Quick and Hearty One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

Easy One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Recipe for Cozy Meals

Comfort food reaches new heights with this one-pot macaroni cheeseburger soup that combines classic burger flavors in a creamy, satisfying dish.

Packed with ground beef, tender pasta, and a rich cheesy base, this recipe delivers pure culinary magic in less than 30 minutes.

The kitchen will buzz with excitement as savory aromas fill the air, promising a meal that delights both kids and adults.

Every spoonful brings together the best elements of a juicy cheeseburger and a comforting soup.

hearty ingredients meld seamlessly, creating a crowd-pleasing meal that’s both easy to prepare and incredibly delicious.

You’ll love how simple ingredients transform into something spectacular with minimal effort.

Grab a ladle and get ready to savor this ultimate comfort food experience that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Soup Tips for Creamy, Cheesy Success

  • Remove excess fat after browning to prevent a greasy soup and maintain a cleaner, more appetizing flavor profile.
  • Dice vegetables uniformly for even cooking and better texture, ensuring they're tender but not mushy when serving.
  • Stir macaroni occasionally and check doneness at 8 minutes to avoid soft, soggy noodles that can ruin the soup's consistency.
  • Whisk milk mixture slowly and steadily to prevent lumps, creating a silky, creamy base that coats each ingredient perfectly.
  • Adjust spice by adding red pepper flakes or hot sauce for those who enjoy a spicier cheeseburger soup experience.

Variations to Change Up Your Soup Bowl

  • Vegetarian Comfort Bowl: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils, using vegetable broth for a hearty meat-free version that maintains the rich, creamy texture.
  • Gluten-Free Cheese Delight: Swap regular elbow macaroni with gluten-free pasta and use cornstarch instead of flour to thicken the soup, ensuring those with gluten sensitivities can enjoy this comforting meal.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Substitute macaroni with cauliflower rice or small cauliflower florets to create a keto-friendly alternative that keeps the cheesy, savory flavors intact.

Serving Ideas for Cheeseburger Soup Lovers

  • Burger Bliss Toppings: Sprinkle crispy bacon bits, diced pickles, and chopped green onions on top for an authentic cheeseburger flavor explosion.
  • Bread Buddy Pairing: Serve alongside toasted garlic bread, buttery croutons, or crispy sourdough slices to add crunch and soak up the rich, cheesy goodness.
  • Comfort Companion Combo: Pair with a simple mixed green salad dressed in tangy vinaigrette to balance the soup's hearty and creamy profile, creating a perfectly balanced meal.
  • Protein Power-Up: Add extra protein by topping with diced grilled chicken or crumbled turkey sausage for a more substantial and filling dining experience.

Best Soup Storage Practices

  • Transfer cooled soup to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent absorption of other food odors and maintain freshness.
  • Freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion. Will keep well for 2-3 months. Avoid freezing if using cream-based soups, as texture might separate.
  • Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight. Pour into a pot and reheat over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of broth or milk to restore creamy consistency if needed. Heat until steaming and thoroughly warmed.

FAQs

  • Is this soup nutritious?

Yes, it’s packed with protein from ground beef, vegetables like carrots and celery, and calcium-rich cheese. The balanced ingredients provide essential nutrients and make it a wholesome meal.

  • Can I use different types of pasta?

Absolutely! While elbow macaroni works best, you can substitute with shells, rotini, or penne. Just ensure cooking times match your chosen pasta shape.

  • How do I prevent the cheese from becoming grainy?

Slowly add cheese off direct heat and stir continuously. Using room temperature cheese and avoiding high temperatures helps maintain a smooth, creamy texture.

  • Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Definitely! The combination of cheesy soup and familiar cheeseburger flavors makes it appealing to children. The soft pasta and mild seasonings are perfect for young palates.

Why One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Is the Ultimate Comfort Food

  • Dive into a soul-warming dish that combines the irresistible flavors of a cheeseburger with the comforting embrace of a hearty soup, perfect for satisfying those deep hunger pangs.
  • Master a one-pot wonder that eliminates multiple dishes and reduces cleanup, making this recipe a lifesaver for busy home cooks who want maximum taste with minimal effort.
  • Easily adapt the soup by swapping proteins, adding extra veggies, or experimenting with different cheese blends to match your family's unique taste preferences and dietary needs.
  • Delight kids and adults alike with a crowd-pleasing meal that sneaks in vegetables, offers rich protein, and creates a memorable dining experience everyone will crave.

Ingredient Essentials for Cheeseburger Soup

Meat Base:
  • Ground Beef: A classic protein that adds rich, savory flavor and hearty texture to the soup.
Vegetables and Aromatics:
  • Onion, Garlic, Carrot, Celery: These vegetables provide a deep, complex flavor foundation and add nutritional value to the soup.
Liquid and Pasta:
  • Beef Broth: Creates a robust base for the soup with deep meaty flavor.
  • Elbow Macaroni: A classic pasta shape that captures the essence of a cheeseburger-inspired soup.
Dairy and Thickeners:
  • Milk, Heavy Cream: These ingredients create a creamy, luxurious texture in the soup.
  • Flour: Helps to thicken the soup and create a smooth consistency.
  • Cheddar Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Provide a rich, melty cheese flavor that mimics a classic cheeseburger.
Seasonings and Extras:
  • Olive Oil: Used for sautéing and adding a subtle flavor base.
  • Smoked Paprika, Mustard Powder, Salt, Pepper: These spices enhance the overall flavor profile of the soup.
  • Fresh Parsley: An optional garnish that adds a fresh, bright note to the dish.

The Right Tools for One Pot Soup Magic

  • Large Pot: Essential for cooking all ingredients together, with enough space to simmer and stir comfortably.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for breaking up ground beef and stirring ingredients without scratching the pot.
  • Cutting Board: Needed for chopping vegetables like onions, garlic, carrots, and celery.
  • Sharp Kitchen Knife: Use for precise vegetable and herb chopping.
  • Small Mixing Bowl: Ideal for whisking milk, cream, and flour to create a smooth sauce base.
  • Whisk: Crucial for blending milk, cream, and flour without lumps.
  • Ladle: Great for serving soup evenly into individual bowls.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensure accurate ingredient quantities.

Step by Step Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Guide

Step 1: Sizzle The Ground Beef

Grab a large pot and warm up some olive oil over medium heat.

Toss in the ground beef and break it apart while cooking until it turns a rich, golden brown.

If there’s extra grease, go ahead and drain it off.

Step 2: Toss In Veggie Goodness

Sprinkle in the chopped:
  • Onions
  • Garlic
  • Carrots
  • Celery

Let these veggies dance around the pot for 4-5 minutes until they become tender and fragrant.

Step 3: Pour And Bubble

Pour in the beef broth and bring everything to a rolling boil.

Drop in the elbow macaroni, then dial down the heat to a gentle simmer.

Let the pasta cook for about 8-10 minutes, giving an occasional stir to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Create Creamy Magic

In a separate bowl, whisk together:
  • Milk
  • Heavy cream
  • Flour

Blend until super smooth.

Slowly stream this mixture into the pot, stirring constantly to keep things silky.

Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the soup starts to thicken.

Step 5: Cheese It Up

Stir in the cheese party:
  • Shredded cheddar
  • Mozzarella
  • Smoked paprika
  • Mustard powder
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Keep stirring until the cheese melts completely and creates a dreamy, creamy texture.

Step 6: Serve And Enjoy

Ladle the steaming soup into bowls.

Sprinkle some fresh parsley on top if you’re feeling fancy.

Grab some crusty bread or crackers on the side for extra deliciousness.

Print
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Quick and Hearty One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

Quick and Hearty One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Recipe


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4.5 from 23 reviews

  • Total Time: 32 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Macaroni cheeseburger soup brings comfort and flavor to classic comfort cuisine. Rich beef, creamy cheese, and tender pasta blend perfectly for a satisfying meal that delivers quick nutrition and delicious warmth you’ll crave.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large carrot, diced
  • 1 stalk celery, diced

Base and Seasonings:

  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 2 cups elbow macaroni
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. In a large pot, sear ground beef over medium heat until thoroughly browned and crumbly, approximately 6-7 minutes. Eliminate any accumulated grease.
  2. Incorporate finely chopped onions, minced garlic, diced carrots, and sliced celery. Sauté for 4 minutes until vegetables become translucent and fragrant.
  3. Pour beef broth into the pot, raising temperature to a rolling boil. Introduce elbow macaroni, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Cook pasta for 9 minutes, stirring intermittently until tender.
  4. Whisk milk, heavy cream, and flour in a separate container until completely smooth and lump-free. Gradually stream mixture into pot, continuously stirring to prevent clumping.
  5. Allow soup to simmer for 3 minutes, allowing sauce to thicken slightly. Blend in shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, along with smoked paprika, mustard powder, salt, and black pepper.
  6. Continue stirring until cheese melts completely, creating a rich and creamy consistency. Remove from heat once soup reaches desired thickness.
  7. Ladle soup into serving bowls, optionally garnishing with fresh chopped parsley. Accompany with crusty bread or crispy crackers for an enhanced dining experience.

Notes

  • Versatile Protein Swap: Ground turkey or plant-based crumbles work perfectly for leaner or vegetarian versions of this hearty soup.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace regular elbow macaroni with gluten-free pasta and use cornstarch instead of flour for thickening the soup.
  • Cheese Melting Trick: Remove the pot from direct heat when adding cheese to prevent separation and maintain smooth, creamy texture.
  • Flavor Boost: Customize the soup’s depth by adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a dash of smoked paprika for extra complexity.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 22 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 485
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 850 mg
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
Marcus Reed

Marcus Reed

Founder & Food Content Creator

Expertise

Single-recipe development, Seasonal and local ingredient utilization, Food photography and styling, Culinary writing and content creation​

Education

Culinary Arts Certificate, Blue Ridge Community and Technical College, WV
Focus: Fundamentals of culinary techniques, emphasizing hands-on experience in small-scale kitchen settings.


Marcus’s story begins in Asheville, where good food and family kitchens shaped his earliest memories. After hands-on culinary training and a lot of trial (and a little error), he realized that real cooking isn’t about perfection, it’s about connection.
At Pan and Oven, Marcus crafts recipes that are easy to follow, packed with flavor, and built for real kitchens.

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