One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

If you’re looking for a cozy dish that brings everyone together, you’ve found it! This One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor—all made in just one pot! What makes this recipe even better is that it’s free from VELVEETA and uses wholesome ingredients that you likely already have on hand.

I can’t tell you how many times this soup has saved me when I needed something quick yet satisfying. Nothing beats the feeling of serving a warm bowl of cheeseburger goodness to my loved ones, and I bet your family will adore it too!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This dish can be ready in just 30 minutes—perfect for those hectic nights!
• Family-Friendly Flavor: With its cheesy goodness and familiar flavors, everyone at the table will ask for seconds.
• One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup means more time enjoying your meal and less time scrubbing pots!
• Versatile Ingredients: You can easily customize the recipe to suit your family’s tastes or dietary needs.
• Comforting Meal: It’s like a hug in a bowl; rich and hearty enough to satisfy even the biggest appetites.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll love how simple and wholesome these ingredients are! Each one plays a vital role in making this One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup deliciously comforting. Let’s gather what we need:

For the Soup

• 1 lb. ground beef
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano, divided
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme, divided
• 6 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup yellow onion, diced
• 1 cup sliced carrots
• 1 cup sliced celery
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 tablespoons flour
• 8 cups chicken broth
• 8 oz. uncooked elbow macaroni
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 8 oz. sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 teaspoon white balsamic vinegar
• Kosher salt
• Fresh cracked pepper

For the Croutons

• 4 sesame seed buns, diced into 1-inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For Garnish

• Sliced green onion
• Shredded cheddar cheese

Variations

This recipe is so flexible that you can easily switch things up based on what you have at home or your dietary preferences!

• Swap the protein: Try using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
• Add some greens: Toss in fresh spinach or kale right before serving for an extra nutritional boost.
• Make it spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for some heat!
• Try different cheeses: Use mozzarella or pepper jack instead of cheddar for a unique twist.

How to Make One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

Step 1: Prepare the Croutons

Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees. Place those sesame seed bun cubes on a parchment-lined baking sheet and drizzle them with olive oil. This step is crucial for creating crispy croutons that will add texture to your soup! Bake them for about 10 minutes until they’re golden brown and crispy on the outside.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

In a large pot over medium heat, add the ground beef along with 1 teaspoon each of oregano and thyme. Season with salt and pepper too! Browning the beef helps develop its flavor while ensuring it’s cooked through. Once it’s nice and browned, remove it from the pot and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Veggies

Now, let’s make that soup base! In the same pot (no need to clean it), melt 6 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add in your diced onions, sliced carrots, and celery along with another pinch of salt and pepper. Sauté these veggies for about 10 minutes until they soften; this step really brings out their natural sweetness!

Step 4: Add Garlic & Herbs

Reduce the heat to medium again and toss in minced garlic along with the remaining oregano and thyme. Cook for another minute until fragrant—trust me, your kitchen will smell amazing!

Step 5: Thicken It Up

Sprinkle in 4 tablespoons of flour over the veggies and stir well to coat them. Cooking this mixture for an additional minute helps thicken our soup later on.

Step 6: Deglaze & Simmer

Pour in a splash of chicken broth to deglaze the pot—scraping up those delicious bits stuck to the bottom is essential for flavor! Then add in the rest of your chicken broth along with uncooked macaroni noodles. Bring everything to a simmer over medium-high heat.

Step 7: Cook Noodles

Once it starts bubbling away, lower the heat to low and let it simmer gently for about 5-7 minutes or until your pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally so nothing sticks!

Step 8: Stir in Cream & Cheese

Remove your pot from heat before stirring in that luscious heavy cream followed by shredded cheddar cheese. This creates an incredibly creamy base that makes each bite heavenly.

Step 9: Finish It Off

Finally, mix in that splash of white balsamic vinegar along with your cooked ground beef back into the soup. Heat everything through over medium heat for a couple more minutes—season with salt and pepper as desired.

Step 10: Serve & Enjoy!

Ladle out generous servings into bowls topped with those crunchy sesame seed bun croutons. Don’t forget those green onions and extra cheddar cheese on top! Enjoy every spoonful of this One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup while feeling all sorts of cozy inside!

Pro Tips for Making One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

Making this delightful soup is a breeze, but a few simple tips can elevate your dish to the next level!

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables not only add vibrant flavors but also enhance the nutritional profile of your soup. You’ll notice the difference in taste and texture!
• Don’t skip the deglazing step: Scraping up those tasty bits from the bottom of the pot adds depth and richness to your soup. It’s where all that flavor hangs out!
• Adjust the thickness: If you prefer a thicker soup, let it simmer a bit longer after adding the macaroni. This allows the noodles to absorb more liquid and creates a heartier texture.
• Experiment with cheeses: While sharp cheddar is classic, mixing in some mozzarella or gouda can give your soup a fun twist. Different cheeses bring unique flavors and creaminess!
• Make it ahead of time: This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Just store it in an airtight container and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy.

How to Serve One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

Serving this comforting soup can be just as fun as making it! With a few thoughtful touches, you can make it an inviting centerpiece for any meal.

Garnishes

• Sliced green onions: These add a fresh crunch and bright color, enhancing both presentation and flavor.
• Shredded cheddar cheese: A little extra cheese on top makes everything better and adds an irresistible cheesiness.
• Croutons from sesame seed buns: These add a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy soup.

Side Dishes

• Garlic bread: A warm loaf of garlic bread is perfect for dipping into your cheesy soup. It’s a classic pairing that everyone loves!
• Simple garden salad: A light salad with fresh greens and a tangy vinaigrette can balance the richness of the soup while adding some freshness to your meal.
• Roasted vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies are not only delicious but also provide added nutrients. They can be made alongside your soup for an easy side.
• Fruit salad: For a refreshing finish, serve up a fruit salad. The sweetness will complement the savory flavors of your cheeseburger soup perfectly!

Enjoy creating this hearty One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup, and don’t forget to share it with family and friends!

Make Ahead and Storage

This One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is perfect for meal prep! You can make a big batch ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week. Here’s how to store it properly so you can savor every bite later.

Storing Leftovers

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• It will stay fresh for 3-4 days.
• If you plan to keep it longer, consider freezing it instead.

Freezing

• Allow the soup to cool completely before freezing.
• Portion the soup into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
• You may need to add a splash of broth or cream to restore its creamy texture.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about the One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup that might help you as you prepare this delicious dish.

Can I make One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap the ground beef for your favorite plant-based crumbles or beans, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a delightful vegetarian version.

How do I make One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup spicier?

To add some heat, incorporate diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce while cooking. Adjust the level according to your spice preference!

Can I use different types of cheese in my One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup?

Definitely! While sharp cheddar adds great flavor, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a different twist.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find this recipe as comforting and satisfying as I do! The One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is not only easy to make but also brings together all those cherished flavors we love. Enjoy crafting this dish for your family and friends, and don’t hesitate to put your own spin on it. Happy cooking!