One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting meal that everyone in the family will adore, then you’ve stumbled upon the perfect recipe! This One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is a delightful blend of hearty flavors and creamy goodness, making it a favorite for busy weeknights or cheerful family gatherings. It’s quick to prepare—ready in just 30 minutes—and best of all, everything cooks in one pot, which means less cleanup for you. Plus, it’s made without VELVEETA, so you can feel good about what you’re serving.

Imagine a warm bowl of cheesy soup filled with ground beef and macaroni, topped with crispy croutons. It’s comfort food at its finest! Whether you’re feeding little ones or entertaining friends, this soup is sure to be a hit.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This soup comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for your busiest nights.
• Family-Friendly: Packed with flavors kids love, it’s a meal everyone will enjoy.
• One-Pot Wonder: Less mess means more time to relax and enjoy your meal.
• Versatile: You can easily customize it with your favorite ingredients or dietary needs.
• Comforting Flavor: Rich and creamy, this cheeseburger soup warms you from the inside out.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that are easy to find. You probably have many of them in your kitchen already! Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger 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
• 4 sesame seed buns, diced into 1-inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• sliced green onion, for garnish
• shredded cheddar cheese, for garnish

Variations

One of the best parts about this recipe is its flexibility! You can easily tweak it to suit your taste or dietary preferences. Here are a few fun ideas:

• Swap the protein: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
• Add some veggies: Toss in some chopped spinach or bell peppers for added nutrition.
• Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños if you like things hot!
• Go dairy-free: Substitute coconut cream and nutritional yeast for heavy cream and cheese to make it dairy-free.

How to Make One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

Step 1: Prepare the Croutons

First things first: let’s get those tasty croutons going! Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Spread the diced sesame seed bun cubes on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Drizzle them with olive oil and toss until they’re evenly coated. Bake them for about 10 minutes until they’re crispy on the outside. These croutons will add delightful crunch to your soup!

Step 2: Cook the Beef

Now let’s turn our attention to the beef! In a large pot over medium heat, add your ground beef along with one teaspoon each of oregano and thyme. Season with salt and pepper too! Brown the beef while breaking it apart with a spatula until it’s fully cooked through. Once done, remove it from the pot and set aside; we’ll be adding it back later.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

In that same pot (no need to clean it!), melt six tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add in your diced onions, sliced carrots, sliced celery, along with another generous pinch of salt and pepper. Turn up the heat slightly and cook these veggies for about ten minutes while stirring occasionally. This step is crucial because cooking them brings out their natural sweetness!

Step 4: Add Garlic and Herbs

Lower the heat again before adding minced garlic along with the remaining oregano and thyme. Sauté these fragrant ingredients for another minute; trust me, your kitchen will smell heavenly!

Step 5: Create the Base

It’s time to add flour! Sprinkle four tablespoons over your sautéed veggies and stir well to coat everything evenly. Let that cook for about one minute while stirring frequently—a little bit of flour helps thicken our soup beautifully.

Step 6: Deglaze & Add Broth

Now we need some liquid gold—add just a splash of chicken broth first to deglaze the pot by scraping up all those delicious bits stuck at the bottom. Once that’s done, pour in the rest of your chicken broth along with eight ounces of uncooked macaroni noodles. Add another pinch of salt and pepper before bringing everything up to a simmer over medium-high heat.

Step 7: Simmer Until Tender

Once simmering away happily, reduce your heat down low and let everything cook gently for about five to seven minutes until your pasta is al dente. Remember to stir occasionally so nothing sticks!

Step 8: Mix In Cream & Cheese

Remove your pot from heat and stir in one cup of heavy cream along with eight ounces of shredded sharp cheddar cheese until melted into creamy perfection.

Step 9: Finish It Off!

Add that splash of white balsamic vinegar next; it gives an extra pop of flavor! Toss in the cooked ground beef back into your pot and gently reheat everything on medium heat until warmed through.

Step 10: Serve & Enjoy!

Ladle out generous portions into bowls topped with those crunchy sesame seed bun croutons you’ve made earlier. Don’t forget garnishing with fresh green onions and additional shredded cheddar cheese—then sit back and enjoy every bite!

This One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is sure to become a staple in your home just as it has in mine!

Pro Tips for Making One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

Cooking can be a breeze, especially with these handy tips to elevate your One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup!

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and high-quality cheese make a noticeable difference in flavor and texture, ensuring your soup is both delicious and satisfying.

• Don’t Skip the Deglazing: Scraping the bottom of the pot after adding chicken broth helps incorporate all the flavorful bits stuck to the pan, enhancing the overall taste of your soup.

• Adjust Consistency as Desired: If you prefer a thicker soup, let it simmer longer; for a thinner consistency, add more broth or cream. Tailoring the texture to your liking makes it even more enjoyable.

• Experiment with Cheese: Feel free to mix different cheeses like Monterey Jack or Gruyère for a unique twist on flavor. This keeps things exciting and allows you to customize according to your family’s preferences.

• Make it Ahead of Time: This soup stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheating it allows flavors to meld even further, making each bowl even more delightful than the last!

How to Serve One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

Serving this comforting soup can be as fun as making it! Here are some creative ideas to present your dish beautifully and deliciously.

Garnishes

• Sliced Green Onions: These add a fresh crunch and a pop of color, enhancing both presentation and flavor.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: A sprinkle on top not only makes the soup look inviting but also adds an extra creamy texture as it melts into the warm broth.
• Croutons from Sesame Seed Buns: The crispy texture contrasts beautifully with the creamy soup, providing an enjoyable bite that enhances every spoonful.

Side Dishes

• Garlic Bread: Warm slices of garlic bread are perfect for dipping into your cheesy soup, soaking up every delicious drop while adding a crunchy element.
• Mixed Green Salad: A refreshing salad balances out the richness of the soup. Toss together some greens with a light vinaigrette for a bright accompaniment.
• Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds a vibrant green color and nutrients, complementing the flavors without overpowering them.
• Potato Wedges: Crispy baked potato wedges offer a hearty side that pairs well with any soup, making dinner feel like a feast!

With these serving ideas and pro tips, your One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup will not only taste fantastic but also impress everyone at your table! Enjoy!

Make Ahead and Storage

This One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is a fantastic choice for meal prep! You can easily whip up a batch in advance, making weeknight dinners a breeze.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
• Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Label the container with the date to keep track of freshness.

Freezing

• Let the soup cool before portioning it into freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Leave some space at the top of each container, as liquids expand when frozen.
• Freeze for up to 2-3 months for optimal taste.

Reheating

• Thaw the soup overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
• You can also use a microwave; heat in short bursts, stirring in between to ensure even warming.

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 turkey or even plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter version or to accommodate dietary preferences.

How do I add more flavor to my One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup?

Consider adding additional spices like smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for a kick. Fresh herbs like parsley or basil can also enhance the flavor profile beautifully!

What toppings go well with One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup?

You can add diced tomatoes, pickles, or even extra cheese on top. A sprinkle of crispy bacon (or a bacon alternative) can also be delicious!

Can I use a different type of cheese in this soup?

Certainly! Feel free to experiment with cheeses like Monterey Jack, Gouda, or even pepper jack for a spicier twist.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup as much as I do! It’s not just a meal; it’s a comforting hug in a bowl that brings everyone together. Whether it’s a chilly evening or you simply crave something hearty and cheesy, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy every spoonful, and don’t hesitate to share your experience – happy cooking!