Imagine a cheeseburger in soup form, packed with savory ground beef, creamy cheese, tender macaroni, and flavorful seasonings—that’s exactly what this One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup delivers!
This hearty and comforting soup is perfect for chilly nights, easy to make, and loaded with cheesy goodness. Plus, it’s a one-pot meal, meaning minimal cleanup and maximum flavor!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ One-Pot Wonder: Less mess, easy cooking, and quick cleanup.
✔ Rich & Creamy: A satisfying blend of cheese, beef, and pasta.
✔ Kid-Friendly & Crowd-Pleasing: A family favorite that everyone will love.
✔ Customizable: Make it spicy, gluten-free, or low-carb to suit your taste!
Ingredients Needed
For the Base:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium carrot, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
For the Broth & Seasonings:
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
For the Creamy Cheese Sauce:
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (to thicken)
For the Pasta:
- 1½ cups elbow macaroni (or any small pasta)
Optional Toppings:
- Extra shredded cheese
- Bacon bits
- Green onions or parsley
- Croutons for crunch
Step-by-Step Guide to Making One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup
1. Brown the Beef
- Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add ground beef, onions, and garlic, cooking until the beef is browned.
- Drain excess grease if needed.
2. Add the Broth & Veggies
- Stir in carrots, celery, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings.
- Pour in the beef broth and bring to a simmer.
- Let it cook for 10 minutes to allow flavors to develop.
3. Cook the Pasta in the Broth
- Add elbow macaroni directly into the soup.
- Simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.
4. Make it Creamy & Cheesy
- In a small bowl, whisk milk and flour together, then pour into the soup.
- Stir in heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese.
- Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring until melted and creamy.
5. Serve & Enjoy
- Ladle into bowls and top with extra cheese, bacon bits, or croutons.
- Serve hot with garlic bread or a fresh salad!
Tips for the Best Cheeseburger Soup
✔ Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
✔ Avoid Overcooking the Pasta: Add it last to keep it from getting mushy.
✔ Adjust Thickness: For a thicker soup, add more cheese or a cornstarch slurry.
✔ Make it Spicier: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a kick.
Variations and Substitutions
🌱 Low-Carb Version: Swap pasta for cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
🔥 Spicy Twist: Add hot sauce or cayenne pepper for extra heat.
🧀 Extra Cheesy: Use a mix of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Velveeta for ultra-creaminess.
🥦 Veggie-Packed: Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach.
What to Serve with Cheeseburger Soup
🥖 Garlic Bread: Perfect for dipping into the cheesy broth.
🥗 Crisp Salad: A light side to balance the richness.
🥓 Crispy Bacon: Adds a smoky, crunchy topping.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
❄ Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
🧊 Freeze: Freeze for up to 3 months (leave out pasta and add fresh when reheating).
🔥 Reheat: Warm on the stove over medium heat, adding extra broth if needed.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Overcooking Pasta: Add it at the end to prevent mushiness.
❌ Using Pre-Shredded Cheese: It won’t melt as smoothly as freshly grated.
❌ Adding Dairy Too Early: Wait until the end to prevent curdling.
Conclusion
This One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is creamy, cheesy, and ultra-satisfying, making it the ultimate comfort food! Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal, a cozy dinner, or a family-friendly dish, this soup is sure to be a hit.
Try it today and customize it with your favorite toppings for an even tastier experience! 🍲🧀🍔