Name: One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 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

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If you’re looking for a cozy meal that warms the heart and fills the belly, then you’ve come to the right place! This One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is a family favorite in my home. It’s rich, creamy, and packed with flavor, and best of all, it comes together in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual family gatherings, this dish brings everyone to the table with smiles.

What I love most about this recipe is how it combines the comforting elements of macaroni and cheese with the hearty goodness of cheeseburgers. Plus, everything cooks in one pot, making cleanup a breeze. Trust me; your loved ones will be asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This recipe takes just 30 minutes from start to finish!
Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy the creamy, cheesy flavors.
One Pot Wonder: Less mess means more time to enjoy your meal together.
Comfort Food Classic: It’s a warm hug in a bowl on chilly days.
No Special Ingredients Required: You probably have most of these simple ingredients at home!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to whip up this delightful soup. You’ll love how easy it is to find everything you need for this 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
fresh cracked pepper
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 things about this soup is its flexibility! Feel free to get creative based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

Swap the protein: Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
Add veggies: Throw in some chopped spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrients.
Make it spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like some heat.
Change up the cheese: Try using pepper jack or mozzarella for a different flavor twist.

How to Make One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

Step 1: Prepare the Croutons

Start by heating your oven to 400 degrees. While it’s preheating, place those sesame seed bun cubes on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Drizzle them with olive oil and toss gently to coat evenly. Bake them for about 10 minutes until they’re crispy on the outside—these croutons will add a delightful crunch to your soup!

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

In a large pot over medium heat, add your ground beef along with one teaspoon each of dried oregano and thyme, plus some salt and pepper. As it browns, use a spatula to crumble it up until fully cooked through. Once done, remove from the pot and set aside—this step gives your soup that classic cheeseburger flavor!

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

Next, melt six tablespoons of butter in that same pot (no need to clean it!). Add in diced onions, sliced carrots, sliced celery, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Turn up the heat to medium-high and cook while stirring occasionally for about ten minutes until everything is nice and tender.

Step 4: Add Garlic & Herbs

Reduce the heat back down to medium and stir in minced garlic along with the remaining oregano and thyme. Let it cook for another minute—the aroma will fill your kitchen! This step enhances all those delicious flavors.

Step 5: Thicken It Up

Sprinkle four tablespoons of flour over your sautéed veggies and stir well to coat everything evenly. Let this mixture cook for another minute while stirring frequently—it helps create that creamy texture we all love!

Step 6: Deglaze & Add Broth

Pour in just a splash of chicken broth first to deglaze the pot—this scrapes up all those tasty brown bits from cooking earlier. Then stir in the rest of your chicken broth along with uncooked macaroni noodles and another pinch of salt and pepper. Bring it up to a simmer over medium-high heat.

Step 7: Cook the Pasta

Once simmering, reduce heat again to low and let it cook gently for about five to seven minutes until your pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally so those noodles don’t stick! This ensures every bite is perfectly cooked.

Step 8: Make It Creamy

Remove from heat now! Stir in one cup of heavy cream followed by eight ounces of shredded cheddar cheese until melted into gooey goodness. Then add one teaspoon of white balsamic vinegar—it adds a lovely depth of flavor.

Step 9: Combine & Season

Return your cooked ground beef back into the pot with everything else. Heat over medium for just a couple more minutes until warmed through. Give it all a taste—don’t forget salt and pepper as needed!

Step 10: Serve & Enjoy!

It’s time to serve! Ladle this comforting soup into bowls topped with those crunchy sesame seed bun croutons, fresh sliced green onions, and even more shredded cheddar cheese if you’re feeling indulgent! Enjoy every warm spoonful—you deserve it!

Pro Tips for Making One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

Making this soup can be a breeze, especially with a few tips to help you along the way. Here are some strategies to ensure your One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup turns out perfect every time!

Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables and high-quality cheese not only enhance the flavor but also provide better texture, making each bowl of soup more enjoyable.
Don’t skip deglazing: Scraping up the brown bits from the bottom of the pot after cooking the ground beef adds an incredible depth of flavor to the soup, so take that extra minute to do it!
Adjust consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, allow it to simmer longer after adding the macaroni. This gives the pasta time to absorb more liquid and creates a heartier dish.
Experiment with cheese: Feel free to mix different types of cheese such as Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for added flavor and creaminess. Just be mindful of how they melt!
Make it ahead of time: This soup stores well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. It tastes even better as the flavors meld together, so consider making a big batch!

How to Serve One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

Presenting your One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup can elevate your meal experience. Here are some fun ideas on how to serve it beautifully!

Garnishes

Chopped fresh herbs: Adding parsley or cilantro gives a refreshing touch and brightens up the dish.
Sour cream or Greek yogurt: A dollop on top adds creaminess and a hint of tang that balances out the richness of the cheese.
Pickled jalapeños: For those who love a kick, these add both heat and flavor, making each bite exciting.

Side Dishes

Garlic bread: The perfect accompaniment, garlic bread is great for dipping into the creamy soup and soaking up all those delicious flavors.
Mixed greens salad: A light salad with vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich soup. The crunchiness of fresh greens complements its creamy texture perfectly.
Steamed broccoli or green beans: These veggies are easy to prepare and add nutritional balance while bringing a pop of color to your meal.
Cornbread muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins not only add variety but also pair wonderfully with this hearty soup, making every spoonful even more delightful.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, your One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup will be an unforgettable meal that everyone will love! Enjoy every warm bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy hearty comfort food throughout the week. Whether you’re planning lunch for work or a cozy dinner at home, this soup can be made ahead and stored with ease.

Storing Leftovers

Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
If possible, keep croutons separate until serving to maintain their crunchiness.

Freezing

Let the soup cool fully before pouring it into freezer-safe bags or containers.
Label each container with the date before placing it in the freezer.
It can be frozen for up to 3 months; however, the texture of the macaroni may change slightly upon thawing.

Reheating

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen, or use the microwave for quick thawing.
When reheating on the stove, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore creaminess.
Heat over medium-low heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.

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, chicken, or even plant-based alternatives like lentils or mushrooms for a different flavor profile.

How do I store One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup leftovers?

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze it in portions.

Is One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup gluten-free?

To make this soup gluten-free, simply swap out regular elbow macaroni for gluten-free pasta. Ensure your broth and other ingredients are also gluten-free.

What can I serve with One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup?

This soup is hearty enough on its own, but you might enjoy serving it with a side salad or some crusty bread for dipping!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup! It’s not just a recipe; it’s a warm embrace on a chilly day and a wonderful way to bring family together around the table. Enjoy every cheesy bite and feel free to get creative with your toppings. Happy cooking!

One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

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Author: Madison
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: Serves approximately 6
Category: Dinner
Method: One Pot Cooking
Cuisine: American

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Description

Indulge in the heartwarming comfort of One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup, a delightful blend of creamy macaroni and the savory goodness of cheeseburgers—all cooked in a single pot for easy cleanup. This quick and satisfying meal comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual family gatherings. With rich flavors and a cozy texture, this dish is sure to have everyone asking for seconds. Gather your loved ones around the table and enjoy every bite of this cheesy delight!

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb ground beef
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

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Cube sesame seed buns and toss with olive oil on a baking sheet. Bake for about 10 minutes until crispy.
In a large pot over medium heat, cook ground beef with oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper until browned. Set aside.
In the same pot, melt butter and sauté onion, carrots, celery, salt, and pepper for about 10 minutes until tender.
Stir in garlic and remaining herbs; cook for another minute.
Sprinkle flour over veggies; stir well and cook for another minute.
Deglaze the pot with a splash of chicken broth before adding the remaining broth and macaroni. Bring to simmer.
Reduce heat; cook until pasta is al dente (about 5-7 minutes), stirring occasionally.
Remove from heat; stir in heavy cream and cheddar cheese until melted. Add vinegar for extra flavor.
Return ground beef to the pot; heat through before serving with croutons and garnishes.