One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

If you’re looking for a cozy meal that brings the whole family together, look no further than this One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup! It’s rich, creamy, and bursting with flavor—all while being super easy to prepare. This recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something comforting yet quick. Plus, it’s a hit at family gatherings, making it a beloved staple in my kitchen.

What makes this soup special is its simplicity. You can have everything ready in just 30 minutes, and the best part? Everything cooks in one pot, which means less cleanup for you! So grab your apron and let’s dive into this deliciously cheesy goodness!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With just 30 minutes from start to finish, this dish fits perfectly into your busy schedule.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves a cheesy soup, so it’s guaranteed to please even the pickiest eaters!
• Comforting Flavors: The combination of ground beef and macaroni in a creamy broth creates a warm hug in a bowl.
• Easy Cleanup: Cooking everything in one pot means minimal dishes to wash afterward—win-win!
• Customizable: Feel free to adapt the ingredients based on what you have on hand or your family’s preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple and wholesome ingredients for this One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup! You’ll find that most of these items are pantry staples, making it easy to whip up this delightful dish anytime.

• 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

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun variations to make it your own:

• 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 an extra nutritional boost and color.
• Make it spicy: Add some diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper if you love a bit of heat!
• Switch up the cheese: Try using mozzarella or pepper jack cheese for different flavors.

How to Make One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

Step 1: Prepare the Croutons

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Spread the diced sesame seed buns on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Drizzle them with olive oil and toss gently to coat evenly. Bake for about 10 minutes until they are crispy on the outside. These croutons will add a delightful crunch to your soup!

Step 2: Brown the Beef

In a large pot over medium heat, add the ground beef along with one teaspoon each of dried oregano and thyme, plus a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook until the meat is browned and crumbled nicely—this should take about five minutes. Once cooked through, remove from the pot and set aside; we’ll bring it back later!

Step 3: Sauté Vegetables

In the same pot (no need to wipe it clean!), melt six tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add diced onions, sliced carrots, and sliced celery along with another generous pinch of salt and pepper. Sauté for ten minutes until they soften—this builds wonderful flavors right from the start.

Step 4: Add Garlic & Herbs

Reduce heat slightly and stir in your minced garlic along with the remaining oregano and thyme. Cook this mixture for another minute until fragrant—trust me; this step smells heavenly!

Step 5: Create Your Base

Sprinkle four tablespoons of flour over the vegetables and stir well to coat everything evenly. Cooking for an additional minute helps eliminate that raw flour taste while thickening our soup base.

Step 6: Deglaze & Simmer

Pour in just a splash of chicken broth to deglaze the pot; scrape up all those tasty bits stuck at the bottom! Then stir in the remaining eight cups of chicken broth along with uncooked macaroni noodles plus another pinch of salt and pepper. Bring this mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat.

Step 7: Cook Pasta

Once simmering, reduce heat to low and let it cook uncovered for about five to seven minutes until pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally—this prevents any noodles from sticking at the bottom while soaking up all those delicious flavors.

Step 8: Finish It Up!

Remove from heat and stir in one cup of heavy cream along with eight ounces of shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Then add one teaspoon of white balsamic vinegar followed by the cooked ground beef we set aside earlier. Heat through on medium heat until everything is warmed up nicely—taste test here and season with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 9: Serve & Enjoy!

Ladle your delicious One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup into bowls topped with those crispy sesame seed bun croutons, fresh sliced green onions, and extra shredded cheddar cheese if desired! Enjoy every warm spoonful—it’s pure comfort food at its best!

Pro Tips for Making One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

Creating a delicious One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is all about the little details that enhance flavor and texture. Here are some tips to help you achieve soup perfection:

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs can elevate your soup, giving it vibrant flavors and a delightful crunch. Freshness makes a noticeable difference in the overall taste!

• Don’t skimp on seasoning: Seasoning at every stage of cooking enhances the flavors. A pinch of salt and pepper while browning the beef and sautéing the vegetables will ensure each layer is flavorful.

• Stir frequently during cooking: Stirring occasionally while the macaroni cooks prevents it from sticking to the bottom, ensuring you get that creamy consistency without any burnt bits.

• Experiment with cheese: While sharp cheddar is fantastic, feel free to mix in other cheeses like Monterey Jack or Gouda for a unique flavor twist. Each cheese brings its own personality to the dish!

• Adjust thickness to your preference: If you prefer a thicker soup, let it simmer longer before adding cream and cheese. For a thinner consistency, add more broth or cream as needed.

How to Serve One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

Serving this comforting soup is just as fun as making it! Whether it’s for a cozy family dinner or a casual gathering with friends, here are some ideas to make your dish shine.

Garnishes

• Sliced green onions: These add a fresh crunch and vibrant color that contrasts beautifully with the creamy soup.
• Shredded cheddar cheese: A sprinkle of extra cheese on top not only looks inviting but also enhances the cheesy goodness.
• Chopped parsley or cilantro: For an additional pop of color and freshness, these herbs can brighten up your bowl!

Side Dishes

• Garlic Bread: Perfect for dipping, garlic bread complements the richness of the soup and adds an extra layer of flavor.
• Simple Green Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette balances out the hearty soup with refreshing crunch.
• Steamed Broccoli or Green Beans: These veggies provide a nutritious side that complements the flavors without overpowering them.
• Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins offer a delightful contrast to the savory soup and are perfect for soaking up every last drop!

With these tips and serving ideas, you’re ready to enjoy your delicious One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup! It’s sure to become a family favorite in no time.

Make Ahead and Storage

This One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is perfect for meal prep! You can easily store it in the fridge or freezer, making it a great option for busy weekdays.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the soup to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer it to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Label the container with the date for easy tracking.

Freezing

• Let the soup cool down before freezing.
• Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
• Leave some space at the top of containers as the soup will expand when frozen.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
• If reheating leftovers from the fridge, warm them in a pot or microwave until hot.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delicious recipe!

Can I make One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef with your favorite plant-based protein or beans. Just ensure to adjust seasoning as needed.

What can I use instead of heavy cream in One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup?

You can replace heavy cream with a non-dairy alternative like coconut cream or cashew cream for a lighter version while maintaining that creamy texture.

How do I know when my macaroni is done in One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup?

The macaroni is ready when it’s al dente, which means it should still have a little bite to it. Keep an eye on it as it cooks!

Can I add vegetables to One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup?

Definitely! Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for extra nutrition and flavor. Just chop them into small pieces and add them along with the other veggies.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this comforting One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup as much as I do! It’s a wonderful dish that brings warmth and joy to any table. Whether you’re enjoying it on a chilly evening or sharing it with loved ones, it’s bound to become a family favorite. Happy cooking!

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