This One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is the ultimate comfort food that combines the heartiness of a cheeseburger with the creamy goodness of macaroni soup. In just 30 minutes, you can create a delicious meal in one pot, making cleanup a breeze. Whether it’s a chilly evening or a busy weeknight, this soup is perfect for families or gatherings. The best part? It’s made without VELVEETA, ensuring fresh flavors and creamy texture.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy nights.
- One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks in one pot, which means less cleanup for you.
- Kid-Friendly: The cheesy flavor and fun texture are sure to please even picky eaters.
- Comforting Flavor: With ground beef and cheese, this soup offers all the hearty flavors of a cheeseburger in a warm bowl.
- Customizable: Feel free to add vegetables or spices to make it your own!
Tools and Preparation
Before you start cooking, gather your tools. Having everything on hand will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Parchment paper
- Baking sheet
- Spatula
- Knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Essential for cooking your soup evenly while combining all ingredients.
- Baking sheet: Perfect for toasting the bun cubes, adding a crunchy texture to your dish.
- Spatula: Useful for browning ground beef and stirring ingredients without scratching your pot.
Ingredients
This cheeseburger soup recipe takes just 30 minutes to throw together and everything cooks in one pot! It’s an easy, cheesy comfort food that your whole family will love – and it’s made without VELVEETA!
- 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
How to Make One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Heat oven to 400 degrees. Place sesame seed bun cubes in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat evenly. Bake for 10 minutes or until crispy on the outside.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 pound ground beef along with 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, and several pinches of salt and pepper. Brown the ground beef by crumbling it with a spatula until fully cooked through. Remove from pan and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté Vegetables
In the same large pot, heat 6 tablespoons of butter over medium heat (no need to wipe it out). Add 1 cup diced onion, 1 cup sliced carrots, and 1 cup sliced celery along with a large pinch of salt and pepper. Turn heat to medium-high and cook while stirring occasionally for about 10 minutes.
Step 4: Add Garlic & Herbs
Reduce heat to medium and stir in 5 cloves minced garlic along with the remaining herbs—1 teaspoon oregano and 1 teaspoon thyme. Cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Step 5: Thicken the Soup Base
Add in 4 tablespoons flour while stirring to coat all veggies evenly. Cook for another minute while continuing to stir frequently.
Step 6: Deglaze the Pot
Pour in a splash of chicken broth to deglaze the pot by scraping all those tasty bits off the bottom.
Step 7: Combine Broth & Pasta
Stir in the remaining chicken broth (8 cups) along with uncooked macaroni noodles (8 oz.) plus another pinch of salt and pepper. Turn heat back up to medium-high until it reaches a simmer.
Step 8: Cook Pasta
Once simmering, reduce heat to low and let it cook for about 5–7 minutes or until pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 9: Finish Off the Soup
Remove from heat. Stir in heavy cream (1 cup) as well as shredded cheese (8 oz.).
Step 10: Add Beef & Seasoning
Next, add white balsamic vinegar (1 teaspoon) followed by returning cooked ground beef back into the pot. Heat over medium until everything is warmed through; season with salt and pepper as needed.
Step 11: Serve Your Soup
Serve hot garnished with sesame seed bun croutons along with sliced green onions and extra shredded cheddar cheese on top!
Enjoy this delicious One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup that’s sure to warm hearts!
How to Serve One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup
Serving One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup can elevate your dining experience. This comforting dish is perfect for cozy family dinners or casual gatherings with friends. Here are some delicious ways to serve it.
With Croutons
- Sesame Seed Bun Croutons: These crunchy bites add a delightful texture and flavor that complements the creamy soup.
- Garlic Bread Croutons: For an extra kick, use garlic bread croutons to enhance the savory taste of the soup.
Topped with Fresh Ingredients
- Chopped Green Onions: Sprinkle fresh green onions on top for a burst of freshness and color.
- Shredded Cheese: Add extra sharp cheddar cheese for a gooey, cheesy finish that everyone will love.
Accompanied by Salads
- Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad pairs well, providing crispness and a tangy flavor that balances the richness of the soup.
- Garden Salad: A light garden salad with vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the hearty soup.
Served in Bread Bowls
- Bread Bowls: For a fun twist, serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls. This makes for a unique presentation and adds more flavor.
With Beverage Pairings
- Craft Beer: A light lager or pale ale can complement the cheeseburger flavors beautifully.
- Iced Tea: A sweetened iced tea serves as a refreshing non-alcoholic option that cleanses the palate.
