Get ready to indulge in a truly comforting and incredibly easy meal that brings together two beloved classics: cheeseburgers and macaroni and cheese, all in a warm, satisfying soup! This One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soupfeatures savory ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, and a rich, creamy, cheesy broth, all seasoned to perfection. It’s the ultimate fuss-free meal that’s perfect for a cozy family dinner, a quick weeknight solution, or whenever you crave pure, wholesome comfort.
Why I Love This Recipe
This Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is an absolute revelation in my kitchen! What I love most is its sheer simplicity – everything cooks in just one pot, minimizing cleanup while maximizing flavor. It perfectly captures that nostalgic cheeseburger taste, combining savory ground beef, sweet onions, and a rich beef broth with the familiar comfort of macaroni and cheese. The way the cheese melts into the broth creates an incredibly creamy, luxurious soup that’s both hearty and incredibly satisfying. It’s quick to prepare, incredibly flavorful, and always a huge hit with both kids and adults – truly a family favorite!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this comforting One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup:
- 1 lb ground beef (lean recommended, like 85/15 or 90/10)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cups beef broth (low-sodium recommended)
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (dry)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or mild)
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2% recommended)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Swaps and Notes
- Ground Beef: Lean ground beef is recommended to prevent the soup from being too greasy. Ground turkey or a mix of beef and pork can also be used.
- Onion: A medium yellow or sweet onion, chopped, adds a savory base.
- Beef Broth: Low-sodium beef broth allows you to control the saltiness. Vegetable broth can be substituted.
- Elbow Macaroni: Dry elbow macaroni cooks directly in the pot. Other small pasta shapes like ditalini or small shells can also be used.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Sharp or mild cheddar works great for classic cheeseburger flavor and good melt. Colby Jack or a Mexican blend can also be used.
- Milk: Whole milk or 2% milk adds creaminess. For an even richer soup, a splash of heavy cream can be added.
- Seasoning: Salt and freshly ground black pepper are essential. For extra flavor, a pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, or a dash of Worcestershire sauce can be added with the beef.
- Optional Toppings: Diced pickles, fresh chopped tomatoes, shredded lettuce, a dollop of sour cream, or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds.
Instructions
Let’s get this delicious One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup cooking!
- Brown Ground Beef and Onion: In a sizable pot (a large Dutch oven or stockpot works well), cook the 1 lb of ground beef and the 1 medium chopped onion over medium heat. Use a spoon to break up the meat into crumbles as it cooks. Stir occasionally until the meat is fully browned and the onion is softened. Drain any excess grease from the pot.
- Add Broth & Boil: Pour in the 2 cups of beef broth into the pot with the browned meat and onions. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.
- Add Macaroni & Simmer: Add the 2 cups of dry elbow macaroni to the boiling broth. Stir well. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for roughly 7-8 minutes, or until the macaroni is tender but still firm to the bite (al dente). Stir occasionally to prevent the macaroni from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Add Dairy & Cheese: Turn down the heat to low. Mix in the 1 cup of milk and the 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese has completely melted and the soup achieves a lovely creamy consistency.
- Season & Serve: Season the soup generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your taste preferences. Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Serve immediately, with optional toppings if desired.
Tips for Success
- Lean Ground Beef: Using lean ground beef minimizes the need to drain excessive fat, though you should still drain any substantial amount.
- Al Dente Macaroni: Cook the macaroni just until tender-firm. It will continue to cook slightly in the hot soup, and you don’t want it to become mushy.
- Stir Frequently: When simmering the macaroni, stir often to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Low Heat for Cheese: When adding the milk and cheese, ensure the heat is turned down to low. High heat can cause cheese sauces to separate or become grainy. Stir continuously until smooth.
- Taste and Adjust: Always taste the soup before serving. Broth and cheese contribute salt, so adjust salt and pepper at the end.
- Serve Immediately: Creamy pasta soups are best enjoyed hot and fresh.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is a complete and incredibly satisfying meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with:
- Crusty Bread or Dinner Rolls: Perfect for soaking up the creamy, cheesy broth.
- Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness.
- Dill Pickles: A side of tangy dill pickle slices or relish to mimic classic cheeseburger toppings.
- Extra Toppings: Offer bowls of diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, or even crumbled bacon (like our Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders) for a customizable “burger” experience.
- For other incredibly popular cheesy beef dishes, consider our Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole.
Storage and Leftover Tips
This soup makes fantastic leftovers, though the macaroni will absorb more liquid and soften over time.
- Refrigeration: Store any cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The soup will thicken considerably.
- Reheating: Reheat individual portions on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. You will likely need to add a splash of beef broth or milk to thin the soup back to a desirable consistency. Avoid boiling rapidly, which can cause the cheese to separate.
- Freezing: Freezing is generally not recommended for this soup due to the dairy (milk, cheese) and pasta, which can change texture upon thawing and reheating.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you loved the cheesy, comforting, and easy nature of this soup, you’ll definitely want to explore some of our other fantastic, fuss-free recipes:
- For another hearty beef and pasta dish, check out our Cowboy Spaghetti.
- If you’re a fan of satisfying beef and noodle casseroles, our Sour Cream Noodle Bake is a hearty winner.
- And for a delicious and cheesy Italian-American bake, our Mozzarella Cheesesteak Stromboli is a fun, crowd-pleasing option!
- Finally, for a spicy and savory burger twist, check out our Jalapeño Popper Patty Melt!
Final Thoughts
This One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup recipe is a brilliant solution for bringing a truly comforting, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying meal to your table with ease. It’s perfect for a cozy night in, promising a bowl full of rich, cheesy, and hearty goodness that will make everyone happy.
Give this recipe a try and let the delicious aromas fill your kitchen! What’s your favorite comfort food to turn into a soup? Share your ideas in the comments below! And for more amazing, easy-to-follow recipes that bring joy to your kitchen, be sure to visit Chefmaniac.com. Happy cooking!
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