Oh, you guys, get ready for pure comfort in a bowl! I’ve been tinkering with this One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup for ages, and I’ve finally nailed it. Seriously, it’s like all the best parts of a juicy cheeseburger and a creamy bowl of mac and cheese decided to have a delicious baby in one pot. It’s my absolute go-to when I need something warm, hearty, and ridiculously easy. You know those nights when you just want something good without a mountain of dishes? This is it!

Why You’ll Love This One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

This One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is a weeknight savior, I swear! It’s:

Super easy to throw together – seriously, just one pot!
Packed with all those yummy cheeseburger flavors you crave.
Ready in under an hour, perfect for busy nights.
A guaranteed hit with the whole family – even the picky eaters!

Gathering Your Ingredients for One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

Alright, let’s get our mise en place ready! For this amazing One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup, you’ll want to grab these goodies:

1 lb ground beef (I usually go for 80/20 for the best flavor!)
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups beef broth (low sodium is my pick so I can control the salt!)
2 cups whole milk (for that creamy goodness)
1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained (don’t drain them, that juice is flavor!)
1 cup elbow macaroni, uncooked
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (the sharper, the better, I think!)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

That’s it! See? Nothing too fancy, just good, honest ingredients ready to become something magical.

Ingredient Notes and Potential Substitutions

So, why these specific ingredients? The sharp cheddar gives it that classic cheeseburger tang, and using whole milk makes it super creamy. I always opt for low-sodium broth because it lets me season it perfectly at the end. If you’re not a fan of elbow macaroni, any small pasta shape like ditalini or even rotini will work great! For a dairy-free version, you could try unsweetened almond or soy milk and a dairy-free cheddar alternative, though the creaminess might change a bit.

How to Prepare Your One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

Okay, get your biggest pot ready, because we’re about to make magic happen! This One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is all about keeping things simple and delicious.

Browning the Beef and Aromatics

First things first, let’s get that beef going. Grab a nice big pot and toss in your pound of ground beef. Crumble it up and cook it over medium heat until it’s all browned and lovely. Now, this is important: drain off all that excess grease! We want the flavor, not the grease. Once it’s drained, add in your finely chopped onion. Let that cook down until it’s nice and soft, usually about five minutes. Then, toss in your minced garlic. You only need about a minute for the garlic; just cook it until you can smell that amazing garlicky aroma. Don’t let it burn!

Building the Soup Base

Now for the liquid gold! Pour in your beef broth and the milk. Give it a good stir to combine everything. Then, add in that whole can of undrained diced tomatoes. Seriously, don’t drain them – all that juice is packed with flavor and helps make the soup nice and saucy. Bring this whole mixture to a rolling boil, but once it’s boiling, turn the heat down right away. You want it to simmer gently for about 10 minutes. This lets all those flavors start mingling and getting to know each other.

Cooking the Macaroni and Finishing Touches

Time for the macaroni! Stir in your cup of uncooked elbow macaroni. Now, you’ll want to cook this according to the package directions, usually about 8 to 10 minutes. Keep an eye on it and stir occasionally so it doesn’t stick to the bottom. You want it tender, but not mushy! Once the pasta is cooked just right, take the pot off the heat. This is the crucial step: stir in your shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Keep stirring until it’s all melted and makes the soup wonderfully creamy and cheesy. Finally, taste it! Add salt and freshly ground black pepper until it’s just perfect for you. Easy peasy!

Tips for the Perfect One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

To make sure your One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is absolutely perfect every time, here are a few little tricks I live by. First, don’t overcook that macaroni! It’ll keep cooking a little even after you take it off the heat, so aim for just tender. Also, taste and season at the very end. Since the broth and cheese have salt, you might not need much, but a good grind of black pepper really wakes up the flavors. And when you stir in that cheese, make sure the soup isn’t boiling hot – a gentle heat or just off the stove is best so it melts into a smooth, creamy sauce without getting stringy.

Serving Your Delicious One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

This One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is fantastic just as it is, but you can totally jazz it up! Think of your favorite burger toppings: chopped pickles, crispy bacon bits, or even a sprinkle of your favorite hot sauce. A little chopped fresh parsley on top adds a nice pop of color, or a small dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt can make it extra creamy. It’s the perfect way to make a simple soup feel extra special!

Frequently Asked Questions About One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

Got questions about my favorite One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup? I’ve got answers!

Can I make this vegetarian? Absolutely! Just swap the ground beef for your favorite plant-based crumbles or extra veggies like mushrooms and bell peppers. You’ll also want to use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
How can I make it spicier? Easy! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes when you add the garlic, or stir in some diced jalapeños with the onions. A dash of hot sauce at the end works wonders too!
What kind of pasta works best? While elbow macaroni is classic, any small pasta shape like ditalini, shells, or even mini penne will work beautifully in this soup. Just make sure to cook it according to its package directions until it’s tender.
Can I use a different type of cheese? Definitely! Monterey Jack, Colby, or a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack are fantastic choices. Just make sure it’s a good melting cheese for that super creamy texture.

Storing and Reheating Your One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

Leftover One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is a dream! Just let it cool down a bit, then pop it into an airtight container and stash it in the fridge. It should keep well for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to reheat, I find the stovetop is best. Gently warm it over low heat, stirring often. If the soup seems a little thick, just stir in a splash of milk or broth to get that creamy texture back. You can also microwave it, just make sure to stir halfway through!

Nutritional Estimate for One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

This One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is pure comfort, but it’s good to have an idea of what you’re eating! Based on the ingredients, you’re looking at roughly 450 calories, 25g of fat, 25g of protein, and 30g of carbohydrates per serving. Keep in mind these are estimates, and they can change a little depending on the specific brands you use and whether you add any extra toppings!

Amazing One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

Author: ferecipe.com
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A hearty and flavorful soup combining the best of a classic cheeseburger and creamy macaroni.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb ground beef
1 large onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups beef broth
2 cups milk
1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 cup elbow macaroni
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Brown ground beef in a large pot over medium heat. Drain excess grease.
Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
Pour in beef broth and milk. Add diced tomatoes.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
Stir in elbow macaroni. Cook according to package directions, about 8-10 minutes, until tender.
Remove from heat. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Notes

For a richer flavor, use heavy cream instead of milk.
Add your favorite burger toppings like pickles or bacon bits before serving.
Adjust cheese quantity to your preference.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: One Pot
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1.5 cups
Calories: 450
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 900mg
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 1g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: one pot, macaroni, cheeseburger, soup, beef, comfort food, easy recipe