One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

If you’re looking for a cozy meal that comes together in no time, then you’ve found it! This One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is like a warm hug on a chilly day. It’s rich, creamy, and oh-so-cheesy, making it the perfect comfort food for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Plus, everything cooks in just one pot, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy your meal!

What makes this soup even more special is how easy it is to customize. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or just want to enjoy something hearty and delicious, this recipe has you covered. Get ready for a bowl of happiness that everyone will love!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to prepare: You can whip up this delicious soup in just 30 minutes!
• Family-friendly: With cheesy goodness and familiar flavors, kids and adults alike will devour it.
• One-pot wonder: Less mess means more time to relax after dinner.
• Comforting flavor: It’s loaded with wholesome ingredients that make every bite satisfying.
• Easily customizable: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or swap out proteins!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. Let’s gather what we need to create this delightful One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup!

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 to taste
• Fresh cracked pepper to taste

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 One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is wonderfully adaptable! Here are some fun variations you might consider:

• Swap the protein: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
• Add more veggies: Toss in some spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition and color.
• Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some chopped jalapeños for a kick.
• Creamy alternatives: For a dairy-free version, substitute coconut milk for heavy cream.

How to Make One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

Step 1: Prepare the Croutons

First things first! Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. While it’s heating up, place your diced sesame seed buns on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Drizzle them with olive oil and give them a good toss until they’re nicely coated. Bake these little bites for about 10 minutes until they turn crispy on the outside—this adds an amazing texture to your soup!

Step 2: Brown the Beef

In a large pot over medium heat, add your ground beef along with 1 teaspoon each of dried oregano and thyme. Sprinkle in some salt and pepper as well. Cook until the beef is browned and crumbled thoroughly—this should take about 5-7 minutes. Once it’s cooked through, remove it from the pot and set it aside; we’ll be adding it back later.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pot (no need to clean it!), melt your butter over medium heat. Add in the diced onions, sliced carrots, and celery along with another pinch of salt and pepper. Turn up the heat slightly and cook while stirring occasionally for about 10 minutes until everything softens up beautifully.

Step 4: Add Garlic & Herbs

Now reduce the heat back down to medium. Stir in your minced garlic along with the remaining oregano and thyme. This step is key because cooking the garlic just until fragrant takes this soup’s flavor profile up a notch! Give it about a minute before moving on.

Step 5: Incorporate Flour

Next, sprinkle in your flour over the veggies and mix well so everything gets coated evenly. This will help thicken our soup later on! Allow it to cook for about another minute while stirring frequently.

Step 6: Deglaze & Build Flavor

Splash in a bit of chicken broth—this helps lift those delicious browned bits stuck at the bottom of the pot (trust me; they pack flavor!). Then stir in the rest of your chicken broth along with uncooked macaroni noodles and another pinch of salt and pepper.

Step 7: Simmer Until Al Dente

Turn up the heat to medium-high until everything comes to a simmer—oh boy! Then lower it back down to low heat again and let it simmer gently for about 5-7 minutes or until those macaroni noodles are al dente. Make sure you give it an occasional stir so nothing sticks at the bottom.

Step 8: Finish with Cream & Cheese

Remove from heat and stir in your heavy cream followed by all that wonderful shredded cheddar cheese! Mixing these two creamy delights will give us that cheesy goodness we crave.

Step 9: Add Ground Beef Back In

Now’s when you want to add back that cooked ground beef into our glorious soup mixture! Stir in some white balsamic vinegar too—it adds such depth! Bring everything back on medium heat just until heated through.

Step 10: Serve & Enjoy!

Your One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is ready! Ladle it into bowls topped with crispy sesame seed bun croutons, fresh green onions, and even more shredded cheddar cheese if you’re feeling indulgent. Sit back, relax, and enjoy every delightful spoonful!

And there you have it—a comforting bowl of happiness that’s perfect for any occasion!

Pro Tips for Making One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

Making the perfect One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is all about little details that elevate the flavor and texture. Here are some tips to help you create a deliciously comforting meal!

• Use fresh herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley or chives can brighten up the soup and add a burst of flavor, making each spoonful delightful.

• Adjust the creaminess: If you prefer a creamier soup, feel free to add more heavy cream or cheese to reach your desired consistency. This will enhance the richness and comfort of the dish.

• Don’t rush the browning process: Taking your time to brown the ground beef well adds depth of flavor to the soup. The caramelization creates a savory base that makes every bite amazing.

• Experiment with cheese: While sharp cheddar is fantastic, trying different cheeses like Gruyère or Monterey Jack can add unique flavors and textures to your soup.

• Make it ahead: This soup keeps well in the refrigerator for a few days, so consider making a double batch for busy weeknights. Just reheat gently on the stove when you’re ready to serve!

How to Serve One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

Presenting your One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup can make it even more enjoyable! Here are some ideas on how to serve it up beautifully.

Garnishes

• Sliced green onions: A sprinkle of sliced green onions adds a fresh crunch and vibrant color to the dish.
• Shredded cheddar cheese: Top each bowl with extra shredded cheddar for an irresistible cheesy finish.
• Croutons: The crunchy sesame seed bun croutons not only provide texture but also complement the flavors perfectly!

Side Dishes

• Simple Garden Salad: A light garden salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers dressed in vinaigrette can balance out the richness of the soup.
• Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread pairs beautifully and is perfect for dipping into that creamy goodness!
• Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds a nutritious touch while providing a pop of color on your plate.
• Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad can be a sweet ending to your meal, offering a lovely contrast to the savory soup.

Enjoy creating this comforting dish that’s sure to bring smiles around your dinner table!

Make Ahead and Storage

This One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is not only a delightful meal for any day of the week, but it’s also perfect for meal prep! You can easily whip up a batch ahead of time, making weeknight dinners a breeze.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the soup to cool to room temperature before storing.
• Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• If you’re using a glass container, ensure it’s tempered to avoid cracking due to temperature changes.

Freezing

• Let the soup cool completely before freezing.
• Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion.
• Label with the date and contents; it can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen.
• Reheat in a pot over medium heat on the stove, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
• For microwave reheating, use a microwave-safe bowl and cover loosely; heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delicious recipe!

Can I make One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup without ground beef?

Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or even plant-based ground meat for a lighter or vegetarian option. The flavors will still shine through!

How do I store leftover One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup?

After cooling, store your leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing portions.

Can I add more vegetables to this cheeseburger soup?

Definitely! Feel free to add your favorite veggies such as bell peppers, corn, or zucchini. They will add color and nutrition!

What is the best way to reheat One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup?

Reheat gently on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave in short bursts. Just remember to stir occasionally!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup as much as I do! It’s a comforting dish that brings warmth and smiles around the dinner table. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a quick weeknight meal, this recipe has got you covered. Happy cooking, and don’t forget to share your experience!