Cozy One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup (No Velveeta) Recipe

Macaroni brings a delightful twist to classic cheeseburger soup in this hearty, comforting creation.

Lean ground beef adds robust flavor and protein to every spoonful.

Fragrant herbs and spices dance through the creamy broth, creating an irresistible aroma.

Cheese melts seamlessly into the soup, coating tender pasta with rich, velvety goodness.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly this meal comes together in a single pot.

Weeknight dinners just got a whole lot more exciting with this crowd-pleasing recipe.

Grab a ladle and prepare to savor every delicious bite of this ultimate comfort food.

One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup (No Velveeta)

• Simplify Meal Preparation: This one-pot wonder eliminates multiple dishes and complicated cooking steps, making dinner a breeze for busy home cooks.
• Comfort Food Reinvented: Transform classic cheeseburger flavors into a hearty, satisfying soup that brings excitement to weeknight dinners and appeals to both kids and adults.
• Family-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Combining beloved ingredients like ground beef, macaroni, and cheese creates a universally appealing meal that even picky eaters will enjoy without using processed cheese products.
• Quick Weeknight Solution: Prepare a complete, nutritious meal in under 30 minutes, perfect for hectic schedules and families seeking delicious, homemade dinner options that don't compromise on taste or quality.

Ingredients for One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that adds rich flavor and substance to the soup.

• Onion: Provides a sweet and savory base that enhances the overall taste of the dish.
• Diced Tomatoes: Adds a bright, tangy element and contributes to the soup's robust texture.

• Milk: Creates a creamy and smooth consistency for the soup.
• Cheddar Cheese: Delivers a sharp, melty richness that defines the cheeseburger soup experience.

• Elbow Macaroni: A classic pasta shape that perfectly captures the comfort food essence of the recipe.

• Beef Broth: Builds a deep, meaty foundation for the soup's flavor profile.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing the overall taste of the dish.

• Fresh Herbs: Adds a final touch of brightness and color to the finished soup.

How to Make Cheeseburger Soup Without Velveeta

Step 1: Sizzle and Brown the Beef

Grab your favorite large pot and warm it up over medium heat. Toss in ground beef and diced onions, letting them dance together until the beef turns a rich golden brown and onions become translucent.

Sprinkle some salt and pepper to wake up the flavors. Once cooked, drain away any extra grease to keep things light and delicious.

Step 2: Build the Soupy Foundation

Pour in diced tomatoes and beef broth, creating a flavor-packed liquid base. Crank up the heat and let everything bubble and merge into a promising start for your soup adventure.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta Magic

Drop elbow macaroni into the bubbling mixture. Reduce heat to a gentle simmer and let the pasta soften and absorb all those incredible flavors.

Stir occasionally to prevent any sneaky noodles from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

Step 4: Create Creamy Cheese Goodness

Turn the heat down to a soft whisper.

Slowly pour in milk and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese. Stir gently until the cheese melts completely, transforming your soup into a velvety, luxurious creation that’ll make taste buds dance.

Step 5: Final Flavor Touches

Give your soup a quick taste test. Adjust seasonings if needed with extra salt and pepper.

Ladle into warm bowls and add a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a pop of color and freshness. Serve alongside crusty bread or a crisp green salad for a complete meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Tips for Rich Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

• Remove excess grease from ground beef to prevent a greasy soup texture and ensure a cleaner, more appetizing dish.
• Stir macaroni occasionally while cooking to stop noodles from clumping together and ensure even cooking throughout the soup.
• Add cheese gradually and stir continuously to create a smooth, creamy consistency without lumps or separation.
• Adjust thickness by adding more broth if too thick or simmering longer if too thin, creating the perfect soup texture.
• Sprinkle chopped parsley, chives, or green onions on top for a bright, fresh flavor and added visual appeal.

Variations to Customize Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

• Spicy Cheeseburger Soup: Add diced jalapeños and a pinch of cayenne pepper for a fiery kick.
• Bacon Cheeseburger Soup: Crisp up bacon bits and sprinkle on top for extra smoky flavor.
• Veggie-Loaded Cheeseburger Soup: Mix in diced bell peppers, carrots, and celery for added nutrition.
• Mediterranean Cheeseburger Soup: Incorporate crumbled feta cheese and chopped fresh oregano for a Greek-inspired version.

Pairings for Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

• Boost Burger Soup Flavor Pairings
• Crisp Beer Complement: Match this hearty soup with a cold, hoppy American lager or amber ale to cut through the richness and enhance the beef's savory notes.
• Zesty Side Salad: Prepare a tangy green salad with crisp romaine, cucumber slices, and a light vinaigrette to balance the soup's creamy texture and provide fresh contrast.
• Garlic Bread Crunch: Serve toasted garlic bread or crusty sourdough on the side to soak up the cheesy broth and add a delightful crispy element to each spoonful.
• Quick Pickled Topping: Sprinkle quick-pickled red onions or diced dill pickles on top to introduce a bright, acidic punch that complements the soup's rich flavors.

Storage Advice for Burger Soup Leftovers

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep chilled for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label containers with the date and contents for easy tracking.
• Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight. Pour into a pot and warm over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of milk or broth to restore creamy consistency. Heat until steaming and reaches 165°F to ensure food safety.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey works perfectly as a lean alternative to beef. Just ensure it’s browned thoroughly and seasoned well.

• Is this soup gluten-free?

Not automatically. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free elbow macaroni and check that your beef broth doesn’t contain gluten.

• How can I make the soup thicker?

Add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with cold water before adding cheese, or let the soup simmer longer to reduce and naturally thicken.

• Can I prepare this soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can make it in advance. Reheat gently on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to prevent cheese from separating, and add a splash of milk if needed to restore creaminess.

One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup (No Velveeta) Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 25 reviews

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

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Savory macaroni cheeseburger soup delivers classic comfort with a hearty twist, blending ground beef and pasta in a creamy broth. Rich flavors and simple ingredients make this soup a quick, satisfying meal you can enjoy without fuss.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
• 1 cup frozen peas or carrots

Liquid and Pasta:

• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup milk
• 2 cups elbow macaroni

Seasonings and Herbs:

• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley or chives for garnish

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the protein foundation by sizzling ground beef with aromatic diced onions in a spacious pot over medium heat until thoroughly browned and fragrant, approximately 7-8 minutes. Eliminate excess grease and season with fundamental salt and pepper.
2. Incorporate diced tomatoes and robust beef broth, elevating the mixture to a vigorous boil, creating a hearty liquid base for the soup.
3. Introduce elbow macaroni directly into the bubbling liquid, reducing temperature to medium. Simmer for 7-8 minutes, gently stirring to prevent pasta from clinging to pot’s bottom, ensuring perfect al dente texture.
4. Transition heat to medium-low, gradually streaming milk into the mixture. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese incrementally, stirring continuously until cheese completely dissolves, transforming the soup into a luxuriously creamy consistency.
5. Perform a final flavor assessment, adjusting seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Transfer the steaming, rich soup into serving vessels, optionally embellishing with fresh chopped herbs. Complement the dish with crusty artisan bread or a crisp green salad for a complete meal experience.

Notes

• Choose lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10) to reduce excess grease and create a cleaner, more flavorful soup.
• Grate cheese freshly from a block for smoother melting and better texture compared to pre-shredded options.
• Slightly undercook macaroni during simmering since it will continue absorbing liquid and softening in the hot soup.
• Swap whole milk with low-fat or plant-based alternatives like almond or oat milk for dietary modifications without compromising richness.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 347 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 410 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg