When you’re craving a meal that’s both hearty and comforting, look no further than One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup. This delicious soup combines the rich flavors of a cheeseburger with the creamy texture of macaroni, all in a single pot for easy cleanup. It’s a one-pot wonder that’s perfect for busy weeknights or any time you want a filling, satisfying meal that the whole family will love. The beauty of this dish lies in how effortlessly it comes together, making it ideal for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs. This soup is packed with savory beef, melted cheese, and tender macaroni, creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Plus, with the added bonus of being made in just one pot, cleanup is a breeze. Whether you’re serving it for dinner or enjoying it as a cozy lunch, One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is a guaranteed hit.
This recipe is more than just delicious; it’s also versatile. You can easily tweak it to suit your preferences. Add extra vegetables for a healthier twist or throw in some extra cheese for an even richer taste. The combination of ground beef, pasta, cheese, and seasonings is the essence of comfort food, making it the perfect dish to warm you up during the colder months or to enjoy at any time of the year. Let’s take a look at how to make this mouthwatering soup from scratch in just a few easy steps.
Ingredients
To make One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients. The beauty of this soup is that you likely already have most of these ingredients in your kitchen. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:
- Ground beef (1 lb): This is the base of the soup, adding rich flavor and protein.
- Elbow macaroni (1 cup): The classic pasta for this soup, perfect for soaking up the creamy broth.
- Yellow onion (1 medium): Chopped. The onion adds sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Garlic (2 cloves): Minced. Garlic provides a savory undertone that enhances the other ingredients.
- Carrots (1 medium): Grated. Adding a slight sweetness and texture to the soup.
- Celery (2 stalks): Chopped. Celery adds crunch and a mild flavor that balances the richness of the beef.
- Beef broth (4 cups): The main liquid for the soup, creating a flavorful base. You can use low-sodium beef broth for better control over the salt level.
- Milk (2 cups): Whole milk works best for a creamy texture, but you can use a lighter version if preferred.
- Cheddar cheese (2 cups): Shredded. This gives the soup its cheesy, indulgent taste.
- Cream cheese (4 oz): Adds richness and creaminess to the soup.
- Worcestershire sauce (2 tbsp): For a tangy, savory flavor.
- Dijon mustard (1 tbsp): Adds a touch of tang and complexity.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Season to your preference.
- Olive oil (1 tbsp): For cooking the beef and vegetables.
- Chopped parsley (for garnish): Adds color and freshness.
Preparation
Making One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is simple and quick. Here’s how to prepare it in just a few easy steps:
Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the ground beef and cook until it’s browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Be sure to drain any excess fat from the beef to keep the soup from becoming greasy.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Once the beef is browned, add the chopped onion, grated carrot, and chopped celery to the pot. Sauté the vegetables with the beef for about 5 minutes or until they’re softened and fragrant. This will help the vegetables absorb the flavors from the beef and seasonings. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring to avoid burning the garlic.
Step 3: Add the Liquids and Seasonings
Pour in the beef broth and milk, stirring to combine. Add the Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard, which will enhance the savory flavor of the soup. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Once it starts to simmer, stir in the elbow macaroni and cook for about 8-10 minutes or until the pasta is tender. Keep an eye on the soup, stirring occasionally to prevent the macaroni from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Step 4: Add the Cream Cheese and Cheddar Cheese
Once the pasta is cooked and the soup is nice and hot, reduce the heat to low. Add the cream cheese to the pot and stir until it’s melted and incorporated into the soup, creating a creamy texture. Next, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Continue to stir until the cheese is completely melted and the soup becomes smooth and velvety. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or Worcestershire sauce as needed.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Once everything is well combined and the soup is rich and creamy, it’s ready to serve. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a touch of color and freshness. You can also sprinkle some extra shredded cheese on top if you like your soup extra cheesy.
Variation
One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is highly customizable. If you want to add more vegetables, feel free to toss in peas, corn, or bell peppers. For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat. If you prefer a different type of cheese, feel free to swap out the cheddar for mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a blend of your favorites. To make it a more complete meal, you can also add a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad.
For those who prefer a lower-carb version, you can substitute the macaroni with cauliflower florets or spiralized zucchini for a lighter twist on the recipe. Additionally, you can use ground turkey or chicken in place of the beef for a leaner option.
Cooking Note
One important note when making One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is to keep the heat low once you add the cheese. High heat can cause the cheese to separate and make the soup oily instead of creamy. Stir gently to ensure a smooth, velvety texture. If the soup becomes too thick as it sits, you can add a little more milk or beef broth to reach your desired consistency.
Serving Suggestions
One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is hearty enough to serve as a main dish, but it pairs wonderfully with sides. You can serve it with a side of garlic bread for dipping or a light green salad to balance out the richness of the soup. For an added crunch, top the soup with crispy bacon bits or croutons. The combination of the creamy soup and these sides makes for a comforting and satisfying meal that’s sure to please everyone.
Tips
- If you prefer a thicker soup, you can make a roux by whisking in some flour with the beef broth and milk. This will give the soup a more substantial texture.
- For a shortcut, you can use pre-shredded cheese, but freshly grated cheese melts better and gives a smoother texture.
- If you like your soup spicy, add some jalapeños or hot sauce for extra heat.
- Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it on the stove, adding extra broth or milk to restore the creamy consistency.
Prep Time:
10 minutes
Cooking Time:
20 minutes
Total Time:
30 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 25g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 7g
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes! You can swap the cheddar cheese for other types such as mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Swiss cheese. Each cheese will provide a slightly different flavor and texture, so feel free to experiment.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure to let it cool before storing. When reheating, you may need to add a bit of milk or broth to thin it out, as it thickens over time.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make the soup gluten-free, simply use gluten-free pasta in place of the regular macaroni. Ensure that the beef broth is also gluten-free, or use a homemade version to control the ingredients.
Can I freeze One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup?
Yes, you can freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bag. When reheating, you may need to add a bit of liquid to restore the creamy texture.
Conclusion
One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is the ultimate comfort food, combining the best of a cheeseburger with the cozy goodness of soup. This creamy, cheesy dish is packed with flavor and is easy to prepare, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, this soup is sure to be a hit. The combination of savory beef, tender macaroni, and melted cheese creates a rich, comforting meal that will warm you up from the inside out. Give it a try today, and enjoy a bowl of creamy deliciousness in no time!