If you’re craving the ultimate mash-up of comfort foods, look no further than One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup. This cozy classic tastes like your favorite cheeseburger meets creamy, dreamy mac and cheese, all bubbling together in one simple pot. With savory ground beef, tender pasta, melty cheddar, and a handful of veggies, every spoonful is both familiar and exciting. Best of all, it’s weeknight-easy, making it perfect for busy families or when you just need some extra coziness in your bowl.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Get ready to fall in love with how easily the ingredients for One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup come together! Each component brings something unique—flavor, texture, color—to create a soup that’s truly greater than the sum of its parts.
- Olive oil: Adds a touch of richness and helps brown the beef and soften the onion.
- Ground beef: The heart and soul of this soup; choose 80/20 for great flavor without too much grease.
- Onion (small, diced): Brings a sweet, savory foundation that ties the entire soup together.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Adds depth and a savory punch—fresh garlic really elevates the dish!
- Beef broth (4 cups): Provides a rich, hearty base that makes the soup extra satisfying.
- Diced tomatoes (14.5-ounce can): Add a tangy sweetness and chunky texture that balances the richness.
- Frozen corn (1 cup): Pops of golden sweetness—no need to thaw, just toss it in.
- Elbow macaroni (2 cups): The classic pasta that soaks up all those delicious flavors.
- Worcestershire sauce (1 teaspoon): Adds deep, savory “umami” undertones—don’t skip it!
- Dried basil (1 teaspoon): A touch of herbiness keeps this soup bright and balanced.
- Smoked paprika (½ teaspoon): Lends a gentle smokiness (regular paprika works in a pinch).
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Just enough to amp up all the other fabulous flavors.
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): A mild kick to round out the taste.
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese (2 cups): The secret to that lush, cheesy finish—use sharp for the best flavor punch!
- Whole milk (½ cup): Adds creaminess and helps melt the cheese into a dreamy soup texture.
- Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped, optional): For a burst of color and fresh flavor as a final flourish.
How to Make One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup
Step 1: Brown the Beef, Onion, and Garlic
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add your ground beef and diced onion, then cook—breaking the beef apart—for about 6-8 minutes, until the meat is nicely browned and the onions turn translucent. If there’s any extra grease, drain it off. Stir in the minced garlic and let it sizzle for about a minute, just until fragrant. This step is the flavor-building foundation, so don’t rush it!
Step 2: Add Broth, Tomatoes, Veggies, Pasta, and Spices
Now it’s time to transform your base into a full-blown soup! Pour in the beef broth and diced tomatoes—juice and all—then toss in the frozen corn, elbow macaroni, Worcestershire sauce, basil, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good stir. Bring it all up to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium. Let the soup simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, so the macaroni softens but doesn’t stick. You’ll notice the kitchen starting to smell incredible!
Step 3: Stir in Cheese and Milk for Creaminess
With your pasta perfectly tender and the flavors melding beautifully, turn off the heat. Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and whole milk until the cheese melts right into the soup, creating a luscious, creamy finish. Taste and add extra salt or pepper if you’d like. This step transforms your pot from simply tasty to downright irresistible, thanks to all that gooey, melty cheese.
Step 4: Serve with a Fresh Garnish
Ladle the One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup into bowls while it’s piping hot. If you’re feeling fancy, scatter a little chopped fresh parsley over the top for a pop of color. Each bowl is cozy, cheesy, and ready to dig into—the perfect reward for barely 30 minutes of work!
How to Serve One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup
Garnishes
This soup shines with a classic sprinkling of fresh parsley or even extra cheddar on top. For a little flair, try adding sliced green onions, a dollop of sour cream, or crispy bacon bits for crunch and flavor. A few croutons or a swirl of hot sauce can also add character.
Side Dishes
The beauty of One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is that it’s a complete meal, but it loves a good sidekick. Toasty garlic bread, buttery Texas toast, or even a simple green salad make lovely pairings. If you’re serving a crowd, put out a plate of pickles or sliced tomatoes for a playful nod to classic cheeseburgers!
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or casual get-togethers, serve the soup in big mugs or small bread bowls for a fun twist. Arrange a tiny toppings bar so everyone can garnish their own bowl. This dish is also a hit when you layer it up with extra cheese under the broiler for a bubbly, golden top.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Store it in an airtight container, and you’ll have ready-to-go comforting lunches or dinners. Just remember, the pasta may soak up some of the broth, so it’ll get heartier as it sits.
Freezing
This soup can be frozen, although the pasta will soften more after thawing. To freeze, let the soup cool completely, then ladle into freezer-safe containers (leave room for expansion). Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. If you love a firmer pasta, you might want to freeze the soup before adding the macaroni and cook it fresh when reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm the soup gently in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a little extra broth or splash of milk to loosen the texture, as it thickens in storage. If microwaving, do so in short bursts, stirring in between, to keep the cheese creamy and smooth.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef if you’d like a lighter version. The soup will still come out hearty and delicious—just be sure to season generously for best flavor.
Can I make One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup gluten-free?
Yes, you can swap regular elbow macaroni for your favorite gluten-free pasta. Keep an eye on the cooking time, though, as different brands soften at different speeds. Always check your broth to ensure it’s gluten-free as well!
What’s the best way to make this soup extra rich and savory?
For an extra layer of decadence, try stirring in a little more shredded cheddar just before serving, or top each bowl with crispy bacon bits. Even a splash of heavy cream can take the creaminess to new heights!
Can I use a different type Soup
Definitely! While sharp cheddar gives classic cheeseburger vibes, you can experiment with Monterey Jack, smoked Gouda, or even a little pepper jack for a boost of flavor. Mix and match according to your cheese drawer!
Will the soup thicken as it cools?
Yes, One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup naturally thickens as it sits, thanks to the pasta soaking up some of the broth. When reheating, just stir in a bit of extra broth or milk to bring back that original creamy consistency.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend trying One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup enough—it really is the kind of dinner that makes everyone at the table happy. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week ahead, this soup brings all the cozy, cheesy satisfaction of your favorite comfort foods in a single, no-fuss pot. Give it a go and watch it become a family favorite!
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One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this hearty One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup. A delicious blend of classic cheeseburger flavors in a comforting soup form, perfect for a cozy night in.
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup whole milk
For Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Beef and Onions: In a large pot, heat olive oil and cook ground beef and onion until browned.
- Add Ingredients: Add garlic, beef broth, tomatoes, corn, macaroni, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings. Simmer until macaroni is tender.
- Melt Cheese: Remove from heat and stir in cheddar cheese and milk until melted and creamy.
- Serve: Adjust seasoning, ladle into bowls, garnish with parsley, and serve hot.
Notes
- For extra richness, top with extra cheese or crispy bacon bits.
- This soup reheats well; add broth or milk if it thickens.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: One-Pot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 870mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
