If you have a soft spot for comforting meals that bring together childhood favorites in one bowl, you’re absolutely going to love this One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Recipe. Imagine the nostalgic flavors of a cheeseburger transformed into a luscious, creamy soup that’s packed with hearty ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, and sharp cheddar cheese. It’s a total game changer for weeknight dinners—simple to whip up, wonderfully satisfying, and perfect for cozying up any evening with family or friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things wonderfully straightforward with ingredients you probably already have on hand. Each one plays an essential role: from the savory beef that forms the hearty base, to the creamy cheddar that gives the soup its irresistible richness, and the elbow macaroni adding just the right bite and texture.
- 1 pound ground beef: Choose lean or regular based on preference, for that juicy meatiness.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Adds a sweet, aromatic depth when sautéed with the beef.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: A punch of warm flavor that complements the beef perfectly.
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained: Brings a subtle tang and helps create the soup’s broth.
- 4 cups beef broth: The heartwarming base that enriches all components with meaty flavor.
- 2 cups elbow macaroni: The classic pasta shape that absorbs the broth and cheese beautifully.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp and creamy, it melts right into the soup for that luscious texture.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning each bite just right.
- Optional toppings: Diced pickles, ketchup, mustard, or your favorite burger condiments to make every spoonful uniquely yours.
How to Make One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Sauté the Onion
Start by heating a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks. When it’s about halfway browned, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Keep cooking until the onion is translucent and the beef is fully browned. If there’s excess grease, drain it off to keep the soup from getting too oily. This step builds the foundation of flavor, so take your time to get that beef nicely browned.
Step 2: Add Tomatoes, Broth, and Pasta
Next, stir in the diced tomatoes along with their juices and the beef broth. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil to start building your soup base. Once boiling, add the elbow macaroni and stir well to combine everything evenly. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 10 to 15 minutes. Don’t forget to stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking as it cooks to tender perfection.
Step 3: Stir in the Cheese
Once the pasta is tender and ready, turn off the heat. Now comes the magic moment: stirring in the shredded cheddar. Keep stirring until the cheese melts completely, and the soup transforms into a creamy, velvety delight. Season with salt and pepper to suit your taste – this is where those simple seasonings really shine and bring the whole dish together beautifully.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy Your Creation
Serve your One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Recipe piping hot, topped with your choice of classic burger-inspired garnishes like diced pickles, a drizzle of ketchup, or a swirl of mustard. Each bite offers that perfect balance between cheesy indulgence and familiar, comforting flavors—you’ll find yourself coming back for seconds, or even thirds!
How to Serve One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
Garnishes
The fun in this soup is personalizing it just like your favorite burger. Crisp diced pickles add a tangy crunch, while a drizzle of ketchup or mustard introduces that familiar burger zing. Feel free to experiment with crispy fried onions, shredded lettuce, or even a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs for added texture and freshness.
Side Dishes
Pair this hearty soup with a simple green salad to balance the richness, or serve alongside crusty bread or garlic toast for dipping. A side of roasted veggies or a light coleslaw would add a lovely contrast to the creamy cheeseburger goodness waiting in your bowl.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd or a fun twist, serve the soup in mini bread bowls or soup crocks. You could even layer it with extra cheese and broil for a bubbly, golden top like a mac and cheese casserole. Kids especially love the interactive toppings bar so they can build their own burger-inspired soup bowls.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Recipe keeps wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to maintain its creamy texture and rich flavor, making for a delicious next-day meal.
Freezing
You can freeze this soup, but keep in mind that pasta can sometimes become a bit soft after freezing and reheating. If you plan to freeze it, consider undercooking the macaroni slightly before adding the cheese and freezing. This way, it won’t get mushy when reheated later.
Reheating
Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. You might want to add a splash of broth or milk to refresh the consistency and keep it creamy. Avoid overheating to keep the cheese from separating.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese in this recipe?
Absolutely! While cheddar gives that classic cheeseburger flavor, feel free to experiment with colby jack, Monterey Jack, or even a blend of cheeses for varied creaminess and flavor.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or extra hearty vegetables like mushrooms and lentils, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a tasty vegetarian version.
Can I prepare this soup in advance and freeze it?
Yes, you can freeze it with some precautions. Just undercook the pasta slightly before freezing and add cheese after reheating to avoid a grainy texture.
What toppings work best for this soup?
Diced pickles, ketchup, mustard, shredded lettuce, or crispy fried onions all bring that delightful burger vibe to your bowl. Customize as you like!
How thick should the soup be?
The soup should be creamy and thick enough to coat the spoon but still spoonable. If it gets too thick, stir in a bit more broth to loosen it up before serving.
Final Thoughts
This One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Recipe is an absolute treasure for anyone craving comfort food with a playful twist. Easy to make, packed with flavor, and so satisfying, it’s sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation. Give it a try—you won’t regret having a pot of this warming, cheesy delight simmering away in your kitchen.
Print
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 combines all the hearty flavors of a classic cheeseburger into a creamy, comforting soup. Made with ground beef, elbow macaroni, diced tomatoes, and melted cheddar cheese, it’s a quick and easy meal perfect for weeknights. Topped with your favorite burger fixings, this soup is a delicious way to enjoy the taste of a cheeseburger in a warm, satisfying bowl.
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 is translucent and the beef is fully browned. Drain any excess grease if necessary.
- Add Tomatoes, Broth, and Pasta: Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juices) and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Add the elbow macaroni and stir to combine. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.
- Stir in the Cheese: Once the macaroni is cooked, turn off the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese is completely melted and the soup is creamy and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve & Enjoy: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and top with your favorite burger-inspired toppings such as diced pickles, ketchup, or a swirl of mustard. Serve immediately and enjoy the rich, cheesy goodness!
Notes
- Drain excess grease after browning the beef to reduce fat content.
- Use sharp cheddar for a more intense cheese flavor.
- Customize toppings to your preference for an authentic cheeseburger flavor.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
