If you’re searching for a cozy, crowd-pleasing comfort meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, then you’ve found your new favorite: the One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Recipe. This luscious, cheesy soup combines the classic flavors of a cheeseburger with tender macaroni and hearty vegetables, creating an irresistibly rich and satisfying dish. Best of all, everything cooks together in one pot, making it a perfect weeknight dinner that delivers maximum taste with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, wholesome ingredients come together to make this One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Recipe truly shine. Each element has a role, from the savory ground beef to the aromatic herbs and creamy cheddar that give this soup its signature flavor and velvety texture.
- 1 lb. ground beef: The hearty protein base that brings that classic cheeseburger flavor.
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano, divided: Adds a subtle earthy, slightly sweet note to enhance the soup’s depth.
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme, divided: Offers a gentle herbal fragrance that complements the beef perfectly.
- 6 tablespoons butter: Creates a luscious richness and helps sauté the vegetables.
- 1 cup yellow onion, diced: Provides natural sweetness and a fragrant foundation.
- 1 cup sliced carrots: Adds a touch of color, crunch, and natural sweetness.
- 1 cup sliced celery: Brings a fresh, slightly crisp texture to balance the creaminess.
- 5 cloves garlic, minced: Boosts the savory depth with its fragrant punch.
- 4 tablespoons flour: Thickens the soup to a creamy, satisfying consistency.
- 8 cups chicken broth: The flavorful liquid base that ties all the components together.
- 8 oz. uncooked elbow macaroni: Classic pasta shape that absorbs the broth and cheese beautifully.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Boosts the soup’s creaminess for that indulgent, velvety texture.
- 8 oz. sharp cheddar cheese, shredded: The star of the soup, delivering bold, melty cheesiness.
- 1 teaspoon white balsamic vinegar: Adds a subtle tangy brightness that balances richness.
- Kosher salt: To season and enhance all flavors.
- Fresh cracked pepper: For a warm, gentle heat to complement the savory elements.
- 4 sesame seed buns, diced into 1-inch pieces: Turned into crispy croutons that add crunch.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Used to toast the bun croutons to golden perfection.
- Sliced green onion, for garnish: Adds a fresh, mild bite as a perfect finishing touch.
- Shredded cheddar cheese, for garnish: Extra cheesy goodness sprinkled on top.
How to Make One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Crispy Sesame Seed Bun Croutons
Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees. Toss the diced sesame seed buns with olive oil, then spread them out on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for about 10 minutes until golden and crispy on the outside. These croutons bring a delightful crunchy texture that mimics that perfect toasted bun in the soup.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef with Herbs
Heat a large pot over medium heat and add the ground beef along with half of the oregano and thyme, plus a pinch of salt and pepper. Crumble the beef as it browns until fully cooked, then remove it from the pot and set aside. This step builds the meaty foundation packed with those classic cheeseburger spices.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables
Without cleaning the pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onions, carrots, celery, plus salt and pepper, and cook for about 10 minutes until the vegetables soften and become fragrant. This base is where a lot of the depth and natural sweetness develop, creating a rich flavor profile.
Step 4: Add Garlic and Remaining Herbs
Stir in the minced garlic along with the rest of the oregano and thyme. Cook everything together for another minute to let those flavors bloom and infuse the vegetables beautifully.
Step 5: Thicken the Soup Base
Sprinkle the flour over the veggies and stir frequently to coat everything well. Cook for about a minute, which helps create a smooth, creamy texture by thickening the broth later on.
Step 6: Deglaze with Broth
Add a splash of chicken broth to the pot and scrape the bottom to lift all those delicious browned bits. This technique ensures that none of the flavor goes to waste and adds extra richness to the soup.
Step 7: Simmer with Pasta
Pour in the remaining chicken broth along with the uncooked elbow macaroni, and season again with a pinch of salt and pepper. Bring the soup to a simmer over medium-high heat, then lower to a gentle simmer and cook 5 to 7 minutes until the pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally so the noodles don’t stick—this is when the soup really starts coming together.
Step 8: Finish with Cream, Cheese, and Beef
Remove the pot from heat and stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Mix in the white balsamic vinegar for a pop of brightness, and gently fold the cooked ground beef back in. Warm the soup over medium heat for a couple minutes to heat the beef through, then season to taste with salt and pepper.
How to Serve One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Top your soup with fresh sliced green onions and an extra handful of shredded cheddar cheese for that extra cheesy hit on every spoonful. Add the crispy sesame seed bun croutons just before serving to maintain their crunch and add that perfect toasted bun element.
Side Dishes
While this soup is hearty enough to stand on its own, pairing it with a simple side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette or some steamed veggies brightens the meal beautifully. A crisp, refreshing side cuts through the richness and balances each bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Recipe in rustic bowls with extra bun croutons and garnish on the side so guests can customize to their liking. You can also hollow out mini sourdough loaves and fill them with soup for a playful and impressive presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let your soup cool to room temperature, then transfer it into airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days. This soup actually tastes even better after the flavors have melded overnight, making for easy next-day lunches or dinners.
Freezing
Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Keep in mind that pasta can sometimes soften more when frozen and reheated, so you might want to undercook the pasta slightly if planning to freeze.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Add a splash of broth or milk if needed to loosen the soup back to that creamy, luscious consistency you love.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is classic and perfect for this soup, small pasta shapes like shells or mini rotini work wonderfully and hold up well in the creamy broth.
Is it possible to make the soup vegetarian?
You can swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Just remember to adjust seasonings to keep the richness and depth in the flavor.
How can I make this soup spicier?
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños when sautéing the vegetables to introduce some heat. You can also sprinkle red pepper flakes on top as a garnish.
Can I prepare this soup in advance?
Yes, the soup stores beautifully. Prepare the full recipe and refrigerate or freeze as needed. Just add the crispy bun croutons fresh when serving to keep their crunch intact.
What is the purpose of the white balsamic vinegar?
The vinegar adds a subtle tang that brightens the rich, creamy cheese and beef flavors, preventing the soup from tasting too heavy or one-dimensional.
Final Thoughts
Trust me when I say the One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Recipe is a total game-changer for comfort food lovers. It’s rich, hearty, and loaded with all those beloved cheeseburger flavors, yet surprisingly effortless thanks to its one-pot magic. You’ll want to keep this recipe on speed dial for chilly nights or any time you crave a warm, satisfying bowl of goodness. So grab your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a truly unforgettable soup experience!
Print
One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup combines all the comforting flavors of a cheeseburger in a creamy soup form. Featuring browned ground beef, tender macaroni, sharp cheddar cheese, and savory vegetables, this hearty dish is cooked entirely in one pot for easy cleanup. Crispy homemade sesame seed bun croutons add the perfect crunch, while green onions and extra cheese provide a fresh and cheesy finish.
Ingredients
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
Croutons and Garnish
- 4 sesame seed buns, diced into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Sliced green onion, for garnish
- Shredded cheddar cheese, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Sesame Seed Croutons: Heat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the diced sesame seed buns on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat evenly. Bake for about 10 minutes or until the bread pieces are crispy on the outside and golden brown.
- Brown Ground Beef: Place a large pot over medium heat. Add ground beef, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, and a few pinches of kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper. Brown the meat thoroughly, breaking it up with a spatula until cooked through. Remove the cooked beef from the pot and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: Using the same pot with the beef drippings, melt 6 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add diced onion, sliced carrots, sliced celery, and a large pinch of salt and pepper. Increase heat to medium-high and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes until vegetables soften.
- Add Garlic and Herbs: Reduce heat back to medium. Stir in minced garlic, the remaining 1 teaspoon oregano, and 1 teaspoon thyme. Cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Coat Vegetables with Flour: Sprinkle 4 tablespoons of flour over the vegetable mixture and stir well to coat everything evenly. Continue cooking for 1 minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Deglaze the Pot: Pour a small splash of chicken broth into the pot and scrape the bottom to loosen all the browned bits, adding flavor to the base of the soup.
- Add Remaining Broth and Pasta: Pour in the rest of the 8 cups of chicken broth along with the uncooked macaroni noodles. Add an extra pinch of salt and pepper. Increase heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Simmer Pasta: Once simmering, lower the heat to low. Let the soup simmer gently for 5 to 7 minutes or until the macaroni is al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Finish the Soup: Remove the pot from heat. Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until melted and fully incorporated. Add 1 teaspoon of white balsamic vinegar and the cooked ground beef back into the pot. Return the soup to medium heat and warm for a couple minutes until the beef is heated through. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls. Top with crispy sesame seed bun croutons, sliced green onions, and additional shredded cheddar cheese. Enjoy your comforting homemade macaroni cheeseburger soup!
Notes
- For extra cheesiness, use a blend of sharp and mild cheddar cheese.
- Leftover soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- You can substitute elbow macaroni with other small pasta shapes like shells or ditalini.
- Vegetables like bell peppers or peas can be added for more color and nutrients.
- If desired, gluten-free flour and pasta can be used to make this recipe gluten-free.
