Hey everyone, Jason Griffith here! When those busy weeknights hit, and you’re craving a meal that’s both incredibly satisfying and unbelievably easy to clean up, you’ve found your new go-to. Today, I’m bringing you a true culinary marvel: Quick and Hearty One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup. Imagine a rich, creamy, and incredibly satisfying concoction packed with tender ground beef, macaroni, and plenty of cheese, all infused with that irresistible burger flavor. It’s pure comfort in every spoonful and comes together in a single pot!
Why I Love This Recipe
What’s not to love about a soup that perfectly captures the essence of a beloved burger in a comforting, easy-to-eat bowl? I am absolutely obsessed with One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup because it takes all the best elements of a classic cheeseburger—the seasoned ground beef, the melty cheese, and the hearty appeal—and transforms them into a hearty, satisfying soup, all cooked in one pot. The macaroni adds an extra layer of texture, making every bite incredibly satisfying. It’s fantastic for a cozy weeknight dinner, perfect for feeding a hungry family, and surprisingly quick to prepare. Plus, only one pot to wash means I’m one happy chef!
The Genius of One-Pot Meals
The concept of “one-pot” or “one-pan” meals has revolutionized modern home cooking, driven by a universal desire for convenience without sacrificing flavor. This technique involves cooking dry ingredients, like pasta or rice, directly in their sauce, allowing the starches released to naturally thicken the liquid, creating a rich, cohesive dish. This method not only simplifies the cooking process and cleanup but also ensures that the pasta absorbs maximum flavor from the other ingredients.
“Cheeseburger soup” gained popularity as home cooks looked for creative ways to transform familiar comfort foods into a different format. The addition of macaroni to a cheeseburger soup creates a hybrid that blends the appeal of a hearty chili or goulash with the familiar flavors of a cheeseburger. This recipe leverages the one-pot method to combine seasoned ground beef, vegetables, and macaroni in a flavorful broth that cooks together into a creamy, cheesy, and deeply satisfying comfort food. It’s a testament to achieving big flavor with minimal fuss.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this incredibly savory and satisfying One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 lean recommended)
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth (low sodium recommended)
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
- 1 1/2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, plus more for topping
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (or Colby Jack)
- Optional Garnishes: Cooked crumbled bacon, sliced green onions, extra shredded cheese, sour cream, crushed potato chips
Swaps and Notes
- Ground Beef: You can use ground turkey or a mix of ground beef and ground sausage for different flavor profiles.
- Vegetables: The classic mirepoix (onion, celery, carrot) forms a fantastic aromatic base. Feel free to add other finely diced vegetables like bell peppers or corn (add with the macaroni for corn).
- Broth: Low-sodium beef broth is recommended to control the saltiness. Chicken or vegetable broth can be used as alternatives.
- Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes add a nice chunky texture and acidity. Tomato sauce provides a smoother, richer tomato flavor.
- Worcestershire Sauce: This adds a crucial savory, umami punch that enhances the “burger” flavor.
- Elbow Macaroni: This classic pasta shape is perfect for catching the creamy sauce. Do NOT pre-cook the macaroni! It cooks directly in the pot.
- Dairy: Milk provides a creamy broth. For extra richness, you can add 1/2 cup of heavy cream with the milk.
- Cheese: Shred your own cheese from blocks for the best melt – pre-shredded often contains anti-caking agents that can make the soup grainy. A mix of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack gives a great balance of tang and meltiness.
- Optional Toppings: Just like a burger, toppings are crucial! Don’t skimp on the extra cheese, bacon, and fresh greens.
Steps for the Recipe
Let’s get this comforting Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup bubbling in one pot!
- Brown Ground Beef: In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot (at least 5-6 quart capacity), heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s fully browned. Drain any excess grease.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion, celery, and carrots to the pot with the browned beef. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add Liquids & Seasonings: Stir in the beef broth, undrained diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until well combined, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Add Macaroni: Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni. Make sure all the pasta is submerged in the liquid.
- Simmer & Cook Pasta: Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the macaroni is tender and cooked through. Keep an eye on it to prevent sticking.
- Finish with Dairy & Cheese: Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the milk, 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and all the shredded Monterey Jack cheese until melted and smooth. If the soup seems too thick, you can add a splash more beef broth or milk until desired consistency is reached.
- Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Ladle into bowls, top with remaining shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, green onions, or other desired burger-style toppings. Serve hot.
Tips for Success
- Brown Meat & Veggies Well: Taking the time to properly brown the ground beef and sauté the vegetables builds a strong flavor base for the soup.
- Don’t Pre-Cook Macaroni: The magic of a one-pot pasta is that the pasta cooks directly in the sauce, absorbing flavor and releasing starches that thicken the sauce.
- Stir Frequently: Once the macaroni is added, stir every few minutes to prevent it from clumping or sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Shred Your Own Cheese: For the creamiest, smoothest cheese melt, shred cheese from blocks. Pre-shredded often contains anti-caking agents that can make the soup grainy.
- Don’t Overcook Macaroni: It should be tender but still hold its shape. It will continue to soften slightly even after being removed from the heat.
- Top Generously: Just like a burger, toppings are crucial for this soup!
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This Quick and Hearty One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is a complete and satisfying meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with:
- Crusty Bread or Dinner Rolls: Perfect for dipping and soaking up all that delicious creamy broth.
- Pickle Slices: A side of dill pickle slices adds a classic cheeseburger tang.
- Simple Side Salad: A light green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast.
- Other Comfort Foods: This soup complements other hearty dishes well, such as my This Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole Is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always a Hit.
- Beverage Pairings: A simple glass of water, iced tea, or a crisp lager would complement this soup nicely.
Storage and Leftover Tips
This Quick and Hearty One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup makes fantastic leftovers, and the flavors often deepen even more the next day!
- Refrigerate: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The soup will thicken considerably upon chilling, as the macaroni will continue to absorb liquid.
- Reheat: To reheat, gently warm portions in a saucepan on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or milk to thin out the soup and bring it back to your desired creamy consistency. Stir frequently. You can also microwave individual portions, stirring halfway through.
- Freezing: Freezing is possible, but the texture of the macaroni and cream can sometimes change slightly upon thawing. If freezing, use freezer-safe containers and leave some headspace. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat gently, adding liquid as needed.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you enjoyed the comfort and savory flavors of this soup, you might also like these other hearty and easy-to-make meals:
- For another fantastic cheesy dip that’s always a hit, check out This Crockpot Nacho Dip Is The Reason I Never Have Leftovers.
- If you love deep, comforting bowls of flavor, my This Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo Is My Favorite Bowl of Southern Comfort is a must-try.
- For truly simple, satisfying comfort food that lets your oven do the work, you’ll love These Easy Turkey Wings Are My Favorite Comfort Food for Lazy Sundays.
- And for a classic comforting pasta dish, you can’t go wrong with my Classic Spaghetti Recipe with Homemade Sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Quick and Hearty One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is a true triumph of comfort food – it offers all the rich, savory, and cozy flavors you crave in a hearty bowl, with the incredible convenience of one-pot cooking. It’s perfect for chilly evenings, quick family dinners, or simply indulging in pure, cheesy comfort. This recipe is a game-changer that will quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen.
I hope you give this amazing soup a try and enjoy every comforting spoonful! Let me know in the comments below if this becomes your new go-to one-pot recipe, or what your favorite burger-inspired dishes are. I always love hearing from you! Happy cooking!
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