One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

This One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is a delightful blend of comfort and convenience, making it perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up this creamy, cheesy dish that everyone will love. It’s a unique twist on classic cheeseburgers, combining rich flavors without the need for processed cheese products like VELVEETA. Whether it’s a chilly evening or a casual family dinner, this soup is sure to satisfy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: You can have this hearty soup ready in just 30 minutes.
• One-Pot Wonder: Less cleanup means more time enjoying your meal with loved ones.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of herbs, beef, and cheese creates a comforting dish that warms the soul.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will appreciate the familiar flavors of cheeseburgers in a new form.
• Customizable: Feel free to add extra vegetables or swap out the cheese for your favorites.

Tools and Preparation

To create the perfect One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup, you’ll need some essential tools to make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: This allows you to prepare all ingredients together without needing multiple pans.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Ideal for browning meat and stirring ingredients thoroughly.
• Baking sheet: Perfect for toasting the sesame seed buns into croutons for added texture.

Ingredients

For the Soup Base

• 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

For Creaminess

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 8 oz. sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

For Flavoring

• 1 teaspoon white balsamic vinegar
• Kosher salt
• Fresh cracked pepper

For Crunchy Garnish

• 4 sesame seed buns, diced into 1-inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Sliced green onion, for garnish
• Shredded cheddar cheese, for garnish

How to Make One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.

Step 2: Toast the Buns

Place the diced sesame seed bun cubes in a single layer on the lined baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat evenly. Bake for about 10 minutes or until they are crispy on the outside.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

In a large pot over medium heat, add the ground beef along with 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, and a few pinches of salt and pepper. Cook until browned while breaking it apart with a spatula. Once cooked through, remove from the pot and set aside.

Step 4: Sauté Vegetables

In the same pot (no need to wipe it out), melt 6 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add diced onion, sliced carrots, sliced celery, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Increase heat to medium-high and sauté for about 10 minutes while stirring occasionally.

Step 5: Add Garlic and Herbs

Reduce heat back to medium; stir in minced garlic along with the remaining oregano and thyme. Cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 6: Incorporate Flour

Add flour into the veggie mix and stir well to coat everything evenly. Cook for another minute while stirring frequently.

Step 7: Deglaze with Broth

Pour a splash of chicken broth into the pot to deglaze it by scraping up any flavorful bits stuck at the bottom.

Step 8: Combine Broth & Noodles

Stir in the remaining chicken broth along with uncooked macaroni noodles and another pinch of salt and pepper. Turn heat up to medium-high until it reaches a simmer.

Step 9: Cook Pasta Until Al Dente

Once simmering, reduce heat again to low. Let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes or until pasta is al dente while stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 10: Add Cream & Cheese

Remove from heat; stir in heavy cream along with shredded cheddar cheese until melted and combined smoothly.

Step 11: Finish Up

Add white balsamic vinegar followed by returning cooked ground beef back into the pot. Gently reheat over medium heat until everything is warmed through. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 12: Serve

Ladle soup into bowls topped with crispy sesame seed bun croutons garnished with green onions and extra shredded cheddar cheese before enjoying!

How to Serve One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

Serving One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is as easy as it is delicious. This hearty dish can be accompanied by various toppings and sides to enhance its flavor and presentation.

Top Toppings

• Shredded Cheese – Sprinkle extra sharp cheddar cheese on top for a melty, gooey finish.
• Green Onions – Add sliced green onions for a fresh, crisp contrast.
• Croutons – Use crispy sesame seed bun croutons for a delightful crunch.

Pairing Suggestions

• Fresh Salad – A light garden salad with vinaigrette complements the richness of the soup.
• Garlic Bread – Serve with warm garlic bread for a satisfying bite alongside the soup.
• Pickles – A side of dill pickles adds a zesty touch that balances the flavors.

How to Perfect One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

To ensure your One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh vegetables and high-quality meat enhance the overall flavor of your soup.
• Adjust Thickness – If you prefer a thicker soup, add more flour gradually while cooking or reduce the amount of broth.
• Season Well – Taste and adjust seasonings throughout cooking; salt and pepper can make a big difference.
• Let It Rest – Allowing the soup to sit for a few minutes after cooking lets flavors meld beautifully.
• Store Properly – Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat gently on the stove.
• Freezing Tips – If freezing, consider leaving out the cream and cheese until reheating to maintain texture.

