One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup
If you’re looking for a cozy meal that the whole family will adore, then let me introduce you to my favorite comfort dish: One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup. This delightful soup combines the rich flavors of a cheeseburger with the creamy goodness of macaroni—all in one pot! It’s quick, easy, and perfect for those busy weeknights when everyone is craving something warm and filling. I promise this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen, just like it has in mine!
What makes this One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup extra special is how it brings everyone together. Whether it’s a chilly evening or a gathering of friends, this hearty soup is sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: In just 30 minutes, you can have a delicious meal ready to serve.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy the cheesy flavor packed into every spoonful.
- One Pot Wonder: Less cleanup means more time to relax after dinner.
- Comfort Food at Its Best: This soup is satisfying and perfect for any occasion.
- Customizable: With simple ingredient swaps, you can make it your own!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delightful 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 to taste
- fresh cracked pepper to taste
- 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 One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is its flexibility! You can easily customize it to fit your taste or dietary needs. Here are some fun variations:
- Swap the protein: Try using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a leaner option.
- Add some heat: Toss in some jalapeños or red pepper flakes if you like a bit of spice.
- Make it veggie-packed: Add in some chopped bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrients and color.
- Creamy without dairy: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version that’s still rich and creamy.
How to Make One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup
Step 1: Prepare the Croutons
Heat your oven to 400 degrees. Spread the diced sesame seed buns on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and toss them well so every piece gets coated. Bake for about 10 minutes until they are crispy on the outside—this adds a wonderful crunch to your soup!
Step 2: Brown the Beef
In a large pot over medium heat, add the ground beef along with one teaspoon each of oregano and thyme, plus some salt and pepper. Brown the meat thoroughly, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Once it’s browned, remove it from the pot and set aside—this step builds a lovely base flavor.
Step 3: Sauté Your Veggies
In that same pot, melt six tablespoons of butter over medium heat (no need to clean!). Add diced onions, sliced carrots, and celery along with another pinch of salt and pepper. Sauté these veggies for about ten minutes—this brings out their sweetness and depth of flavor.
Step 4: Add Garlic and Herbs
Once your vegetables are softened, reduce the heat slightly before adding minced garlic along with the remaining oregano and thyme. Cook them together for about a minute; this step enhances all those aromatic flavors!
Step 5: Thicken It Up
Sprinkle four tablespoons of flour over your sautéed veggies and stir well to coat everything evenly. Cooking this mixture for another minute helps develop thickness in your soup.
Step 6: Deglaze the Pot
Add just a splash of chicken broth to deglaze the pot, scraping up any tasty bits stuck on the bottom—these are full of flavor! Then stir in the rest of your chicken broth along with those uncooked macaroni noodles and another pinch of salt and pepper.
Step 7: Simmer Away
Increase the heat until everything comes to a simmer before reducing it again to low. Let it simmer gently for about five to seven minutes until the pasta cooks through but remains al dente—don’t forget to stir occasionally so nothing sticks!
Step 8: Creamy Goodness
Remove your pot from heat once done cooking pasta. Stir in that rich heavy cream along with shredded sharp cheddar cheese until melted and smooth—you’ll love how creamy this makes your soup!
Step 9: Final Touches
Add white balsamic vinegar followed by returning the cooked ground beef back into your pot. Warm everything through over medium heat for just a few minutes; season again with salt and pepper as needed.
Step 10: Serve It Up!
Ladle generous portions into bowls topped with those crispy sesame seed bun croutons, sliced green onions, and an extra sprinkle of cheddar cheese if desired! Enjoy each comforting bite!
Pro Tips for Making One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup
Making the perfect One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is all about those little details that can take your dish from good to great!
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Use fresh herbs – Fresh herbs, like parsley or chives, can brighten up the flavors in your soup and add a pop of color. They bring a freshness that dried herbs just can’t match.
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Don’t skip the deglazing – Scraping up those browned bits from the bottom of the pot after browning the beef adds an incredible depth of flavor to your soup. It’s where a lot of the taste comes from!
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Adjust seasoning to taste – Everyone’s palate is different, so don’t be afraid to tweak the salt, pepper, or even add a bit more vinegar if you prefer a tangy flavor. Tasting as you go helps ensure it’s just right for you!
