One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
If you’re craving the ultimate cozy comfort food, look no further than this One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup. Imagine all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger—savory ground beef, melty cheese, tangy ketchup and mustard—swirled into a creamy, hearty soup with tender macaroni. It’s a family-friendly, weeknight-friendly recipe that comes together in a single pot with hardly any fuss. Every spoonful bursts with big, bold flavors and satisfying textures, making this dish a guaranteed winner for chilly evenings or anytime you need a little nostalgic comfort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients are all you need to create this delicious bowl of One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup. Each one plays a key role in building layers of flavor, richness, and that classic cheeseburger vibe we know and love.
- Ground beef: The hearty base, bringing savory flavor and a satisfying meaty bite.
- Olive oil: Helps brown the beef and adds a subtle, silky richness to the soup.
- Onion: Diced onion lends natural sweetness and depth to the broth.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic brightens the dish and infuses every bite with gentle, aromatic warmth.
- Paprika: Adds a hint of smokiness and beautiful color.
- Dried oregano: Brings a savory, herby background that balances the richness.
- Chili powder: A little kick for just the right amount of gentle heat.
- Salt: Essential for enhancing all the other flavors.
- Black pepper: Offers a mild spiciness that pairs perfectly with the other seasonings.
- Beef broth: The soup’s flavorful foundation, making everything taste more robust.
- Diced tomatoes: Provides acidity, color, and a touch of sweetness to round things out.
- Milk: Gives the soup a creamy, luscious texture.
- Elbow macaroni: Classic pasta shape that holds onto the cheesy broth beautifully.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into the soup for that signature cheeseburger flavor.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Adds gooey, stretchy creaminess.
- Ketchup: Brings tangy sweetness reminiscent of your favorite burger.
- Mustard: Adds just a touch of sharpness and zippy flavor.
- Fresh parsley: For a fresh, herbal finish and a pop of color right before serving.
How to Make One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add in the ground beef and break it up with a spoon as it cooks. You want the beef to get nicely browned and crumbly, which should take about 5 to 6 minutes. If there’s any excess grease, drain it off so the final soup isn’t too oily.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Next, toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook them together with the beef until the onion becomes soft and translucent and the garlic is fragrant. This step is key for building that irresistible base of flavor for your One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup.
Step 3: Season Everything
Sprinkle in the paprika, dried oregano, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together so the beef and onions are coated in all those wonderful spices. This quick step ensures every bite will be layered with just the right amount of zest and savory depth.
Step 4: Add the Liquids and Tomatoes
Pour in the beef broth, canned diced tomatoes (with their juices), and milk. Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. The combination of broth and milk gives the soup a rich, creamy consistency while the tomatoes add brightness and color.
Step 5: Cook the Macaroni
Now it’s time to add the uncooked macaroni straight into the pot. Let everything simmer together for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The pasta will absorb all those savory flavors as it cooks, making every bite incredibly tasty.
Step 6: Make It Cheesy and Creamy
Once the macaroni is tender, stir in the ketchup, mustard, shredded cheddar, and mozzarella cheese. Keep stirring until the cheeses melt completely, turning your soup into a dreamy, creamy bowl of cheeseburger-inspired goodness. Take the pot off the heat and let it sit for a few minutes to thicken slightly before serving.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Right before ladling into bowls, sprinkle the soup with freshly chopped parsley. This not only adds a fresh pop of color but also a bit of herbal brightness that brings the whole dish together.
How to Serve One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup
Garnishes
For that final flourish, top each bowl of One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup with a little extra shredded cheddar, a sprinkle of parsley, or even some crunchy croutons or crispy bacon bits. The contrast of textures and flavors makes every spoonful even more irresistible.
Side Dishes
This soup is hearty enough to stand alone, but it pairs beautifully with simple sides like a crisp green salad, warm garlic bread, or even classic pickles for that true cheeseburger experience. You could also serve it with soft dinner rolls to soak up every last bit of cheesy broth.
Creative Ways to Present
Try ladling One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup into bread bowls for a fun, edible vessel, or serve it in mini mugs at a game day party for a playful twist. Kids love it with a side of crunchy veggie sticks, while adults might enjoy a dash of hot sauce or a dollop of sour cream on top.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more as it sits, making the leftovers just as delicious (if not better) the next day. If the soup thickens, simply stir in a splash of broth or milk as you reheat it.
Freezing
One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup freezes quite well, though the pasta may soften slightly upon reheating. To freeze, let the soup cool completely, then ladle it into freezer-safe containers. Store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, pour the soup into a pot and warm gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a little broth or milk if needed to restore its creamy texture. For individual portions, the microwave works too—just cover and heat in 1-minute bursts, stirring in between.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Both ground turkey and chicken work beautifully in this recipe. The soup will be just as hearty and flavorful, with a slightly lighter taste and texture. Just be sure to season well and brown the meat thoroughly for the best results.
Will gluten-free pasta work in this soup?
Yes, you can substitute your favorite gluten-free macaroni. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as gluten-free pasta can cook more quickly or become soft if overcooked. Add it towards the end and taste often for doneness.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. The result will still be creamy, cheesy, and utterly satisfying—perfect for vegetarians wanting in on the cheeseburger fun.
What’s the best way to add extra veggies?
This soup is super flexible! Stir in diced bell peppers, shredded carrots, or even finely chopped spinach when you add the onion and garlic for more color, nutrition, and flavor. Let them soften with the aromatics before adding liquids.
How can I make the soup extra cheesy?
If you’re a true cheese lover, just sprinkle some extra cheddar or mozzarella on top right before serving, or stir in a handful of cheese right at the end. You can even try a blend of cheeses like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a fun twist.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a hearty, kid-approved meal that’s as easy as it is satisfying, give this One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup a try. It’s pure comfort in a bowl, and I just know it’ll find a spot in your regular dinner rotation. Happy cooking!
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One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is a hearty and comforting dish that combines the flavors of cheeseburgers with a creamy macaroni soup base. Made with ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, rich cheese, and a blend of spices, it’s perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal. The soup is cooked entirely in one pot, making cleanup a breeze and the combination of ketchup and mustard gives it that classic cheeseburger taste.
Ingredients
Meat and Aromatics
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Spices
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Liquids and Pasta
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
Cheese and Condiments
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon mustard
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles, about 5–6 minutes. Drain excess grease if necessary to keep the soup from being too oily.
- Sauté Aromatics and Add Spices: Add diced onion and minced garlic to the pot and cook until softened and fragrant, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in paprika, dried oregano, chili powder, salt, and black pepper to evenly coat the meat and aromatics.
- Add Liquids and Simmer: Pour in the beef broth, diced tomatoes with their juice, and milk. Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- Cook the Macaroni: Add the uncooked elbow macaroni to the simmering soup. Cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender but not mushy.
- Incorporate Cheese and Condiments: Stir in ketchup, mustard, shredded cheddar cheese, and shredded mozzarella cheese. Continue stirring until the cheeses are fully melted and the soup has a creamy consistency.
- Thicken and Garnish: Remove the pot from heat and let the soup sit for a few minutes to thicken slightly. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- For extra cheesiness, top each bowl with additional shredded cheddar cheese before serving.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef for a leaner option.
- Leftovers reheat well on the stovetop; add a splash of broth or milk to restore creaminess if needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup, Main Course
- Method: One-Pot, Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 880 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
