The Best One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Recipe for Cozy Nights

Comfort meets creativity in this mouthwatering one-pot macaroni cheeseburger soup that blends classic diner flavors into a single, hearty dish.

Savory ground beef mingles with tender pasta shells, creating a meal that feels like a warm hug.

Cheese lovers will swoon over the rich, creamy broth packed with robust seasonings.

Familiar ingredients come together in an unexpected way, promising a dinner that sparks conversation around the table.

Each spoonful delivers a playful twist on traditional comfort food that satisfies deep hunger.

Quick to prepare and even faster to devour, you’ll want to make this recipe part of your regular meal rotation.

Grab a ladle and get ready to enjoy a seriously delicious dinner solution that impresses without complicated steps.

FAQs

• What makes this soup different from traditional mac and cheese?

This soup combines the flavors of a cheeseburger with classic macaroni and cheese, featuring ground beef, aromatic herbs, and a creamy cheese base that creates a unique and comforting meal.

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

While elbow macaroni works best for the classic texture, you can substitute with other short pasta shapes like shells or rotini that will hold the creamy sauce well.

• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, the soup reheats well and can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Just be careful when reheating to prevent the cream from separating by using low, gentle heat.

One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup – Comfort in a Bowl

• Streamline Kitchen Magic: This one-pot wonder transforms complex cheeseburger flavors into a delightful soup, minimizing cleanup and maximizing taste with minimal effort.
• Customize Your Comfort: Easily adapt the recipe by swapping ground beef with turkey, adjusting cheese varieties, or adding extra vegetables to suit personal preferences and dietary needs.
• Quick Family Pleaser: Packed with familiar cheeseburger elements like beef, cheese, and crispy bun croutons, this soup guarantees a crowd-pleasing meal that appeals to both kids and adults.
• Elevate Weeknight Dining: Combining the beloved cheeseburger concept with a hearty soup format creates an innovative twist on classic comfort food, transforming an ordinary dinner into an exciting culinary experience.

Key Ingredients for One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

• Ground Beef: A hearty meat that provides rich flavor and substantial texture to the soup.
• Chicken Broth: A flavorful liquid base that enhances the overall taste of the soup.

• Heavy Cream: Adds a luxurious, smooth richness to the soup.
• Cheddar Cheese: Provides a sharp, melty cheese flavor that defines the cheeseburger essence.
• Unsalted Butter: Creates a smooth foundation for sautéing vegetables and developing depth of flavor.

• Onion, Carrots, Celery: A classic mirepoix that builds a robust flavor base for the soup.
• Garlic: Adds a pungent, aromatic quality that complements the meaty profile.
• Green Onions: Offers a fresh, mild onion garnish with bright flavor.

• All-Purpose Flour: Helps thicken the soup and create a smooth consistency.
• Dried Oregano, Dried Thyme: Provide herbal undertones that complement the beef.
• Kosher Salt, Freshly Cracked Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and elevate the overall taste.
• White Balsamic Vinegar: Adds a subtle tangy brightness to the soup.

• Elbow Macaroni: The classic pasta that gives the soup its hearty, comforting character.
• Sesame Seed Buns: Transformed into crispy croutons for a textural burger-like topping.
• Olive Oil: Used to crisp the bun croutons.

Step-by-Step One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Instructions

Step 1: Toast Bun Croutons

Slice sesame seed buns into small cubes. Drizzle with olive oil and spread on a baking sheet.

Roast in the oven until golden and crispy.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

• Dried oregano
• Dried thyme
• Kosher salt
• Black pepper

Crumble the meat while cooking.

Remove and set aside once fully cooked.

Step 3: Sauté Veggie Base

Melt butter in the same pot.

• Onions
• Carrots
• Celery

Cook until softened and slightly caramelized.

Step 4: Build Flavor Foundation

Stir in minced garlic and remaining herbs.

Sprinkle flour over vegetables and cook briefly to create a roux.

Step 5: Create Soup Liquid

Pour in chicken broth, scraping the pot’s bottom.

Add elbow macaroni and season with salt and pepper.

Step 6: Cook Pasta

Simmer soup until macaroni becomes tender.

Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 7: Finish with Creamy Goodness

Remove from heat.

• Heavy cream
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• White balsamic vinegar

Step 8: Combine and Warm

Return cooked beef to the pot. Heat through and taste for seasoning.

Step 9: Serve and Garnish

• Toasted bun croutons.
• Sliced green onions.
• Extra cheese.

Tips for Creamy and Savory Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

• Toast sesame seed bun pieces evenly for maximum crunch, ensuring they don't burn by monitoring closely during the 10-minute baking process.
• Break ground beef into small, uniform pieces while cooking to create consistent texture and better flavor distribution throughout the soup.
• Use freshly shredded cheddar cheese instead of pre-packaged for superior melting quality and richer taste profile.
• Control liquid consistency by adjusting chicken broth quantity if soup becomes too thick or thin during cooking process.
• Stir macaroni frequently during simmering to prevent sticking and achieve perfectly cooked pasta with ideal al dente texture.

Fun Variations on One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

• Vegetarian Comfort Bowl: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans, maintaining the creamy soup's rich texture while creating a protein-packed vegetarian version.
• Gluten-Free Macaroni Delight: Swap all-purpose flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend, and use gluten-free elbow macaroni to accommodate gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Dairy-Free Creamy Alternative: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream, and use dairy-free cheese shreds to create a lactose-free rendition of the classic soup.
• Spicy Southwest Spin: Incorporate diced green chiles, jalapeños, and replace white balsamic vinegar with lime juice for a zesty, heat-packed version of the original recipe.

Best Pairings for One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

• Enhance the Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup with carefully selected pairings that elevate its rich, comforting profile.
• Select a hoppy IPA or light amber ale to cut through the soup's creamy richness and complement its hearty beef flavor.
• Create a bright, tangy side salad featuring mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty vinaigrette to balance the soup's heavy texture.
• Add quick-pickled cucumber slices or dill pickle spears to provide a sharp, acidic counterpoint that mimics classic cheeseburger accompaniments.

How to Store One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Safely

• Transfer cooled soup to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent absorption of other food odors and maintain freshness.
• Carefully pack soup in freezer-safe containers, leaving about an inch of space at the top for expansion. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Avoid freezing portions with croutons to prevent sogginess.
• Thaw refrigerated or frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight. Warm in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of chicken broth if the soup seems too thick. Stir gently to prevent pasta from breaking.