4-Ingredient One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Recipe: Cozy Family Meal

Whipping up a delightful macaroni cheeseburger soup becomes super easy with just four simple ingredients waiting in your kitchen.

Comfort meets convenience in this hearty dish that combines classic burger flavors with creamy pasta goodness.

Rich beef and melted cheese create a mouthwatering blend that satisfies serious hunger pangs.

Minimal prep work means you can enjoy a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Quick cooking techniques ensure maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Curious cooks can craft this surprisingly simple soup in less than thirty minutes.

Dive into this recipe and treat yourself to a seriously scrumptious meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Why 4-Ingredient One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Is a Quick Favorite

  • Simplify Dinner Prep: Combine classic cheeseburger and mac and cheese flavors in one pot, cutting down on dishes and cooking time.
  • Quick Family Comfort: Hearty, satisfying meal that kids and adults will love, perfect for busy weeknights when you need a crowd-pleasing solution.
  • Minimal Ingredient Magic: Requires only four ingredients, making it budget-friendly and accessible for cooks of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced home chefs.
  • Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe that allows personal touches like adding crispy bacon bits, green onions, or a dollop of sour cream to enhance the flavor profile.

Ingredients for 4-Ingredient Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

For the Protein:
  • Ground Beef: A savory and hearty base that provides rich flavor and substance to the soup.
For the Carbohydrates:
  • Elbow Macaroni: A classic pasta shape that adds texture and bulk to the soup, creating a satisfying meal.
For the Liquids and Cheese:
  • Beef Broth: A flavorful liquid that forms the foundation of the soup's broth.
  • Milk: Adds creaminess and helps create a smooth, velvety texture.
  • Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Brings a sharp, tangy flavor and helps create a creamy, cheesy consistency.
For the Seasonings:
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall flavor of the soup.

How to Make 4-Ingredient Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

How to Make 4-Ingredient Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

Step 1: Sizzle Ground Beef

Heat a large pot over medium-high heat. Toss in the ground beef and break it apart with a wooden spoon.

Cook until the meat turns a rich brown color and releases its savory juices. Carefully drain away any excess fat to keep the soup light and delicious.

Step 2: Pour in Liquid Gold

Pour the beef broth into the pot with the browned meat. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, watching the liquid bubble and dance with excitement.

Step 3: Cook Pasta to Perfection

Add the elbow macaroni to the boiling broth. Let it simmer and wiggle around for 7-8 minutes until the pasta reaches that magical al dente stage – tender but with a slight bite.

Step 4: Create Creamy Cheese Magic

Time to transform your soup into a dreamy, cheesy wonder! Pour in the milk and sprinkle in the shredded cheddar cheese.

Stir continuously until the cheese melts completely, creating a smooth, velvety texture that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Step 5: Season and Serve

Sprinkle in salt and pepper to awaken all the flavors.

Give the soup a final gentle stir. Ladle the steaming, cheesy macaroni cheeseburger soup into bowls and get ready for a comfort food explosion that’ll warm you from the inside out!

Tips That Make Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Delicious

  • Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and create a healthier soup option.
  • Experiment with different cheese varieties like pepper jack or sharp cheddar for unique flavor profiles.
  • Enhance the burger-like taste by adding diced pickles or a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the soup.
  • For a gluten-free version, swap regular elbow macaroni with gluten-free pasta or cauliflower rice.
  • Boost nutrition by stirring in some diced vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra vitamins and color.

Variations on One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

  • Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans for a meat-free version that maintains the hearty texture.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free elbow macaroni and ensure beef broth is certified gluten-free to accommodate those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Spicy Cheeseburger Soup: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to give the soup a spicy kick that mimics classic cheeseburger flavors.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute macaroni with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to reduce carbohydrate content while keeping the creamy, cheesy essence.

