Sturdy One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

Hearty One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Recipe That Wows

Macaroni brings a comforting twist to classic cheeseburger soup that satisfies serious comfort food cravings.

Hearty ingredients meld together in a single cooking vessel for maximum flavor and minimal cleanup.

Juicy ground beef adds robust protein to this creamy mixture.

Melted cheese creates a luxurious backdrop for tender pasta and savory seasonings.

Rich broth binds all components into a spectacular meal that feels indulgent yet simple.

Lean in and experience a bowl packed with childhood memories and bold taste sensations.

You won’t be able to resist diving spoon-first into this delightful culinary creation.

Why One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Is So Satisfying

  • Speed Up Dinner: This one-pot wonder saves precious minutes by combining burger and soup flavors in a single cooking vessel, making meal preparation a breeze.
  • Comfort Food Champion: Packed with hearty ground beef, tender macaroni, and melted cheese, this soup delivers a nostalgic flavor that satisfies both kids and adults craving a warm, filling meal.
  • Minimal Cleanup Magic: By using just one pot, you'll minimize kitchen mess and washing up, giving you more time to enjoy your delicious creation without dreading post-meal cleanup.
  • Family-Friendly Feast: With familiar ingredients like beef, cheese, and pasta, this soup appeals to picky eaters and provides a nutritious meal that everyone will love around the dinner table.

Ingredients for One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

Meat Base:
  • Ground Beef: A rich protein that forms the hearty foundation of this soup and provides deep savory flavor.
Aromatics:
  • Onion, Garlic: Classic flavor enhancers that build a robust base for the soup and add depth to the overall taste.
Liquid and Pasta Components:
  • Beef Broth: A flavorful liquid that creates the soup's foundational liquid and adds additional meaty depth.
  • Diced Tomatoes: Adds brightness and acidity to balance the richness of the beef and cheese.
  • Macaroni: A classic pasta shape that provides comforting texture and serves as the main starch in the soup.
Cheese and Seasoning:
  • Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully to create a creamy, rich finish that defines the cheeseburger essence of the soup.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance all the other flavors in the dish.

Step-by-Step Guide to One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

Step 1: Brown The Beef

Heat a large pot and cook ground beef over medium heat. Break the meat into small crumbles while it sizzles and turns golden brown. Drain any excess fat to keep the soup from becoming greasy.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

Add finely chopped onions and minced garlic to the beef. Sauté until the onions become soft and translucent, releasing their sweet and savory flavors into the pot.

Step 3: Build The Soup Base

Pour in beef broth and diced tomatoes. These ingredients will create a rich, hearty liquid foundation for your soup. Add uncooked macaroni directly into the pot.

Step 4: Simmer And Cook Pasta

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook until the macaroni becomes tender and absorbs the delicious flavors of beef and tomatoes.

Step 5: Melt In The Cheese

Remove the pot from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese completely melts and creates a creamy, smooth texture throughout the soup.

Step 6: Season And Finish

Sprinkle salt and black pepper to enhance the overall taste. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed for a perfectly balanced cheeseburger soup.

Step 7: Serve And Enjoy

Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Optional: Top with additional cheese, crispy bacon bits, or chopped green onions for extra flavor and texture.

Tips for One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

  • Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and create a healthier soup version.
  • Shred cheese fresh instead of using pre-shredded varieties for smoother, more even melting.
  • Add chopped pickles or pickle juice for an authentic cheeseburger flavor boost.
  • For gluten-free option, replace regular macaroni with gluten-free pasta or cauliflower rice.
  • Top with crispy bacon bits or crushed potato chips for extra crunch and texture.

Alternate Versions of One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

  • Spicy Southwest Edition: Replace ground beef with spicy chorizo, add jalapeños, swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese, and sprinkle with crushed tortilla chips.
  • Vegetarian Power Bowl: Substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles, use vegetable broth, add extra diced bell peppers, and top with nutritional yeast.
  • Mediterranean Fusion: Use ground lamb instead of beef, incorporate oregano and mint, add crumbled feta cheese, and garnish with chopped parsley.
  • Creamy Bacon Ranch: Mix crispy bacon bits into the soup, replace some beef broth with ranch dressing, add a dollop of sour cream, and sprinkle with chives.

