One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

This One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is a delightful, hearty dish that combines the comforting flavors of cheeseburgers and creamy macaroni in one easy-to-make recipe. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings, this soup offers a cheesy twist on traditional comfort food without the use of processed cheese products like VELVEETA. You’ll love how simple it is to prepare and how quickly it comes together—all in just 30 minutes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This soup is ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• One Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup required since everything cooks in a single pot.
• Family Favorite: A comforting blend of flavors that appeals to both kids and adults.
• Customizable: Easily adjust ingredients to fit your family’s preferences or dietary needs.
• Rich and Creamy: Enjoy a luscious texture with the addition of heavy cream and sharp cheddar cheese.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking, gather your tools to make the process smooth and efficient. Having everything on hand will help you whip up this delicious soup with ease.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Essential for cooking the soup evenly without spilling.
• Baking sheet: Perfect for toasting the sesame seed buns into croutons, adding texture to your soup.

Ingredients

For the 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

For the Croutons

• 4 sesame seed buns, diced into 1-inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For Garnish

• Sliced green onion
• Shredded cheddar cheese

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 about 10 minutes or until crispy on the outside.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add ground beef along with 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, and a couple pinches of salt and pepper. Brown the ground beef, crumbling it with a spatula until cooked through. Remove from pan and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté Vegetables

In the same large pot, melt butter over medium heat (there’s no need to wipe it out or drain any grease). Add diced onion, sliced carrots, sliced celery, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Turn heat to medium-high and cook while stirring occasionally for about 10 minutes.

Step 4: Add Garlic and Herbs

Reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic along with the remaining dried oregano and thyme. Cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 5: Thicken the Soup Base

Stir in flour to coat the vegetables thoroughly. Cook for an additional minute while stirring frequently.

Step 6: Deglaze the Pot

Add a splash of chicken broth to deglaze the pot, scraping up all those flavorful bits stuck at the bottom.

Step 7: Combine Ingredients

Stir in the rest of the chicken broth along with uncooked macaroni noodles. Season with another pinch of salt and pepper. Turn heat to medium-high, bringing it all to a simmer.

Step 8: Cook Pasta

Once simmering, lower heat again and let it simmer 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 when pasta is done cooking. Stir in heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese until melted.

Step 10: Add Seasoning

Mix in white balsamic vinegar followed by adding back in the cooked ground beef. Heat over medium for a couple more minutes until everything is nicely warmed through. Season with additional salt and pepper as desired.

Step 11: Serve

Serve hot topped with sesame seed bun croutons, garnished with sliced green onions and extra shredded cheddar cheese if you like!

Enjoy your delicious bowl of One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup!

How to Serve One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

This delectable One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is perfect for cozy family dinners or casual gatherings. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your meal experience.

With Sesame Seed Bun Croutons

• The crunchy croutons add texture and a delightful contrast to the creamy soup. Simply bake diced sesame seed buns as directed in the recipe for a perfect topping.

Garnished with Green Onions

• Freshly sliced green onions provide a pop of color and a mild onion flavor that complements the richness of the soup.

Accompanied by Extra Shredded Cheese

• For cheese lovers, adding more shredded cheddar on top creates a gooey, indulgent finish that makes every bite satisfying.

Served with a Side Salad

• A simple side salad can balance the richness of the soup. Consider a light vinaigrette dressing for freshness.

Paired with Pickles

• Tangy pickles can cut through the creaminess of the soup, adding an extra layer of flavor that enhances the cheeseburger theme.

How to Perfect One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

Perfecting your One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is easy with these helpful tips. Follow these suggestions for an even better dish.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables and high-quality cheese will elevate the flavors and textures in your soup.
• Adjust seasoning: Always taste before serving. Adjust salt, pepper, and other seasonings to suit your personal preference.
• Keep pasta al dente: Cook the macaroni just until al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy as it sits in the soup.
• Incorporate veggies: Feel free to add more vegetables like bell peppers or peas for added nutrition and flavor.
• Store properly: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge to keep them fresh for up to three days.
• Reheat gently: When reheating, do so over low heat to avoid separating the cream and cheese.

Best Side Dishes for One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

Complement your One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup with these delightful side dishes. They offer variety and balance to your meal.

1. Garlic Bread: Crunchy garlic bread pairs perfectly with soup, making it easy to scoop up every last drop.
2. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and freshness, offering a nice contrast to the warm soup.
3. Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs provide an excellent side that mirrors classic cheeseburger flavors.
4. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad can cleanse your palate while adding natural sweetness to your meal.
5. Vegetable Platter: Raw veggies like carrots, celery, and cherry tomatoes served with hummus make for a healthy and colorful addition.
6. Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins can complement the savory notes of cheeseburger soup nicely.
7. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Seasoned and roasted Brussels sprouts offer a nutty flavor that enhances your overall dining experience.
8. Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad adds crunch and a creamy dressing that pairs well with your hearty soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is simple, but a few common mistakes can affect your dish.

• Skipping the browning step: Failing to properly brown the ground beef can result in a bland flavor. Always take the time to brown it well before adding other ingredients.
• Ignoring the seasoning: Under-seasoning can lead to a lack of depth in flavor. Be generous with salt and pepper throughout the cooking process.
• Not stirring enough: If you neglect to stir, pasta may stick to the bottom of the pot. Stir occasionally while cooking to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
• Adding cold cream: Pouring cold heavy cream into hot soup can cause curdling. Always bring it to room temperature before adding for a smooth texture.
• Overcooking the pasta: Cooking the macaroni for too long will make it mushy. Aim for al dente by keeping an eye on it during simmering.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Allow soup to cool completely before sealing containers.

Freezing One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

• Freeze in portions for up to 3 months.
• Use freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, removing as much air as possible.

Reheating One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F. Transfer soup into an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Bake for about 20 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Place soup in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat on medium-low, stirring frequently until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about the One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup recipe.

What is One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup?

One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is a hearty, comforting dish that combines ground beef, macaroni, and cheese into a creamy soup all cooked in one pot.

Can I make this soup gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute regular elbow macaroni with gluten-free pasta. Adjust cooking times as needed based on the pasta you choose.

How can I customize One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup?

You can add vegetables like bell peppers or corn for extra nutrition and flavor. You might also try different cheeses or spices according to your preference.

Is One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This soup stores well and tastes great reheated, making it perfect for meal prep. Just follow storage instructions carefully.

Final Thoughts

One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is an easy-to-make comfort food that your family will adore. Its creamy texture and savory flavors lend themselves well to customization, allowing you to add your favorite ingredients or adjust seasonings as desired. Give this recipe a try for a cozy meal any night of the week!