One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

If you’re looking for a cozy meal that warms your heart and satisfies your taste buds, you’ve come to the right place! One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is not just a dish; it’s an experience that brings families together. This recipe captures all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger and transforms them into a creamy, comforting soup that everyone will adore. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a family gathering, this quick and easy recipe is here to save the day.

What makes this soup even better? It all cooks in one pot! That means less time spent on dishes and more time enjoying the deliciousness with your loved ones. Trust me, once you try this One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup, it will become a cherished favorite in your household.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick preparation: Ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for those hectic evenings.
• Family-friendly: Everyone, from kids to adults, will relish this cheesy goodness.
• One-pot convenience: Less mess equals more time for family fun!
• Customizable flavors: You can easily tweak ingredients to suit your family’s preferences.
• Comforting warmth: This soup is like a hug in a bowl—perfect for chilly days!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is part of the fun! Here’s what you’ll need for this delightful One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger 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
• 4 sesame seed buns, diced into 1-inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• sliced green onion, for garnish
• shredded cheddar cheese, for garnish

Variations

The beauty of this One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is its flexibility! Feel free to get creative with these variations:

• Swap the protein: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version.
• Add some heat: Toss in some diced jalapeños or hot sauce for a spicy kick.
• Make it veggie-packed: Substitute half of the beef with black beans and add extra vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini.
• Change the cheese: Experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for added flavor.

How to Make One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

Step 1: Prepare the Buns

Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees. Grab those sesame seed bun cubes and spread them out on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and toss them around until they’re nice and coated. Bake them for about 10 minutes until they’re crispy on the outside—these will be your delightful croutons!

Step 2: Brown the Beef

In a large pot over medium heat, add your ground beef along with one teaspoon each of dried oregano and thyme, plus a couple pinches of salt and pepper. Brown the beef while breaking it up with a spatula until fully cooked. Once done, remove it from the pot and set aside; we want those delicious flavors preserved in there!

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

Now it’s time to build our flavor base! In that same pot (don’t worry about cleaning it), melt six tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Toss in your diced onions, sliced carrots, sliced celery, and another pinch of salt and pepper. Cook everything together for about ten minutes; stirring occasionally helps develop those sweet vegetable flavors.

Step 4: Add Garlic & Herbs

Reduce the heat to medium again and throw in five cloves of minced garlic along with the remaining oregano and thyme. Cooking these together for just one minute releases amazing aromas that will have everyone asking what’s cooking!

Step 5: Thicken It Up

Sprinkle in four tablespoons of flour over your veggie mix. Stir well to coat everything evenly; this step helps thicken our soup later on. Cook for an additional minute while stirring frequently—this allows the flour to lose its raw taste.

Step 6: Deglaze & Simmer

Next, add a splash of chicken broth while scraping up any tasty bits stuck to the bottom of the pot—that’s flavor gold! Then stir in the remaining chicken broth along with the uncooked elbow macaroni noodles. Bring everything to simmering magic on medium-high heat.

Step 7: Cook the Pasta

Once simmering, reduce heat to low and let it cook gently for about five to seven minutes until your pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally so nothing sticks—nobody likes sticky pasta!

Step 8: Add Cream & Cheese

Remove from heat and stir in one cup of heavy cream along with eight ounces of shredded sharp cheddar cheese. The creamy goodness is what makes this soup so comforting!

Step 9: Final Touches

Now toss in that teaspoon of white balsamic vinegar and return your cooked ground beef back into the mix. Heat everything through over medium heat for just a couple more minutes while seasoning to taste with salt and pepper.

Step 10: Serve It Up!

Time to serve! Ladle generous portions into bowls topped with those crispy sesame seed bun croutons, sliced green onions, and extra shredded cheddar cheese if you’d like. Enjoy every last spoonful of this delightful One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup!

Pro Tips for Making One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

Making the perfect One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is a breeze when you follow these handy tips!

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and high-quality cheese will enhance the flavor and texture of your soup, making it more enjoyable for everyone at the table.

• Don’t Rush the Browning: Allowing the ground beef to brown properly not only adds depth of flavor but also gives your soup that deliciously savory cheeseburger essence.

• Adjust Seasoning: Taste as you go! Adjusting salt, pepper, or herbs while cooking ensures that every bite is perfectly seasoned to your liking.

• Experiment with Cheese: While sharp cheddar is classic, feel free to mix in other cheeses like Monterey Jack or Gouda for a unique twist on flavor that can make your soup even more delightful.

• Store Leftovers Properly: If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. This soup actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together!

How to Serve One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

Presenting your One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup creatively can make mealtime even more special. Here are some ideas to elevate its appeal!

Garnishes

• Fresh Chopped Herbs: Adding chopped parsley or basil can give a burst of color and fresh flavor that complements the richness of the soup.

• Croutons: The sesame seed bun croutons not only add a crunchy texture but also enhance the cheeseburger vibe of the dish.

Side Dishes

• Simple Green Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the hearty soup.

• Garlic Bread: Soft garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the creamy soup. Its buttery flavor pairs wonderfully with the cheesy goodness.

• Steamed Broccoli: This bright green side adds nutrients and color to your meal while balancing out the richness of the soup.

• Cornbread Muffins: Sweet and slightly crumbly cornbread muffins bring a comforting Southern touch to your meal, making each bowl of soup even heartier.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips at hand, you’re ready to enjoy a cozy bowl of One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup that’s sure to warm hearts and bellies alike!

Make Ahead and Storage

This One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is perfect for meal prep! It not only saves time during busy weeks, but the flavors also deepen after sitting, making it even more delicious.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• The soup will keep well for up to 3-4 days.
• Be sure to let the soup cool completely before sealing it to prevent condensation.

Freezing

• Allow the soup to cool completely before freezing.
• Portion into freezer-safe containers or freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. For best results, label and date your containers.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• To reheat, warm on the stove over medium heat until heated through, adding a splash of broth if it’s too thick.
• You can also microwave it in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring occasionally until hot.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this recipe!

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef in One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great alternative and will still provide a hearty flavor. Just cook it as you would the ground beef.

What can I add to make my One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup spicier?

To add some heat, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce while cooking. You can also sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top when serving.

How do I store leftovers of One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this comforting One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup! It’s a delightful dish that brings warmth and joy to any table. Whether you’re cooking for family or just treating yourself, this recipe is bound to become a favorite. Don’t hesitate to get creative with toppings or ingredients—have fun with it! Happy cooking!