One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting meal that’s quick to whip up and sure to please everyone at the table, you’ve come to the right place! This One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is a delightful blend of flavors that takes just 30 minutes to prepare and cooks all in one pot. It’s become a family favorite in my house because it’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with hearty ingredients. Plus, there’s no need for any fancy cheese like VELVEETA—just simple, wholesome goodness!

Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual family gathering, this soup is perfect for any occasion. Imagine serving up warm bowls of this deliciousness while your loved ones dig in with smiles on their faces. It’s truly the ultimate comfort food!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for those hectic days when you need something satisfying fast.
• Family-Friendly: With its cheesy goodness and comforting flavors, even picky eaters will love this soup.
• One-Pot Wonder: Less cleanup means more time enjoying your meal and less time doing dishes!
• Make Ahead Convenience: You can easily prepare this soup ahead of time and reheat it for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.
• Endlessly Customizable: Add your favorite veggies or swap proteins for endless variations every time you make it!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for this One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is a breeze! You’ll find that these are all simple, wholesome items you probably already have on hand or can easily pick up at the store.

For the Soup

• 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

For the Toppings

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

Variations

One of the best things about this One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is how flexible it is! You can easily tailor it to fit your taste preferences or dietary needs.

• 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 to boost the nutrition and flavor!
• Make it spicy: Add some diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce if you like a kick.
• Go dairy-free: Substitute coconut cream and nutritional yeast for a creamy texture without dairy.

How to Make One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

Step 1: Prepare the Croutons

First things first: let’s get those sesame seed bun cubes ready! Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Spread the bun cubes on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Drizzle them with olive oil and toss until they’re evenly coated. Bake them for about 10 minutes until they’re crispy. These little croutons will add such delightful crunch to your soup!

Step 2: Brown the Beef

In a large pot over medium heat, add your ground beef along with one teaspoon each of oregano and thyme. Season with salt and pepper as well. Brown the meat while crumbling it with a spatula until fully cooked through. This step adds great flavor to your soup base!

Step 3: Sauté Your Veggies

With the beef set aside, let’s use that same pot! Melt six tablespoons of butter over medium heat (no need to wipe it out). Add diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery along with another pinch of salt and pepper. Cook these veggies for about 10 minutes; this makes them tender and brings out their natural sweetness.

Step 4: Flavor Boost

Now it’s time to add some depth! Lower your heat slightly and stir in minced garlic along with the remaining oregano and thyme. Cook these together for about one minute—this will release all those wonderful aromas.

Step 5: Thicken It Up

Sprinkle four tablespoons of flour over those sautéed vegetables and stir well to coat everything evenly. Cook for another minute while stirring frequently; this helps thicken our soup later on.

Step 6: Deglaze & Simmer

Pour in just a splash of chicken broth to deglaze the pot—scraping up all those flavorful bits stuck at the bottom is crucial! Then add in the rest of your chicken broth along with uncooked macaroni noodles. Turn up that heat until it reaches a simmer.

Step 7: Cook Your Pasta

Once simmering, reduce heat back down low and let everything simmer gently for about 5-7 minutes until your pasta is al dente. Remember to stir occasionally so nothing sticks!

Step 8: Creamy Goodness

Remove from heat before stirring in one cup of heavy cream followed by eight ounces of shredded cheese—this makes our soup wonderfully creamy! Don’t forget that splash of white balsamic vinegar; it really brightens up all those rich flavors.

Step 9: Combine & Serve

Finally, mix in your cooked ground beef back into the pot. Heat everything through over medium heat just until warmed nicely again. Taste test before serving; adjust those seasonings as needed!

Step 10: Garnish & Enjoy!

Ladle generous portions into bowls topped with crispy sesame seed bun croutons plus green onions and extra shredded cheese if desired! Now dig in—you’ve created something truly special!

Pro Tips for Making One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

Making this delicious One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup can be a breeze with just a few helpful tips!

• Prep your ingredients ahead of time – Chopping vegetables and measuring out ingredients before you start cooking can save time and make the cooking process smoother.

• Use fresh herbs if possible – Fresh oregano and thyme can enhance the flavor profile significantly compared to dried herbs, giving your soup a bright, fresh taste.

• Don’t rush the browning process – Taking your time to brown the ground beef properly adds depth of flavor through caramelization, making your soup taste even more delicious.

• Adjust creaminess to your liking – If you prefer a thicker soup, add less broth or increase the amount of flour slightly. For a lighter version, use less heavy cream or substitute it with a plant-based alternative.

• Experiment with cheese varieties – While sharp cheddar is fantastic, feel free to mix in other cheeses like Monterey Jack or Gruyère for a unique twist on flavor and creaminess.

How to Serve One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

Serving this hearty soup can be both fun and creative! It’s not just about filling bowls; it’s about creating an inviting dining experience for everyone at the table.

Garnishes

• Sliced green onions – These add a fresh crunch and vibrant color that brightens up each bowl.
• Shredded cheddar cheese – A sprinkle of extra cheese on top not only looks appetizing but also melts beautifully into the warm soup.
• Crushed red pepper flakes – For those who enjoy a little heat, a dash of red pepper flakes can elevate the flavor profile without overpowering it.

Side Dishes

• Garlic Bread – This classic side is perfect for dipping into the soup. The buttery garlic flavor complements the cheeseburger taste wonderfully.
• Simple Green Salad – A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the soup.
• Vegetable Sticks with Hummus – Carrot and celery sticks served with hummus are crunchy and healthy, making them an excellent accompaniment to balance out the meal.
• Cornbread Muffins – Soft and slightly sweet cornbread muffins are delightful when paired with this savory soup, adding another layer of comfort to your dining experience.

Enjoy every spoonful of this cozy One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup with these serving suggestions! It’s sure to become a family favorite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is a fantastic option for meal prep! You can easily make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week. Here’s how to store and maintain its deliciousness:

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• It will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
• When storing, keep the croutons separate to maintain their crunch.

Freezing

• Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.
• Freeze the soup for up to 2-3 months.
• To freeze, consider portioning it into individual servings for easier thawing.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
• If the soup thickens during storage, add a splash of broth or cream while reheating to reach your desired consistency.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delicious recipe that may help you out!

Can I make One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup without ground beef?

Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or even plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter or vegetarian version.

How do I store leftovers of One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing portions!

Can I use different types of cheese in this cheeseburger soup?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Monterey Jack, Gouda, or even pepper jack can add unique flavors and creaminess.

What can I serve with One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup?

This comforting soup pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or some crusty bread for dipping!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup as much as my family does! It’s not just a dish; it’s a warm hug in a bowl perfect for busy nights. Remember, cooking is all about having fun and making memories together. So gather your loved ones, whip up this delightful recipe, and savor every bite. Happy cooking!