Cozy One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Recipe for Fall Nights

Hearty comfort food takes an exciting turn with this one-pot macaroni cheeseburger soup that combines classic burger flavors in a creamy, satisfying dish.

Ground beef sizzles with aromatic onions, creating a rich base that promises deliciousness in every spoonful.

Tender pasta mingles with savory meat and melted cheese, delivering a meal that feels like a warm embrace on a chilly evening.

Each bite delivers the nostalgic taste of a juicy cheeseburger transformed into a soul-warming soup.

The simple ingredients and effortless preparation make this recipe a weeknight dinner champion.

You’ll love how quickly this crowd-pleasing soup comes together with minimal cleanup.

Prepare to be amazed by this unexpected culinary mashup that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Why Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Is a Family Favorite

• Comfort in a Bowl: Dive into a hearty soup that wraps you in warmth with its rich, creamy texture and satisfying blend of ground beef, potatoes, and melted cheese.
• Quick Family Pleaser: Prepare a crowd-favorite meal in under an hour, perfect for busy weeknights when you need a delicious dinner that everyone will love.
• Minimal Ingredient Magic: Create a restaurant-quality soup using simple pantry staples, making it budget-friendly and accessible for home cooks of all skill levels.
• One-Pot Wonder: Streamline your cooking process with a single-pot recipe that minimizes cleanup and maximizes flavor, allowing you to spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your meal.

What You Need for Cheeseburger Soup Flavor

• Ground Beef: A hearty meat that provides rich flavor and substance to the soup.
• Beef Broth: Adds depth and savory liquid base for the soup's foundation.

• Cheddar Cheese: Creamy cheese that melts smoothly and creates a rich, tangy flavor profile.

• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic ingredients that build a robust flavor base for the soup.
• Diced Tomatoes: Adds moisture, acidity, and a classic burger-like taste to the dish.

• Elbow Macaroni: Classic pasta shape that provides texture and bulk to the soup.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall flavor.
• Pickles, Ketchup, Mustard: Optional burger-inspired garnishes that add extra zest and character to the soup.

Cooking Steps for One-Pot Macaroni Soup

Step 1: Fire Up the Beef and Onion Dance

Grab a large pot and heat it up over medium-high flame. Toss in ground beef and start breaking it into crumbly bits.

When the meat is halfway to browning paradise, welcome chopped onions and minced garlic to the party. Keep stirring until onions turn glassy and beef transforms into a beautiful golden brown.

If there’s extra grease pooling around, give it a quick drain.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Foundation

Pour in diced tomatoes with their juicy companions and beef broth.

Let the mixture bubble gently. Introduce elbow macaroni and give everything a loving stir.

Lower the heat, pop a lid on, and let the magic simmer for 10-15 minutes. Peek and stir occasionally to ensure pasta reaches perfect tenderness.

Step 3: Cheese Transformation

Kill the heat and shower shredded cheddar cheese over the soup. Whisk enthusiastically until cheese melts into a creamy wonderland.

Season with salt and pepper, tasting and adjusting until flavor sings.

Step 4: Dress and Serve with Flair

Ladle the steaming soup into waiting bowls.

• Diced pickles
• Ketchup drizzle
• Mustard swirl

Serve immediately and watch smiles erupt around the table.

Helpful Notes for Cheeseburger Soup Lovers

• Choose ground beef with 85% lean or higher to reduce excess grease and create a healthier soup base.
• Check pasta texture at 10 minutes to ensure it remains al dente and doesn't become mushy during simmering.
• Remove pot from heat before adding cheese to prevent separation and achieve smooth, creamy consistency.
• Refrigerate leftovers in airtight container for up to 3 days, gently reheating with splash of broth to restore original texture.
• Substitute dairy cheese with nutritional yeast or vegan cheese alternative for lactose-intolerant or plant-based eaters.

