serve piping hot, optionally adorning with additional cheese or fresh herb garnish for enhanced visual and gustatory appeal.

Notes

• Optimize Meat Browning: Achieve deep, caramelized flavor by ensuring ground beef is dry before sautéing. Pat meat with paper towels to remove excess moisture, allowing proper browning and preventing steaming.
• Prevent Pasta Overcooking: Add macaroni towards the end of cooking to maintain perfect al dente texture. Monitor liquid levels closely, as pasta absorbs broth quickly and can become mushy if left too long.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Remove soup from direct heat before adding cheese to prevent separation and graininess. Stir cheese gradually in small batches, ensuring smooth, creamy integration without clumping.
• Dietary Adaptation Options: Swap ground beef for plant-based crumbles to create a vegetarian version. Use gluten-free flour and pasta for those with wheat sensitivities. Low-fat alternatives like milk and reduced-fat cheese can modify the recipe’s nutritional profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 533
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 870mg
• Fat: 34g
• Saturated Fat: 20g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 37g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 112mg