One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

There’s something undeniably satisfying about a bowl of warm, cheesy soup. It’s comforting, nourishing, and delicious. And when you add the flavors of a classic cheeseburger, it becomes an all-time favorite comfort food. Welcome to One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup – a quick, easy, and family-friendly meal that you can whip up in just 30 minutes. The best part? No processed cheese like Velveeta is used, allowing you to enjoy real, rich cheddar goodness.

This soup is perfect for weeknight dinners, rainy days, or any time you crave something hearty and cheesy but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Plus, since it’s made in just one pot, cleanup is a breeze!

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Breaking Down the Ingredients

Let’s take a look at the essential ingredients that make this One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup both delicious and wholesome:

1. Ground Beef

Ground beef is the heart of this soup, providing it with that classic cheeseburger flavor. Use 80/20 ground beef (80% lean, 20% fat) for a richer taste, or go with a leaner version if you prefer a lighter soup. Cooking the beef along with diced onions infuses the soup with savory depth, and as it browns, it becomes the perfect base for the rest of the ingredients.

2. Diced Onion

A medium diced onion adds both flavor and texture to this soup. Onions bring sweetness as they soften, balancing the richness of the beef and cheese. Sautéing the onions with the ground beef ensures that they develop a caramelized flavor that enhances the soup.

3. Beef Broth

Beef broth is what transforms this dish from being just a cheeseburger-inspired pasta into a warm, comforting soup. Opt for a low-sodium beef broth so you can better control the seasoning, and don’t be afraid to use a high-quality broth, as it will significantly elevate the flavor. If you’re in a pinch, vegetable or chicken broth can work, but beef broth gives the dish its signature taste.

4. Elbow Macaroni

Macaroni is a classic choice here because of its small, curved shape that works perfectly in soups. As the macaroni cooks in the broth, it absorbs the savory flavors of the beef and onions, creating a unified dish that’s as hearty as it is comforting. Feel free to experiment with other small pasta shapes like shells or ditalini, though macaroni will give you that nostalgic feel.

5. Shredded Cheddar Cheese

Cheddar cheese gives this soup its gooey, creamy texture without the need for processed cheese like Velveeta. I recommend using sharp cheddar for a bolder flavor, but mild or medium cheddar will work too if you prefer a subtler taste. Grating your own cheese is ideal, as pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the soup’s texture.

6. Milk

The addition of milk adds creaminess to the soup, balancing out the beefiness and ensuring that the cheese melts smoothly into the broth. Whole milk works best for a rich and creamy soup, but you can also use 2% milk or even a dairy-free alternative like unsweetened almond milk if you prefer.

7. Salt and Pepper

Simple seasonings like salt and pepper are all you need to finish this dish, but feel free to customize the seasoning to your taste. You can add garlic powder, smoked paprika, or even a pinch of cayenne for a little kick.

Step-by-Step Instructions for One-Pot Perfection

1. Brown the Ground Beef and Onion

Start by heating a large pot over medium heat. Add your ground beef and diced onions, breaking up the beef as it cooks. This step not only browns the beef but also caramelizes the onions, creating a depth of flavor. Cook until the beef is fully browned and the onions are soft, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Don’t forget to drain any excess fat before proceeding to the next step. This ensures that your soup isn’t overly greasy.

2. Add the Beef Broth

Once the beef and onions are cooked, add the beef broth to the pot. The broth will deglaze the pot, lifting up all those delicious browned bits from the bottom. This step is crucial for building layers of flavor in the soup. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

3. Stir in the Macaroni

When the broth is boiling, stir in the elbow macaroni. Cooking the pasta directly in the broth allows it to soak up all those rich flavors. Reduce the heat slightly and cook the macaroni until it’s al dente, which should take about 7-8 minutes. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

4. Add the Milk and Cheese

Once the pasta is cooked, reduce the heat to low and pour in the milk. Stir gently to combine, and then gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring constantly until the cheese has fully melted into the soup. This will create a creamy, cheesy base that ties all the ingredients together.

5. Season and Serve

Finally, taste the soup and season it with salt and pepper to your liking. Feel free to add a little extra cheese on top of each bowl for good measure. The soup is now ready to be ladled into bowls and enjoyed!

Why No Velveeta?

In many cheeseburger soup recipes, Velveeta is a common ingredient. While Velveeta certainly melts well and gives a smooth, creamy texture, it’s a processed cheese product. For this recipe, we’ve opted for real shredded cheddar cheese to keep things natural and delicious. Cheddar provides a rich, authentic flavor without the additives found in processed cheese, and when combined with milk, it melts beautifully into the broth. So, you get that creamy, cheesy texture we all love without sacrificing quality or flavor.

Customizing Your Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

This recipe is already a crowd-pleaser, but there are plenty of ways to personalize it and make it your own:

1. Add Vegetables

For a more nutritious version, try adding vegetables like diced carrots, celery, or bell peppers to the soup when you’re browning the onions. This not only boosts the flavor but also adds texture and color to the soup. You can also toss in some frozen peas or corn towards the end of cooking for an easy addition.

2. Spice It Up

For those who like a bit of heat, try adding diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce to the soup. This will give it a spicy kick that balances out the richness of the cheese and beef.

3. Swap Out the Beef

If you want to lighten things up, you can easily substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. These leaner proteins still provide plenty of flavor, especially when seasoned well, and they make the soup a bit lighter and healthier.

4. Try Different Cheeses

While cheddar is classic for a cheeseburger-inspired dish, you can experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, or Gouda. Each cheese will bring its own unique flavor profile to the soup. For a more gourmet twist, try blending sharp cheddar with Gruyère or Parmesan for extra richness.

Serving Suggestions

While this One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is a meal in itself, you can elevate it by serving it alongside a few simple dishes:

1. Crusty Bread

There’s nothing like a slice of warm, crusty bread to dunk into a cheesy, hearty soup. A loaf of sourdough or a French baguette would be ideal for soaking up all that delicious broth.

2. Green Salad

For a lighter side, pair this rich soup with a fresh, crisp green salad. The contrast between the creamy soup and the vibrant salad will balance out the meal perfectly. Add a simple vinaigrette to keep the flavors clean and bright.

3. Garlic Bread

Take your soup to the next level with garlic bread on the side. The buttery, garlicky bread is a fantastic match for the savory, cheesy soup.

4. Toppings Bar

Make the meal interactive by setting up a toppings bar with extras like diced pickles, tomatoes, shredded lettuce, bacon bits, or a dollop of sour cream. This gives a nod to the cheeseburger inspiration and allows everyone to customize their bowl.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers, they can be easily stored and enjoyed later. Here’s how to make sure your One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup stays fresh and delicious:

1. Refrigerating Leftovers

Store the leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The macaroni will continue to absorb liquid as it sits, so the soup may thicken slightly. You can add a little more broth or milk when reheating to restore its creamy consistency.

2. Freezing

This soup can also be frozen for longer storage. Allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw the soup in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding more broth or milk if needed.

3. Reheating

To reheat the soup, simply warm it in a pot over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of milk or broth if the soup has thickened too much. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to stir well halfway through to ensure even heating.

Conclusion: The Ultimate Comfort Food

In just 30 minutes, you can have a steaming bowl of One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup on your table, packed with all the flavors of a cheeseburger in a creamy, cheesy soup. It’s simple to make, incredibly satisfying, and perfect for feeding a hungry family or enjoying as leftovers throughout the week.

Whether you’re a busy parent looking for a quick dinner, a college student wanting to whip up something hearty, or simply someone craving a comforting meal, this soup delivers on all fronts. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a staple in your household rotation!

Enjoy! 🍔🥣