Tasty Swaps for Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

• Vegetarian Cheeseburger Soup: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans for a meat-free version. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to maintain the hearty flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Cheeseburger Soup: Swap elbow macaroni with riced cauliflower or chopped cauliflower florets. Reduce cooking time to prevent overcooking the cauliflower while maintaining the rich, cheesy texture.
• Gluten-Free Cheeseburger Soup: Use gluten-free pasta or quinoa instead of traditional macaroni. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free to accommodate dietary restrictions.

Sides That Pair With Cheeseburger Soup

• Zesty Beer Pairing: Complement the hearty soup's rich beef and cheese flavors with a crisp amber ale or hoppy IPA that cuts through the creaminess.
• Crunchy Pickle Topping: Sprinkle diced dill pickles on top for an authentic cheeseburger crunch that adds tangy brightness and textural contrast.
• Crusty Garlic Bread Side: Serve alongside toasted garlic bread to soak up the soup's delicious broth and provide a complementary carbohydrate element.
• Wine Flavor Match: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Zinfandel or Malbec to enhance the robust beef and cheese notes with its fruity undertones.

Keeping Macaroni Soup Warm and Tasty

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freeze for 2-3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Transfer desired portion to microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Add splash of broth if soup seems dry.
• Warm soup in a pot over medium-low heat. Stir frequently to prevent sticking. Add extra broth or water to restore original consistency. Heat until steaming and thoroughly warmed.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great lean alternative that works well in this recipe. Just ensure it’s fully cooked and drain any excess fat.

• What if I don't have elbow macaroni?

You can substitute with other short pasta shapes like shell pasta, rotini, or penne. The cooking time might vary slightly, so check pasta tenderness.

• How can I make this soup healthier?

Use lean ground beef, low-sodium broth, and reduce cheese quantity. You can also add extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or carrots for more nutrition.

• Is this soup freezer-friendly?

While you can freeze it, the pasta might become slightly mushy when reheated. For best texture, it’s recommended to eat fresh or store refrigerated for 2-3 days.

One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

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4.8 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty one-pot macaroni cheeseburger soup blends classic comfort food flavors into a single satisfying meal. Creamy, beefy, and packed with cheesy goodness, this quick recipe delivers restaurant-style taste straight from your kitchen.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound ground beef

Vegetables:

• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (14.5 ounces / 411 grams) can diced tomatoes, undrained

Dairy and Pasta:

• 2 cups (480 milliliters) beef broth
• 2 cups (480 milliliters) elbow macaroni
• 2 cups (226 grams) shredded cheddar cheese

Seasonings:

• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat a large pot over medium-high heat and crumble ground beef, allowing it to sizzle and brown while breaking into small pieces.
2. When beef is partially cooked, incorporate chopped onions and minced garlic, continuing to sauté until onions become translucent and meat is completely browned.
3. Eliminate excess fat from the pot if needed, ensuring a clean cooking surface.
4. Pour diced tomatoes with their juices and beef broth into the pot, stirring to combine ingredients thoroughly.
5. Bring the liquid mixture to a gentle boil, then introduce elbow macaroni, mixing well to distribute evenly.
6. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let simmer for 10-15 minutes, occasionally stirring to prevent pasta from sticking.
7. Once pasta reaches desired tenderness, remove pot from heat and fold in shredded cheddar cheese until completely melted and soup achieves a smooth, creamy consistency.
8. Season with salt and pepper, adjusting to personal taste preferences.
9. Ladle the steaming soup into serving bowls and garnish with classic burger condiments like diced pickles, ketchup, or mustard.
10. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy the comforting flavors of this cheeseburger-inspired soup.

Notes

• Drain excess beef fat to reduce greasiness and create a lighter, healthier soup base.
• Use lean ground beef (90/10) for a healthier version without compromising rich flavor.
• Try different cheese blends like sharp cheddar or pepper jack for a more complex taste profile.
• Substitute regular pasta with gluten-free elbow macaroni to accommodate dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 462 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 810 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg