The Coziest One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Recipe Ever

Comfort food meets convenience in this mouthwatering one-pot macaroni cheeseburger soup that promises to revolutionize your dinner routine.

Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a delicious mashup of classic burger and creamy pasta flavors.

Melted cheese, ground beef, and tender macaroni swirl together in a rich, satisfying broth that hugs your taste buds.

Forget complicated cooking techniques – this recipe simplifies weeknight meals with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.

Packed with protein and comfort, each spoonful delivers a nostalgic twist on two beloved classics.

Curious cooks can whip up this crowd-pleasing dish in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy households craving something special.

Let’s dive into a recipe that turns ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal you won’t be able to resist.

Why One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Is A Cozy Winner

• Maximize Flavor Depth: Cleverly layer ingredients like bacon, beef, and multiple cheeses to create an incredibly rich, restaurant-quality taste experience at home.
• Master Simple Cooking Techniques: Learn fundamental cooking skills through an approachable recipe that teaches browning meats, creating roux, and perfectly melting cheese without complicated steps.
• Comfort Food Champion: Transform classic cheeseburger flavors into a warm, satisfying soup that delivers nostalgic memories and hearty nutrition in one delicious bowl.
• Quick Family Pleaser: Craft a crowd-pleasing meal that requires minimal prep, uses common pantry ingredients, and appeals to both kids and adults with its familiar, crowd-pleasing flavor profile.

Ingredients For One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

• Ground Beef: A hearty meat that provides rich, savory flavor and substantial texture to the soup.
• Bacon: Creates a crispy, smoky base that adds depth and traditional cheeseburger essence.

• Whole Milk: Provides a creamy, smooth foundation for the soup's liquid base.
• Heavy Cream: Adds luxurious richness and contributes to the soup's velvety consistency.
• Cream Cheese: Enhances the soup's creamy texture and provides a tangy, smooth element.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Delivers a sharp, melty cheese flavor that is quintessential to the cheeseburger profile.

• Onions: Offer a sweet, savory base that builds depth in the soup's flavor.
• Garlic: Provides a pungent, aromatic kick that complements the meaty components.
• Tomato Paste: Concentrates tomato flavor and adds a rich, deep color to the soup.
• Diced Tomatoes: Introduce a bright, tangy element and additional texture.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds umami and complexity to the overall flavor profile.
• Salt, Black Pepper, Dried Parsley: Season and balance the soup's robust flavors.
• Flour: Helps thicken the soup and create a smooth, consistent texture.
• Elbow Macaroni: Provides a classic pasta element that makes the soup hearty and satisfying.

Simple Instructions For One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

Step 1: Sizzle Bacon Base

Crank up a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium-high heat. Drop in chopped bacon and cook until it transforms into crispy, golden goodness, creating a flavor-packed foundation for your soup.

Step 2: Brown Ground Beef

Scoop out the bacon bits and set them aside. Now, toss ground beef into the same pot, breaking it into tiny crumbles while developing deep, mouthwatering flavors.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

Introduce diced onions and minced garlic to the beef. Let them dance around the pot until onions become see-through and release their irresistible aroma, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 4: Create Magical Roux

Shower flour over the meat mixture, stirring constantly. This will create a silky thickening agent that prevents any unwelcome lumps from crashing your soup party.

Step 5: Blend Creamy Liquids

• Whole milk
• Heavy cream
• Worcestershire sauce

Whisk like a pro to integrate these liquids smoothly and dodge any potential scorching.

Step 6: Introduce Tomato Goodness

Stir in tomato paste and diced tomatoes. Let the mixture simmer and develop a tangy personality for about 5 minutes.

Step 7: Cook Pasta Perfectly

Add elbow macaroni and cook until it reaches that dreamy al dente texture. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, typically 8-10 minutes.

Step 8: Melt Cheese Wonderland

• Cream cheese
• Shredded cheddar

Stir until the cheese transforms into a velvety, creamy paradise.

Step 9: Season with Flair

Sprinkle in salt, black pepper, and dried parsley. Taste and adjust until the flavors sing in harmony.

Step 10: Add Crispy Bacon Finale

Shower the reserved bacon bits on top, creating a crunchy texture that will make taste buds dance.

Step 11: Serve and Devour

Ladle the soup into bowls immediately while steaming hot. Dive into a spoonful of cheeseburger soup magic that combines comfort and excitement in every bite.

Tips To Make One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Rich And Creamy

• Maximize Bacon Flavor: Render bacon slowly to extract maximum flavor and create a rich, smoky base for the soup that enhances every bite.
• Prevent Cheese Clumping: Add cheese gradually and stir continuously to ensure smooth melting and avoid unwanted lumpy textures in the soup.
• Control Pasta Texture: Watch macaroni closely during cooking to achieve perfect al dente consistency, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and overcooking.
• Balance Seasoning Carefully: Taste and adjust salt and pepper incrementally, remembering that bacon and cheese already contribute significant saltiness to the dish.
• Boost Creamy Consistency: Let soup simmer on low heat after adding dairy components to help ingredients meld together and create a luxuriously smooth texture.