Best Side Dishes for One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

To round out your meal, consider serving some delicious side dishes with your One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup. Here are some excellent options:

1. Caesar Salad – A classic Caesar salad with romaine lettuce and creamy dressing pairs well with the soup’s richness.
2. French Fries – Crispy French fries provide a fun side that everyone loves; serve them alongside for dipping!
3. Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal roasted vegetables bring color and nutrition to your table, balancing the hearty soup.
4. Cornbread Muffins – Sweet cornbread muffins are perfect for soaking up all the cheesy goodness from your bowl of soup.
5. Stuffed Peppers – Baked stuffed peppers filled with rice and veggies make a wholesome addition to your meal.
6. Potato Wedges – Seasoned potato wedges offer a satisfying crunch that complements each spoonful of soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup can be a breeze, but there are common pitfalls to watch for. Here are some mistakes to avoid:

• Not browning the beef properly: If you don’t brown the ground beef thoroughly, it can lead to a less flavorful soup. Make sure to crumble and cook it until it’s no longer pink.
• Skipping the deglazing step: Failing to deglaze the pot can rob your soup of rich flavors. Always add a splash of broth after sautéing vegetables to scrape up those delicious bits.
• Overcooking the pasta: Cooking the macaroni too long can make it mushy. Stir occasionally and check for al dente texture during simmering.
• Not seasoning adequately: Under-seasoned soup can taste bland. Be generous with salt, pepper, and herbs to enhance flavors.
• Ignoring cream temperature: Adding cold cream can cool down your soup. Let it sit at room temperature for a while before mixing it in.
• Skipping garnishes: Garnishes add texture and flavor. Don’t forget to top your soup with sesame seed bun croutons and extra cheese!

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake in an oven-safe dish until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring often, until warm.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this soup ahead of time. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat when ready to serve.

What can I use instead of ground beef?

You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option in your One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup.

How do I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and flour alternatives like cornstarch or almond flour.

Can I add vegetables to One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup?

Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite veggies such as bell peppers or spinach for added nutrition and flavor.

What is the best way to serve One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup?

Serve with crispy sesame seed bun croutons on top, along with sliced green onions and additional shredded cheese for a delicious finish.

Final Thoughts

One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is an easy and comforting dish that your whole family will enjoy. Its creamy texture combined with savory flavors makes it a perfect weeknight meal. Customize by adding different vegetables or using various cheeses to suit your taste preferences. Give this recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed!

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One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

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One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is the ultimate comfort food that combines the best of cheeseburgers and creamy macaroni into a hearty, satisfying dish. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this soup is packed with rich flavors and can be made in just 30 minutes. With no processed cheese in sight, the recipe relies on fresh ingredients to create a creamy texture and robust taste that everyone will love. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner or simply looking for a cozy meal on a chilly evening, this delicious soup will warm your heart and fill your belly. Plus, it’s customizable—add extra veggies or swap cheeses to make it your own!

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 6

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup yellow onion, diced
• 1 cup sliced carrots
• 1 cup sliced celery
• 8 cups chicken broth
• 8 oz uncooked elbow macaroni
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Toast diced sesame seed buns on the baking sheet with olive oil until crispy, about 10 minutes.
3. In a large pot over medium heat, brown ground beef with oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper; set aside.
4. In the same pot, melt butter and sauté onions, carrots, celery, salt, and pepper for about 10 minutes.
5. Add minced garlic and remaining herbs; cook until fragrant.
6. Stir in flour; cook for another minute before deglazing with a splash of chicken broth.
7. Add remaining broth and uncooked macaroni; bring to a simmer for about 5-7 minutes until pasta is al dente.
8. Remove from heat; stir in heavy cream and cheddar until melted.
9. Return cooked beef to pot; warm through before serving topped with croutons.

• Author: Natalia
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: One-Pot Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 460
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 850mg
• Fat: 26g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 37g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: For added nutrition, feel free to incorporate vegetables like bell peppers or spinach. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and flour alternatives.