If you have ever wished you could wrap the joy of a cheeseburger and the comfort of a warm, hearty soup into one unforgettable meal, this One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Recipe is here to make that dream come true. This dish brilliantly combines the savory flavors of ground beef, the creamy gooeyness of melted cheddar, and the satisfying bite of elbow macaroni, all cooked together in a single pot for easy cleanup and maximum flavor fusion. It’s a cozy, filling bowl that tastes like your favorite diner meal, perfect for chilly evenings or whenever you crave that indulgent blend of comfort and convenience.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, everyday ingredients come together in this recipe to create a star dish that’s rich in flavor and delightful in texture. Each element plays its part, ensuring every spoonful hits that perfect balance of savory, cheesy, and satisfying.
- 1 pound ground beef: Provides the hearty, protein-packed base that makes this soup feel like a true cheeseburger lover’s delight.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth once softened and mixed into the beef.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Gives a subtle punch of aromatic flavor to brighten the soup.
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained: Brings a slight tang and a splash of vibrant color to the mix.
- 4 cups beef broth: The liquid base that enriches the soup with meaty goodness and tenderness for the pasta.
- 2 cups elbow macaroni: Classic sandwich side transformed here into a creamy, chewy component of the soup.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Melted in at the end for the ultimate creamy cheeseburger effect.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Simple seasonings to amplify all the other flavors without overwhelming them.
- Optional Toppings: Diced pickles, ketchup, mustard, or any burger favorites to garnish and personalize your bowl.
How to Make One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Sauté Aromatics
Start by heating a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat and adding your ground beef. Breaking it apart as it cooks ensures every bite is perfectly crumbly. When the beef is halfway browned, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Their aromas will fill your kitchen as the onions soften and the beef fully browns. If there’s excess grease, draining it now helps keep the soup from becoming too oily.
Step 2: Combine Tomatoes, Broth, and Macaroni
Next, stir in the diced tomatoes with all their juicy goodness and pour in the beef broth. Bringing this mixture to a gentle boil creates the flavorful cooking liquid for your pasta. Add the elbow macaroni and give everything a good stir to mix. Turn down the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This slow cook tenderizes the pasta while letting flavors mingle beautifully.
Step 3: Melt the Cheese for Creaminess
With the pasta perfectly tender, turn off the heat and sprinkle in the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir continuously to coax the cheese into melting smoothly, transforming the soup into a luxuriously creamy and velvety dish. Finish by seasoning with salt and pepper, tailoring the taste so it perfectly suits your preferences.
Step 4: Serve with Burger-Inspired Toppings
Dish the steaming soup into bowls and crown each serving with classic burger toppings like diced pickles, a drizzle of ketchup, or a mustard swirl. These final flourishes not only make the dish visually appealing but add exciting bursts of flavor that recall your best hamburgers.
How to Serve One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes such as crunchy diced pickles, a spoonful of ketchup, or tangy mustard creates layers of flavor and texture that beautifully enhance the soup’s cheeseburger essence. Don’t be shy to pile them on as they bring a fun, nostalgic twist that will delight your taste buds.
Side Dishes
This soup stands alone as a hearty meal, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or some warm crusty bread elevates the meal into something truly special. The bread is perfect for sopping up every creamy, cheesy drop!
Creative Ways to Present
For a playful touch, serve this soup in mini bread bowls or garnish with crumbled bacon and chives for extra oomph. Kids and adults alike will love the presentation and personalized toppings, making it a fantastic dish for family dinners or casual get-togethers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
One pot is never enough with this delicious soup, but when you have leftovers, simply transfer them to an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making lunch the next day just as good if not better!
Freezing
If you want to save this soup for later, it freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and it will keep well for up to three months. Just remember, you might need to add a splash of broth or water when reheating to restore its creamy texture.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until fully heated and creamy again. Avoid microwaving straight from frozen to preserve the soup’s consistency and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While cheddar is classic for this soup’s cheeseburger vibe, you can experiment with mozzarella for extra stretch, pepper jack for a little heat, or even a blend for richer complexity.
Is this soup spicy?
This One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Recipe is naturally mild, but feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce if you like a little kick in your bowl.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes, by swapping the ground beef with plant-based meat crumbles or hearty veggies like mushrooms and adding vegetable broth instead of beef, you can enjoy a vegetarian version that’s just as comforting.
What pasta can I substitute for elbow macaroni?
Elbow macaroni works best because of its size and shape, but you can substitute with small shells, ditalini, or even mini penne without losing that classic texture.
How thick should the soup be?
The soup should be creamy and thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still spoonable and comforting. If it’s too thick after resting, just thin it with a little more broth before serving.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about the flavors coming together in the One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Recipe—simple ingredients transforming into an irresistible bowl of comfort food. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or craving a cozy weeknight dinner, this soup is guaranteed to bring warmth and smiles around the table. Give it a try and watch it instantly become one of your go-to favorites for its ease, taste, and pure deliciousness.
Print
One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup combines the hearty flavors of a cheeseburger with the comforting warmth of a creamy soup. Ground beef, diced tomatoes, elbow macaroni, and sharp cheddar cheese come together in a rich, cheesy broth, making it a perfect family-friendly meal that’s quick and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Toppings
- Diced pickles
- Ketchup
- Mustard
- Other favorite burger toppings
Instructions
- Cook the beef, onion, and garlic: In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef while breaking it apart. When the beef is halfway cooked, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Continue cooking until the onion is translucent and the beef is fully browned. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Add tomatoes, broth, and pasta: Stir in the undrained diced tomatoes and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then add the elbow macaroni. Stir well, reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally until the pasta is tender.
- Melt the cheese: Turn off the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is completely melted and the soup is creamy and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve with toppings: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and add your favorite burger-inspired toppings such as diced pickles, ketchup, or mustard. Serve immediately and enjoy this rich, cheesy comfort food.
Notes
- Drain excess grease after browning the beef to avoid a greasy soup.
- Use sharp cheddar cheese for a more pronounced cheesy flavor.
- Feel free to add other burger toppings like cooked bacon bits or sautéed mushrooms.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, reduce the beef broth slightly or simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
