One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting meal that comes together in just 30 minutes, you’ve stumbled upon a gem! This One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is a delightful blend of flavors that reminds me of all the best parts of a cheeseburger, wrapped up in a warm and creamy soup. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something quick but still satisfying. Plus, it’s family-friendly, making it ideal for gatherings or simply a cozy night in.

Every spoonful of this soup is packed with cheesy goodness and hearty ingredients that will have everyone asking for seconds. And the best part? No fancy ingredients are needed here—just simple, wholesome items that you probably already have in your pantry. Let’s dive into why this recipe is sure to become a favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
• One-Pot Wonder: Less cleanup means more time to enjoy your meal with family or friends!
• Cheesy Comfort Food: Who can resist the creamy, cheesy goodness in every bowl?
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love this fun twist on classic flavors.
• Customizable: Easily adjust ingredients to suit your taste preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these simple ingredients will make your cooking experience enjoyable and stress-free. Each item plays an important role in creating the rich flavors of this delicious 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 and fresh cracked pepper

For the Toppings

• 4 sesame seed buns, diced into 1-inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Sliced green onion, for garnish
• Shredded cheddar cheese, for garnish

Variations

This One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to make it your own with these tasty variations:

• Swap the protein: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
• Add some veggies: Toss in spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrients and color.
• Make it spicy: Add some diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes if you like a kick of heat.
• Creamy alternatives: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free alternative if you’re looking for a lighter version.

How to Make One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

Step 1: Prepare the Croutons

Start by heating your oven to 400 degrees. Place those sesame seed bun cubes on a parchment-lined baking sheet and drizzle them with olive oil. Give them a toss to coat evenly. Bake for about 10 minutes until they are crispy on the outside. These crunchy croutons add texture and flavor to your soup!

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, plus some salt and pepper. Cook until browned while breaking it apart with a spatula—this adds depth to our soup’s flavor profile! Once cooked through, set it aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Veggies

In that same pot (no need to clean it!), melt 6 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add diced onion, sliced carrots, and sliced celery along with another pinch of salt and pepper. Cooking these veggies for about 10 minutes allows their natural sweetness to shine through—this step is key!

Step 4: Build Flavor

Lower the heat slightly before adding minced garlic along with the remaining oregano and thyme. Sauté everything together for another minute until fragrant; this really brings out those beautiful herbal notes.

Step 5: Thicken It Up

Stir in the flour to coat the veggies well and cook for an additional minute. This step helps thicken our soup later on!

Step 6: Deglaze and Simmer

Add a splash of chicken broth to deglaze the pot—scraping up all those tasty bits stuck at the bottom adds so much flavor! Then stir in the rest of your chicken broth along with uncooked macaroni noodles. Bring everything to a gentle simmer; no one wants sticky pasta!

Step 7: Cook Until Perfect

Once simmering, reduce heat further and let it cook uncovered for about 5-7 minutes until pasta reaches al dente perfection—stir occasionally so nothing sticks!

Step 8: Creamy Goodness

Remove from heat before stirring in heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese until melted through! The addition of white balsamic vinegar adds brightness—don’t skip this step!

Step 9: Combine Everything

Return your cooked ground beef back into the pot and gently heat everything through over medium heat. Season as needed with salt and pepper.

Step 10: Serve It Up!

Ladle that comforting soup into bowls topped with crispy sesame seed bun croutons, sliced green onions, and extra shredded cheese if desired! Enjoy each spoonful knowing you created something truly special.

Pro Tips for Making One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

Making this delightful soup is a breeze, especially with a few handy tips to ensure it turns out perfectly every time!

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables not only enhance the flavor but also add vibrant colors and nutrition to your soup, making it more appealing and wholesome.

• Don’t Rush the Browning: Take your time when browning the ground beef; a good sear adds depth of flavor to the entire dish, giving it that delicious, comforting cheeseburger taste.

• Adjust the Cheese: Feel free to mix different types of cheese for added flavor. Gouda or Monterey Jack can complement cheddar beautifully, creating a rich and creamy texture.

• Taste as You Go: Regularly tasting your soup allows you to adjust the seasoning to your preference. Everyone’s palate is unique, and this ensures you achieve the perfect balance of flavors.

• Store Leftovers Wisely: If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. This soup reheats beautifully on the stove or in the microwave—just add a splash of broth if it thickens too much!

How to Serve One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

Serving this hearty soup can be just as fun as making it! With a few thoughtful touches, you can elevate it into an irresistible meal that will impress family and friends.

Garnishes

• Sliced Green Onions: Adds a fresh crunch and mild onion flavor that complements the richness of the soup.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: A classic choice that melts beautifully on top, enhancing both taste and appearance.
• Croutons from Sesame Seed Buns: These crispy toppings add texture and a delightful chewiness that makes each bite even more enjoyable.

Side Dishes

• Garlic Bread: Perfect for dipping into the creamy soup, garlic bread brings warmth and additional flavor that pairs wonderfully with every spoonful.
• Simple Green Salad: A light salad with mixed greens tossed in vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the soup, balancing your meal nicely.
• Steamed Broccoli: The slight bitterness of steamed broccoli goes well with cheesy dishes like this one while adding important nutrients!
• Cornbread: Sweet cornbread makes for an excellent side with its fluffy texture and sweetness that contrasts beautifully with savory flavors.

With these serving suggestions, your One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup will not only taste fantastic but look inviting too. Enjoy every hearty spoonful!

Make Ahead and Storage

This One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is perfect for meal prep, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights. You can whip up a big batch, store it, and enjoy delicious leftovers throughout the week!

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Label your container with the date for easy tracking.

Freezing

• Let the soup cool down, then portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Seal tightly, removing as much air as possible.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. Remember to label your containers!

Reheating

• Thaw frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Heat on the stove over medium-low heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
• If reheating from frozen, use low heat and add a splash of broth or water to help loosen it up.

FAQs

Got questions about this recipe? Here are some answers to help you out!

Can I make One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef with lentils or plant-based ground meat. Adjust spices accordingly for flavor.

How do I thicken my One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup?

If you’d like a thicker consistency, stir in a little more flour during cooking or let it simmer longer to reduce slightly.

What can I serve with One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup?

This soup is hearty enough on its own but pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or some crusty bread for dipping.

Can I use different types of cheese in this cheeseburger soup?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with various cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack for a unique flavor twist.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this comforting One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup as much as I do! It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience full of warmth and flavor that the whole family can gather around. Whether you’re serving it on a cozy weeknight or sharing with friends, it’s sure to bring smiles all around. Happy cooking!