How to Perfect One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup
To make your One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup even better, consider these helpful tips:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables enhance flavor and texture, making your soup more vibrant and nutritious.
- Adjust Seasonings: Taste as you go! Adjust salt, pepper, and herbs to suit your personal preferences.
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: This prevents overcooking when combining with other ingredients later in the cooking process.
- Experiment with Cheeses: Try mixing different cheeses like Monterey Jack or Gouda for added depth of flavor.
- Add Vegetables: Consider adding peas or bell peppers for extra nutrients and color.
- Make Ahead for Flavor Development: Prepare the soup a day ahead; it often tastes even better after resting overnight in the fridge.
Best Side Dishes for One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup
Pairing side dishes with your One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup enhances your meal. Here are some great options:
- Garlic Bread: Crunchy and buttery, garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the creamy soup.
- Coleslaw: The crunchiness of coleslaw provides a delightful contrast and adds freshness to the meal.
- Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges offer a satisfying side that complements the flavors of cheeseburger soup.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn adds brightness and pairs beautifully with rich soups like this one.
- Stuffed Peppers: For a heartier option, stuffed peppers filled with rice or quinoa make for a filling side dish.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad brings sweetness and balances out the savory flavors of the soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
It’s easy to make mistakes when cooking One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup. Here are some common pitfalls and tips on how to avoid them.
- Using the wrong type of beef: Ground beef is ideal for this recipe. Using lean cuts can lead to a dry soup, while fatty cuts can make it greasy. Stick with standard ground beef for the best results.
- Skipping the browning step: Browning ground beef adds depth to the flavor. Don’t rush through this step; take the time to let it cook until it’s nicely browned.
- Not stirring frequently: Uncooked pasta can stick to the bottom of the pot if not stirred regularly. Make sure to stir occasionally while simmering to keep everything evenly cooked.
- Overcooking the vegetables: Cook vegetables until they are tender but still have a bit of crunch. Overcooked veggies can turn mushy and lose their texture.
- Ignoring seasoning adjustments: Taste your soup before serving! Adjust salt and pepper as needed at the end for a perfectly seasoned dish.
- Rushing the cream addition: Adding heavy cream too soon can curdle it. Wait until after you’ve removed it from heat before stirring in the cream for a silky texture.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Make sure to cool completely before sealing.
Freezing One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup
- Freeze in portions for up to 3 months.
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags; remove excess air.
Reheating One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 20-30 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Transfer soup into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until hot.
- Stovetop: Pour soup into a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup.
What makes One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup so special?
One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup combines hearty flavors of cheeseburgers with comforting pasta, all cooked in one pot for easy cleanup.
Can I customize my One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup?
Absolutely! You can add veggies like bell peppers or spinach, swap out different cheeses, or even use ground turkey instead of beef.
Is One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup suitable for meal prep?
Yes! It stores well in the fridge and freezes nicely, making it perfect for meal prep throughout the week.
How do I make this soup vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version of One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup, substitute ground beef with lentils or plant-based meat alternatives and use vegetable broth.
Final Thoughts
One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is not just quick and easy; it’s also packed with flavors that everyone will love. This recipe is versatile, allowing you to mix in your favorite ingredients or adjust it based on dietary needs. Give it a try and enjoy this cozy dish that’s perfect for any night!
One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup
One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is the ultimate comfort dish that brings together the delightful flavors of a classic cheeseburger in a creamy, hearty soup. Ready in just 30 minutes, this one-pot wonder makes cooking and cleanup effortless, perfect for busy weeknights or chilly evenings. Made without processed cheese like VELVEETA, this recipe emphasizes fresh ingredients and rich flavors. Your family will love the cheesy goodness and satisfying texture, making it an ideal choice for gatherings or cozy dinners at home.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: One-Pot Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup diced yellow onion
- 1 cup sliced carrots
- 1 cup sliced celery
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 8 oz uncooked elbow macaroni
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 oz shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread diced sesame seed buns on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and bake until crispy (about 10 minutes).
- In a large pot over medium heat, brown the ground beef with oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper; set aside.
- In the same pot, melt butter and sauté onions, carrots, and celery until tender (around 10 minutes). Stir in garlic and remaining herbs for another minute.
- Add flour to thicken the mixture; then deglaze with a little chicken broth.
- Pour in the rest of the broth and macaroni; bring to a simmer and cook until pasta is al dente (5–7 minutes).
- Remove from heat and stir in heavy cream and cheddar cheese until melted.
- Return cooked beef to the pot; season to taste before serving topped with bun croutons and garnishes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
