One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

This One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is the ultimate comfort food that combines the rich flavors of cheeseburgers with the heartiness of macaroni soup. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings, this recipe allows you to whip up a delicious meal in just 30 minutes—all in one pot! With no VELVEETA in sight, this dish offers a creamy, cheesy experience that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: In just 30 minutes, you can create a satisfying meal without the hassle of multiple pots and pans.
• Cheesy Comfort: The combination of sharp cheddar cheese and heavy cream provides a rich, creamy texture that warms the soul.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy the flavors of cheeseburgers in a fun soup form.
• Versatile Ingredients: Customize your soup by adding vegetables or spices to suit your family’s taste preferences.
• No VELVEETA Required: Enjoy homemade flavors without processed cheese products, making it a healthier option.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking, gather your essential tools to make the process smooth and efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Spatula
• Knife and cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Ideal for cooking all ingredients together; it helps develop rich flavors while keeping everything in one place.
• Baking sheet: Perfect for toasting bun cubes into croutons that add texture to your soup.

Ingredients

Meat and Dairy

• 1 lb. ground beef
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 8 oz. sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

Vegetables and Herbs

• 1 cup yellow onion, diced
• 1 cup sliced carrots
• 1 cup sliced celery
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano, divided
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme, divided

Other Essentials

• 6 tablespoons butter
• 4 tablespoons flour
• 8 cups chicken broth
• 8 oz. uncooked elbow macaroni
• 1 teaspoon white balsamic vinegar
• Kosher salt
• Fresh cracked pepper

Garnishes

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

How to Make One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Heat your oven to 400 degrees F. Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Toast the Buns

Place sesame seed bun cubes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat evenly. Bake for 10 minutes or until crispy on the outside.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

In a large pot over medium heat, add 1 pound ground beef along with 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, and some salt and pepper. Cook until browned, crumbling it with a spatula. Remove from pan and set aside.

Step 4: Cook Vegetables

In the same large pot, melt 6 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add 1 cup diced onion, 1 cup sliced carrots, 1 cup sliced celery, and season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 10 minutes while stirring occasionally.

Step 5: Add Garlic and Herbs

Lower the heat to medium and stir in 5 cloves minced garlic along with the remaining oregano and thyme. Cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 6: Thicken with Flour

Sprinkle in 4 tablespoons flour over the vegetables. Stir well to coat them evenly and cook for one more minute while stirring frequently.

Step 7: Deglaze

Add a splash of chicken broth to deglaze the pot. Scrape off any delightful bits stuck to the bottom.

Step 8: Add Broth and Pasta

Stir in the remaining chicken broth (7 cups) along with the uncooked elbow macaroni. Season again with salt and pepper before turning up the heat to bring it all to a simmer.

Step 9: Simmer

Once simmering, reduce heat to low. Allow it to cook for about 5-7 minutes or until pasta is al dente. Remember to stir occasionally so noodles don’t stick.

Step 10: Mix in Cream and Cheese

Remove from heat; stir in heavy cream plus shredded cheese until melted and combined.

Step 11: Final Touches

Add white balsamic vinegar followed by returning cooked ground beef back into the pot. Heat everything over medium until warmed through; adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 12: Serve

Ladle soup into bowls topped with toasted sesame seed bun croutons, garnishing with sliced green onions and extra shredded cheese before enjoying!

Indulge in this deliciously comforting One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup, perfect for any occasion!

How to Serve One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

Serving One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is a delightful experience that your family will love. This creamy, comforting soup can be enjoyed in various ways to suit everyone’s taste.

With Homemade Croutons

• Crispy Sesame Seed Buns: Use the baked sesame seed buns from the recipe as croutons for extra texture and flavor.

Add Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Green Onions: Sprinkle chopped green onions on top for a fresh, vibrant finish.
• Parsley or Cilantro: A sprinkle of herbs adds freshness and color to each bowl.

Cheese Lover’s Delight

• Extra Shredded Cheese: Top each bowl with additional sharp cheddar cheese for an ooey-gooey experience.

Pair with a Salad

• Refreshing Side Salad: Serve alongside a crisp garden salad for a balanced meal.

Bread Options

• Garlic Breadsticks: Serve with warm garlic breadsticks for dipping into the soup.

Perfect for Meal Prep

• Store and Reheat: This soup stores well in the refrigerator, making it perfect for easy meal prep and quick lunches.

How to Perfect One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

To ensure your One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Quality Ingredients: Choose good-quality ground beef and fresh vegetables for the best flavors.
• Monitor Cooking Time: Keep an eye on the pasta; overcooking can make it mushy. Aim for al dente!
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup before serving and adjust salt and pepper as needed to enhance flavor.
• Creamy Finish: Adding heavy cream at the end creates a rich, velvety texture. Don’t rush this step!
• Experiment with Cheeses: Try mixing different cheeses like gouda or mozzarella for unique flavors.
• Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge; reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.

Best Side Dishes for One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

When enjoying your comforting bowl of One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup, pairing it with side dishes can elevate your meal. Here are some excellent options:

1. Garlic Breadsticks: Soft, buttery sticks that are perfect for dipping into your soup.
2. Caesar Salad: A classic salad with romaine lettuce, croutons, and Caesar dressing complements the richness of the soup.
3. Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the creamy soup.
4. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add nutrition and balance to your meal.
5. Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs make a great side dish option.
6. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad can cleanse the palate and add sweetness to your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup can be simple, but there are a few common mistakes that can affect the final dish.

• Skipping the browning step: Not browning the ground beef properly can lead to a lack of flavor. Make sure to cook it until fully browned before setting it aside.
• Ignoring the seasoning: Failing to season your vegetables while cooking can make the soup bland. Always add salt and pepper at each stage for depth of flavor.
• Overcooking the pasta: If you let the macaroni cook too long, it can become mushy. Stir occasionally and check for doneness early.
• Using low-quality cheese: Substituting with low-quality cheese may result in an unappealing texture and taste. Use sharp cheddar for better flavor and creaminess.
• Not deglazing the pot: Skipping this step means losing out on all those tasty bits that add flavor to your soup. Always scrape the bottom of the pot after adding your broth.
• Neglecting proper storage: Incorrectly storing leftovers can spoil them quickly. Use airtight containers and refrigerate promptly to maintain freshness.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Allow the soup to cool completely before sealing to prevent condensation.

Freezing One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 3 months.
• Leave some space in the container as the soup will expand when frozen.

Reheating One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Place soup in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each until hot throughout.
• Stovetop: Pour soup into a pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated through, about 5-10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup.

Can I make One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup ahead of time?

You can prepare it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat before serving.

What can I substitute for ground beef in this recipe?

You can use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner option, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a vegetarian version.

How do I thicken my One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup?

If you want a thicker soup, you can add more flour while cooking, or let it simmer longer without a lid until it reduces to your desired consistency.

Can I customize my One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup?

Absolutely! Add vegetables like bell peppers or corn, or try different types of cheese based on your preference.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes! The creamy cheeseburger flavor is usually a hit with kids, making it a great family meal option.

Final Thoughts

One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is not only quick and easy but also offers comfort food that everyone loves. Feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients or toppings. Serve it with croutons or extra cheese for added delight!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 6

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Description

Indulge in the warmth of our One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup, a delightful blend of classic cheeseburger flavors and creamy macaroni goodness. This easy-to-make dish combines savory ground beef, tender macaroni, and rich cheddar cheese in a comforting broth that comes together in just 30 minutes—all in one pot! Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners, this hearty soup promises to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Plus, it’s made without processed cheese, ensuring a wholesome meal that everyone will adore.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb. ground beef
• 8 oz. sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 8 cups chicken broth
• 8 oz. uncooked elbow macaroni
• 1 cup yellow onion, diced
• 1 cup sliced carrots
• 1 cup sliced celery
• 5 cloves garlic, minced

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Spread cubed sesame seed buns on the baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and bake for about 10 minutes until crispy.
3. In a large pot over medium heat, brown the ground beef with seasoning (oregano, thyme, salt, pepper). Remove and set aside.
4. In the same pot, melt butter and sauté onions, carrots, and celery until soft (about 10 minutes).
5. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute before stirring in flour to thicken.
6. Deglaze with a splash of chicken broth; then add remaining broth and uncooked macaroni.
7. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 5-7 minutes until pasta is al dente.
8. Stir in heavy cream and cheese until melted; return beef to the pot and heat through.
9. Serve topped with toasted bun croutons and garnish as desired.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 415
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 900mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 29g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 75mg