Steaming bowl of One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup with garnishes.

One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is the ultimate comfort food. It combines the rich, cheesy goodness of macaroni and cheese with the hearty, savory flavors of a cheeseburger—all in a warm, cozy soup! This dish is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a one-pot solution that’s easy to prepare and even easier to clean up. Packed with protein, vegetables, and carbs, it’s a well-rounded meal that will satisfy the entire family. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or just need a quick dinner idea, this soup is bound to become a household favorite.

Ingredients

For the Soup:

  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup carrots, diced
  • 1 cup celery, diced
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup elbow macaroni (uncooked)
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Toppings:

  • Crumbled bacon
  • Chopped fresh parsley
  • Extra shredded cheese

Directions

  1. Brown the Beef
    In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into crumbles with a wooden spoon. Drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.
  2. Sauté Vegetables
    In the same pot, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
  3. Add Broth and Tomatoes
    Pour in the beef broth and add the canned diced tomatoes. Stir to combine, then season with paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.
  4. Cook the Macaroni
    Bring the soup to a gentle boil. Add the uncooked elbow macaroni and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for 10–12 minutes or until the macaroni is tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  5. Make the Cheese Sauce
    In a small bowl, whisk together the milk and flour until smooth. Slowly pour the mixture into the soup, stirring constantly. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until the soup thickens slightly.
  6. Add the Cheese
    Gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and fully incorporated. Return the cooked ground beef to the pot and mix well.
  7. Serve
    Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings, such as crumbled bacon or extra cheese. Serve hot and enjoy!

Step-by-Step Directions for One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

1: Brown the Beef

  • Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
  • Add 1 lb of ground beef and cook until fully browned, breaking it up into crumbles with a wooden spoon.
  • Drain any excess fat and transfer the beef to a separate bowl. Set aside.

2: Sauté the Vegetables

  • In the same pot, add 1 diced onion, 1 cup of diced carrots, and 1 cup of diced celery.
  • Sauté for 5–7 minutes until the vegetables are softened and aromatic.
  • Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for an additional minute, ensuring the garlic doesn’t burn.

3: Add Broth and Tomatoes

  • Pour in 4 cups of beef broth and 1 can (14 oz) of diced tomatoes (with their juices).
  • Stir to combine the ingredients. Season with 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and salt and pepper to taste.

4: Cook the Macaroni

  • Bring the soup to a gentle boil.
  • Add 1 cup of uncooked elbow macaroni to the pot.
  • Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking.

5: Thicken the Soup

  • In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup of milk and 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour until smooth.
  • Slowly pour this mixture into the soup while stirring constantly.
  • Let the soup simmer for 3–4 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.

6: Add the Cheese

  • Gradually stir in 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese.
  • Mix well until the cheese is fully melted and the soup has a creamy consistency.

7: Return the Beef

  • Add the cooked ground beef back into the pot.
  • Stir to combine everything evenly and ensure the beef is heated through.

8: Serve and Garnish

  • Ladle the hot soup into bowls.
  • Garnish with your favorite toppings, such as crumbled bacon, chopped parsley, or extra shredded cheese.
  • Serve immediately and enjoy!

This step-by-step process ensures your One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup turns out perfectly every time.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: This recipe makes approximately 6 servings.
  • Preparation Time: 15 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes

This quick and satisfying recipe is ideal for feeding a crowd or enjoying as leftovers.

Variations

  1. Protein Options
    Swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian-friendly version.
  2. Vegetable Boost
    Add extra vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for more nutrition and flavor.
  3. Spicy Kick
    Stir in diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy twist.
  4. Cheese Alternatives
    Experiment with different cheeses like Gouda, Monterey Jack, or a sharp white cheddar to change the flavor profile.
  5. Gluten-Free Version
    Use gluten-free macaroni and a gluten-free flour alternative to accommodate dietary needs.

Storage and Reheating

  • Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Freezing: This soup freezes well! Place it in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Reheating: Reheat the soup in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of milk or broth if the soup has thickened too much during storage.

FAQs

1. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Simply refrigerate and reheat when ready to serve.

2. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely. While elbow macaroni works best, you can use shells, penne, or any small pasta shape.

3. How can I make this soup healthier?
Opt for lean ground beef or turkey, use low-fat cheese, and increase the vegetable content for a lighter version.

4. What if I don’t have beef broth?
You can substitute chicken or vegetable broth. For a richer flavor, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce.

5. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, this recipe is easy to scale up for larger groups or meal prep. Just make sure you have a large enough pot.

Conclusion

One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is a delightful combination of two classic comfort foods. It’s hearty, cheesy, and bursting with flavor, making it perfect for cozy nights or family gatherings. Its versatility ensures you can adapt it to suit various tastes and dietary preferences. With minimal effort and maximum payoff, this recipe is a must-try for any home cook. Give it a go, and watch it become a staple in your meal rotation!