There is something incredibly comforting about a warm, cheesy soup that brings together all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger in one satisfying bowl. This One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Recipe is exactly that kind of cozy meal—hearty, creamy, and bursting with savory goodness. With tender ground beef, perfectly cooked macaroni, and a luscious cheddar cheese sauce, it’s a one-pot wonder that makes dinner time easier and tastier. Whether you’re feeding the whole family or craving a nostalgic favorite, this soup delivers big flavor without complicated steps.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, everyday ingredients is all you need to make this soup shine. Each one plays a vital role—from the savory ground beef to the creamy cheese that makes every bite indulgent, and the diced tomatoes that add a hint of freshness and tang. Together, these essentials create an irresistible balance of flavors and textures.
- 1 pound ground beef: Provides a rich, meaty base for the soup with wonderful savory depth.
- 1 small onion (diced): Adds sweetness and aromatic flavor that complements the beef perfectly.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Brings a warm, fragrant note that elevates the overall taste.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and seasons the soup evenly.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds mild heat and a little bite for balance.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Gives the soup a subtle smoky flavor reminiscent of a grilled burger.
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder: Introduces a gentle tang that brightens the savory notes.
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice): Adds juiciness and a slight acidity to cut through the richness.
- 4 cups beef broth: Creates the flavorful liquid base for tenderizing the pasta and infusing taste.
- 1 cup milk: Makes the soup creamy and smooth without overpowering the main flavors.
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked): Provides the perfect chewy texture and classic macaroni shape for cheeseburger-style comfort.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: The star ingredient for richness and that unmistakable cheesy punch.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Adds luxurious creaminess and helps the soup thicken beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon ketchup (optional): A nostalgic nod to burger toppings, gently sweetening the soup.
- Chopped parsley or pickles for garnish (optional): Fresh herbs or tangy pickles add a pop of color and extra flavor contrast.
How to Make One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Beef and Onions
Start by heating a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef along with the diced onion, cooking and stirring until the beef is nicely browned and the onion turns soft—this usually takes about 6 to 8 minutes. Browning the beef properly builds a deep flavor base for your soup. Once done, drain off any excess fat to keep the soup from feeling greasy.
Step 2: Add Seasonings and Aromatics
Next, stir in the minced garlic, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and mustard powder. Let these cook together for about a minute until you can smell their fragrant goodness filling the kitchen. This step is essential for layering those cozy, savory cheeseburger flavors throughout the soup.
Step 3: Incorporate Liquids and Pasta
Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices, beef broth, and milk. Then add the uncooked elbow macaroni directly to the pot. Turn up the heat and bring everything to a boil, then reduce it to a simmer. Let the soup cook uncovered for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally so the macaroni cooks evenly and absorbs that meaty, cheesy goodness.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Cheese Finish
After the macaroni is tender, lower the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, heavy cream, and optional ketchup. Mix everything until the cheese melts into a creamy sauce and the soup thickens slightly. Taste and adjust any seasonings to your preference, making sure every spoonful is just right.
How to Serve One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a garnish not only makes your soup look pretty but also adds an exciting flavor twist. Chopped fresh parsley lends brightness and color, while diced pickles give you a playful crunch reminiscent of your favorite burger toppings. Either way, garnishes transform this soup into a memorable dish.
Side Dishes
To round out the meal, consider serving crusty bread or buttery garlic toast alongside your soup. A crisp green salad or simple steamed veggies can balance the richness of the dish beautifully, offering contrast in texture and freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun homey touch, serve this soup in mini bread bowls or ramekins for individual portions. Another idea is to sprinkle extra shredded cheddar and a few crispy bacon bits on top for a truly indulgent finish. You could even invite everyone to customize their bowls with favorite burger toppings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This soup keeps exceptionally well in the fridge for up to 3 days. As it cools, it thickens, so you may want to loosen it up with a splash of milk or broth when reheating to bring back that creamy, comforting texture.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Recipe for up to 2 months. Use airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Note that the macaroni may soak up some liquid during freezing, so it’s best to freeze in portions and add extra broth or milk upon thawing.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring frequently. Add a little broth or milk to prevent it from drying out or becoming overly thick. Microwave reheating works too but reheat in intervals to avoid uneven heating and curdling.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken makes a lighter version of this One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Recipe. The flavor will be milder, so you might want to increase the seasonings slightly for a fuller taste.
Is there a vegetarian alternative for this soup?
Yes! Swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles and use vegetable broth. The combination of spices and cheese will still create that classic cheeseburger vibe in a meatless form.
Can I make this soup dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, use a dairy-free cheese alternative, plant-based milk, and skip the heavy cream or replace it with coconut cream. The texture will be a little different but still delicious and creamy.
What if I want a thicker soup?
For a heartier, thicker soup, simply add a little more cheese and heavy cream at the end, or let it simmer a bit longer uncovered to reduce some of the liquid.
Can I add more vegetables to this soup?
Definitely! Chopped bell peppers, corn, or shredded carrots can be added when you add the broth and pasta for extra color, nutrition, and sweetness without taking away from the cheeseburger flavor.
Final Thoughts
This One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Recipe is a joyful spin on two classic comfort foods rolled into one unforgettable meal. It’s quick to make, cheers to easy cleanup, and invites everyone back for seconds. If you’ve been searching for a delicious, crowd-pleasing soup to warm up your evenings, this recipe is your new best friend. Dive in and enjoy that creamy, cheesy goodness with every spoonful!
Print
One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course, Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is a hearty American comfort food recipe combining the flavors of a cheeseburger in a creamy, cheesy soup. Ground beef, elbow macaroni, and cheddar cheese simmer together with savory seasonings and beef broth to create a rich dish perfect for a cozy dinner. This easy stovetop soup is quick to prepare and ideal for family meals.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juice
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon ketchup (optional)
Garnishes
- Chopped parsley (optional)
- Diced pickles (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Ground Beef and Onions: In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and the onion is soft, about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary to avoid greasiness.
- Add Seasonings and Garlic: Stir in minced garlic, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and mustard powder. Cook for an additional minute until fragrant, ensuring the spices release their aroma.
- Add Liquids and Pasta: Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice, beef broth, and milk. Add the uncooked elbow macaroni. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
- Simmer Until Pasta is Tender: Simmer uncovered for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the macaroni is cooked through and tender.
- Incorporate Cheese and Cream: Reduce heat to low. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, heavy cream, and ketchup if using. Mix continuously until the cheese has melted and the soup becomes creamy and slightly thickened.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve the soup hot, garnished with chopped parsley or diced pickles for an added cheeseburger twist.
Notes
- Ground beef can be replaced with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for different dietary preferences.
- For extra richness, stir in a dollop of sour cream just before serving.
- Leftovers tend to thicken after refrigeration. Reheat gently with a splash of broth or milk to restore creamy consistency.