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Experiment with cheese – While sharp cheddar is delicious, mixing in other cheeses like gouda or pepper jack can create a unique flavor profile. Don’t hesitate to get creative with your cheese selection!
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Let it rest – If you have time, let your soup sit for a few minutes after cooking. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, making every spoonful even more delightful.
How to Serve One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup
Serving this comforting soup can be as fun and creative as making it! Here are some ideas to elevate your dining experience.
Garnishes
- Chopped green onions – These add a mild onion flavor and vibrant color that brightens up each bowl.
- Extra shredded cheese – A sprinkle of extra sharp cheddar on top not only looks inviting but also melts beautifully into the warm soup.
- Croutons made from sesame seed buns – The crunchy texture contrasts perfectly with the creamy soup and adds a delicious twist.
Side Dishes
- Garlic Breadsticks – Soft and buttery breadsticks are perfect for dipping into your soup and soaking up all that cheesy goodness.
- Simple Side Salad – A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a vinaigrette dressing balances out the richness of the soup and adds freshness.
- Steamed Broccoli or Green Beans – These veggies bring a nutritious element and a pop of color to your meal while being easy to prepare alongside your soup.
- Cornbread Muffins – Sweet cornbread muffins offer a delightful contrast in flavor and texture, making them an excellent companion for this hearty dish.
With these tips and serving suggestions, your One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup will not only satisfy hunger but also impress anyone lucky enough to share it with you! Enjoy every cheesy spoonful!
Make Ahead and Storage
This One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a big batch to enjoy throughout the week or to keep on hand for busy days.
Storing Leftovers
- Store any leftover soup in an airtight container.
- Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Allow the soup to cool completely before sealing the container.
Freezing
- Let the soup cool entirely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- For easy portioning, consider using freezer bags and lay them flat in the freezer.
Reheating
- Thaw frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
- If needed, add a splash of broth or cream to maintain consistency when reheating.
FAQs
Here are some common questions about this delicious recipe!
Can I make One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup without meat?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef with a plant-based ground meat or simply use more vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini for added texture and flavor.
How long does it take to prepare One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup?
The total time for this recipe is just 30 minutes, making it a quick and easy option for busy weeknights!
Can I use a different type of cheese in this recipe?
Yes! Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for extra flavor. Just ensure they’re good melting cheeses!
What can I serve with One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup?
This soup pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or some crusty bread for dipping. The crunchy sesame seed bun croutons also add a delightful touch!
Final Thoughts
I hope you enjoy making this One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup as much as I do! It’s not only packed with flavor but also brings warmth and comfort to your table. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a quick meal prep option, this recipe is bound to be a hit. Happy cooking, and don’t forget to share your creations!
One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
If you’re craving a comforting meal that the entire family will love, look no further than One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup. This delightful dish combines the familiar flavors of a cheeseburger with creamy macaroni, all cooked in a single pot for minimal cleanup. Ready in just 30 minutes, this hearty soup is perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you need a warm and satisfying meal. With its rich taste and easy preparation, it’s sure to become a go-to favorite in your kitchen. Plus, the recipe offers plenty of opportunities for customization, ensuring everyone can enjoy their perfect bowl of comfort.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup yellow onion, diced
- 1 cup sliced carrots
- 1 cup sliced celery
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 8 oz uncooked elbow macaroni
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 4 sesame seed buns, diced
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano, divided
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme, divided
- 6 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon white balsamic vinegar
- Kosher salt to taste
- fresh cracked pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- sliced green onion for garnish
- shredded cheddar cheese for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread diced sesame seed buns on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and bake until crispy (about 10 minutes).
- In a large pot over medium heat, brown the ground beef with seasonings. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, sauté onions, carrots, and celery until softened.
- Add garlic and herbs; cook briefly before stirring in flour to thicken.
- Deglaze the pot with a splash of chicken broth; add remaining broth and uncooked macaroni.
- Simmer until pasta is al dente; remove from heat.
- Stir in heavy cream and cheese until melted; return beef to the pot and warm through.
- Serve topped with croutons and garnishes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