What to Serve with One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

  • Pair with Crisp Green Salad: Toss a light, tangy salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the cheesy soup.
  • Complement with Craft Beer: Select a hoppy IPA or amber ale that matches the robust beef and cheese flavors, enhancing the overall comfort food experience.
  • Add Garlic Parmesan Breadsticks: Serve warm, crunchy breadsticks on the side to provide a perfect dipping companion and add extra texture to the meal.
  • Choose Refreshing Cucumber Water: Prepare a cool cucumber-infused water to balance the hearty soup and cleanse the palate between bites.

How to Keep One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Fresh

  • Store leftover soup in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator, maintaining best flavor and texture.
  • Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Stays good for up to 3 months. Freeze in individual portions for easy reheating.
  • Pour soup into microwave-safe bowl. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
  • Pour soup into saucepan. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add splash of broth if soup seems too thick. Heat until steaming and thoroughly warmed.

FAQs About One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

  • Is this soup kid-friendly?

Yes, the combination of ground beef, cheese, and pasta makes it a hit with children. The familiar cheeseburger flavors are appealing to most kids.

  • Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works great as a leaner alternative to beef. Just ensure the meat is fully cooked before adding other ingredients.

  • How can I make this soup more nutritious?

Add extra vegetables like diced bell peppers, carrots, or spinach during the cooking process. This boosts the nutritional value without changing the core flavor profile.

  • Do I need any special cooking skills to make this soup?

Not at all! This one-pot recipe is extremely simple and perfect for beginner cooks. You just need basic chopping and stirring skills to create a delicious meal.

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Sturdy One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

Sturdy One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Recipe


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4.6 from 13 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty one-pot macaroni cheeseburger soup blends classic comfort food flavors into a single satisfying meal. Creamy, meaty, and packed with cheesy goodness, this soup delivers quick comfort for hungry families seeking delicious dinner solutions.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can diced tomatoes

Liquids and Pasta:

  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup macaroni
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Brown ground beef in a spacious pot over medium heat, breaking into crumbly pieces until no pink remains, approximately 6-7 minutes.
  2. Incorporate finely chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until onions become translucent and fragrant, about 3 minutes.
  3. Pour beef broth into the pot, adding diced tomatoes and uncooked macaroni, stirring to combine all ingredients evenly.
  4. Elevate heat and bring the mixture to a vigorous boil, then immediately reduce temperature to low, covering and allowing soup to simmer gently for 8-10 minutes until pasta reaches al dente texture.
  5. Remove pot from heat and gradually fold in shredded cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until cheese completely melts and creates a smooth, creamy consistency.
  6. Season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting to taste preferences.
  7. Ladle the hot, cheesy soup into serving bowls, garnishing with optional toppings like chopped parsley or additional cheese if desired.

Notes

  • Drain excess fat from ground beef to reduce greasiness and create a lighter soup texture.
  • Use lean ground beef (90/10 or 93/7) for a healthier version without compromising flavor.
  • Customize the soup by adding chopped pickles or a sprinkle of crispy bacon bits for extra burger-like authenticity.
  • Make it gluten-free by substituting regular macaroni with gluten-free pasta and using cornstarch to thicken instead of traditional flour.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 420 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 700 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Katherine Pierce

Katherine Pierce

Recipe Curator & Food Educator

Expertise

  • Curating diverse recipe collections
  • Educating on global culinary traditions
  • Developing informative food content

Education

Boston University Metropolitan College
Certificate Program in the Culinary Arts
Focus: French and international cuisine techniques, Hands-on culinary training with industry professionals, Food industry insights and operations


Katherine grew up believing every dish has a story. She studied the art of food at Boston University and explored the history behind it. She loves pulling easy recipes from every corner of the world and putting them at your fingertips.
When Katherine’s not writing or testing new flavors, she’s teaching cooking classes, baking colorful mooncakes, or dreaming up new ways to mix old favorites with new twists.

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