Fun Variations On One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

• Vegetarian Comfort Bowl: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils, maintaining the soup's hearty texture while creating a meat-free option.
• Gluten-Free Cheeseburger Soup: Substitute regular flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend, and use gluten-free elbow macaroni to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Spicy Southwestern Version: Add diced green chiles, jalapeños, and swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese, transforming the soup with bold, zesty southwestern flavors.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Adaptation: Replace macaroni with riced cauliflower, reducing carbohydrates while keeping the creamy, cheeseburger-inspired essence intact.

Tasty Sides To Serve With One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

• Elevate Bacon Cheeseburger Soup Pairings
• Rustic Bread Companion: Serve with toasted sourdough or crusty garlic bread to soak up the creamy, rich soup base and add delightful textural contrast.
• Bold Red Wine Match: Select a medium-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon or Zinfandel that complements the hearty beef and cuts through the soup's richness with its tannic structure.
• Fresh Side Salad Balancer: Prepare a crisp green salad with tangy vinaigrette featuring mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber to provide a light, acidic counterpoint to the heavy soup.

How To Store One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Transfer soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freeze up to 2-3 months for best quality.
• Move frozen soup to refrigerator overnight for gradual, safe thawing. Never thaw at room temperature.
• Warm gently in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. Add splash of milk or broth to restore creamy consistency. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Avoid boiling to prevent cheese separation and maintain smooth texture.

FAQs About One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

• What makes the roux important in this recipe?

The roux helps thicken the soup and prevents lumps from forming by using flour to create a smooth base for the liquid ingredients, ensuring a creamy and consistent texture.

• Why use multiple types of cheese?

Combining cream cheese and cheddar creates a more complex, rich flavor profile and provides a velvety, smooth texture that mimics the creamy nature of a classic cheeseburger.

• Can I substitute the milk and cream?

While substitutions might change the richness, you can use half-and-half or a non-dairy alternative, but whole milk and heavy cream provide the most authentic, luxurious taste and texture.

Chunky One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

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4.9 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty one-pot macaroni cheeseburger soup blends classic burger flavors with comforting pasta in a single, easy-to-make dish. Creamy, savory, and packed with ground beef, this soup delivers all the indulgent taste of a cheeseburger without the extra dishes you’ll love.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 cup bacon, chopped

Dairy and Cheese:

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup cream cheese
• 2 cups whole milk

Vegetables and Base:

• 1 cup elbow macaroni
• 1/2 cup diced onions
• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp tomato paste

Seasonings and Extras:

• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp dried parsley
• 1 tbsp worcestershire sauce

Thickening Agents:

• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp butter

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Instructions

1. Heat a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat and render the chopped bacon until crisp and golden, creating a flavorful base for the soup.
2. Remove bacon bits and set aside, then brown the ground beef in the same pot, breaking it into small crumbles and developing deep, rich flavors.
3. Add diced onions and minced garlic to the beef, sautéing until the onions become translucent and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes.
4. Sprinkle flour over the meat mixture, stirring continuously to create a roux that will help thicken the soup and prevent lumps from forming.
5. Pour in whole milk, heavy cream, and worcestershire sauce, whisking constantly to integrate the liquids smoothly and prevent scorching.
6. Stir in tomato paste and diced tomatoes, allowing the mixture to simmer and develop a robust, tangy flavor profile for about 5 minutes.
7. Add elbow macaroni and cook until pasta reaches al dente texture, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, roughly 8-10 minutes.
8. Reduce heat to low and gradually incorporate cream cheese and shredded cheddar, stirring until the cheese melts completely and creates a velvety, creamy consistency.
9. Season with salt, black pepper, and dried parsley, adjusting to taste and ensuring even distribution of seasonings.
10. Garnish with reserved crispy bacon bits, creating a crunchy texture contrast and enhancing the overall flavor complexity of the soup.
11. Serve immediately while hot, enjoying the rich, comforting blend of cheeseburger and soup elements in each spoonful.

Notes

• Select lean ground beef to minimize excess grease and maintain a cleaner soup texture.
• Drain bacon fat partially to control richness while preserving its delicious smoky flavor.
• Substitute whole milk with lower-fat alternatives like 2% milk or unsweetened almond milk for a lighter version.
• Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch as a roux thickener to make the recipe celiac-friendly and accommodate gluten sensitivities.
• Swap traditional pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a low-carb, keto-friendly adaptation.
• Add extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or spinach to boost nutritional value and incorporate more color.
• Cook macaroni slightly less than al dente to prevent overcooking when simmering, ensuring perfect pasta consistency.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 569
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 888 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 136 mg