What Goes Best with Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

  • Enhance Classic Burger Flavors: Serve this hearty soup with crispy dill pickle spears to mirror the cheeseburger's tangy profile and add a refreshing crunch.
  • Boost Comfort Food Experience: Pair with a cold, light American lager like Budweiser to cut through the rich, creamy soup and complement its meaty undertones.
  • Match Texture and Temperature: Add a side of warm, buttery garlic toast to provide a crispy contrast to the smooth soup and soak up every delicious bite.
  • Create Complete Meal Harmony: Garnish with fresh chopped green onions and crispy bacon bits to elevate the cheeseburger soup's flavor complexity and add delightful texture variation.

How to Store Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Correctly

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days, keeping the soup sealed to prevent bacterial growth and maintain freshness.
  • Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label containers with date and contents.
  • Place soup in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely with a microwave-safe lid or paper towel. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming. Check temperature before serving.

FAQs

  • Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken work great as substitutes for beef in this recipe.

  • Is this soup kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Children typically love this cheesy, meaty soup that combines classic cheeseburger and mac and cheese flavors.

  • How can I make this soup more nutritious?

Add some frozen mixed vegetables like peas or carrots during the cooking process to boost the nutritional value.

  • Can I make this soup ahead of time?

The soup is best served fresh, but you can prepare it and reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if it’s too thick.

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4-Ingredient One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

4-Ingredient One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Recipe


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4.7 from 18 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Comfort meets convenience in this magical 4-ingredient one-pot macaroni cheeseburger soup, blending classic burger flavors with creamy pasta perfection. Quick weeknight dinners become extraordinary when hearty ingredients merge into one satisfying, cheesy bowl you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Dairy and Liquid Ingredients:

  • 1 cup milk

Seasoning:

  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat a large pot over medium-high heat and thoroughly brown the ground beef, ensuring complete separation and caramelization for deep flavor development.
  2. Carefully drain excess fat from the meat, preserving the browned beef in the pot for maximum taste retention.
  3. Pour beef broth into the pot and rapidly bring the liquid to a rolling boil, creating a robust foundation for the soup.
  4. Introduce elbow macaroni directly into the boiling broth, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and cooking for precisely 7-8 minutes until pasta reaches perfect al dente texture.
  5. Reduce heat to low and gently incorporate milk, allowing the liquid to warm gradually without scorching.
  6. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese incrementally, continuously stirring to create a smooth, velvety consistency that coats the pasta and beef evenly.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper, balancing the flavors to complement the rich, meaty base.
  8. Allow soup to rest for 2-3 minutes, letting the flavors meld and the sauce thicken slightly before serving piping hot in deep bowls.

Notes

  • Toast ground beef thoroughly to enhance flavor and ensure food safety.
  • For a lighter version, use lean ground beef or ground turkey to reduce fat content.
  • Optional toppings like crispy bacon bits or green onions can elevate the soup’s texture and taste.
  • If dairy-free, substitute milk with unsweetened almond milk and use dairy-free cheese alternatives.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Boiling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 455 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 33 g
  • Saturated Fat: 14 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 6 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 95 mg
Ethan Caldwell

Ethan Caldwell

Founder & Culinary Innovator

Expertise

Farm-to-table cooking, Seasonal recipe creation, Culinary storytelling, Food photography and styling​

Education

The Chef’s Academy (Indianapolis, IN)

  • Program: Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on sustainable cooking practices, regional American cuisine, and recipe development.​

Ethan didn’t just fall in love with food, he grew into it, surrounded by fields, farmers’ markets, and family meals that told a story.
After sharpening his skills at The Chef’s Academy, he took his passion straight into the farm-to-table movement, working side-by-side with local growers and seasonal flavors.
He believes every recipe should feel like a walk through a summer market: colorful, fresh, and full of possibility.
Outside the kitchen, Ethan’s idea of a perfect day is hiking mountain trails, digging into heirloom vegetables, and hosting casual dinners where seconds are always encouraged.

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