If you’re craving a comforting meal that brings all the nostalgic flavors of a cheeseburger into a warm, hearty bowl, you’re in for a treat with this One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Recipe. It’s a rich, cheesy, and satisfying soup that combines savory ground beef, tender macaroni, and a luscious mix of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, all simmered in a flavorful broth with just a hint of paprika and oregano. Perfect for cozy nights or anytime you want a fuss-free dinner with maximum flavor and minimal cleanup, this soup brings the classic cheeseburger experience to your spoon in the most delightful way.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for the One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Recipe is straightforward, and each component plays an essential role in delivering the soup’s irresistible taste, vibrant texture, and inviting color.
- Olive oil: For a light, even cooking base that enhances the beef’s flavor.
- Ground beef: Provides the hearty, meaty foundation that makes this soup feel like a true cheeseburger in every bite.
- Small onion (diced): Adds subtle sweetness and depth as it softens during cooking.
- Garlic (minced): Boosts savory notes with its aromatic punch.
- Paprika: Gives a gentle warmth and vibrant color to the broth.
- Dried oregano: Infuses a slight herbaceous hint that complements the meaty richness.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasoning to balance and enhance all flavors.
- Beef broth (3 cups): Creates a savory base that simmers with the pasta and beef for rich depth.
- Canned diced tomatoes (undrained): Adds brightness and texture with a touch of acidity.
- Elbow macaroni (uncooked): The perfect pasta shape for scooping up that creamy cheeseburger goodness.
- Milk: Helps create a smooth and creamy soup base without heaviness.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Brings sharp, cheesy flavor that’s absolutely essential.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Adds melty, gooey creaminess that makes each spoonful irresistible.
- Sour cream (optional): Perfect for extra richness and tanginess if you want to elevate your soup even further.
- Chopped parsley or green onions (optional garnish): Fresh herbs that provide a beautiful pop of color and a light herbal finish.
How to Make One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with your spoon as it cooks until browning is complete — this step builds the savory backbone of the soup. If you notice excess grease, drain it off so your soup remains rich but not greasy. Next, toss in the diced onion and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until the onions become translucent and sweet. Stir in the minced garlic, paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper, letting those fragrant spices bloom for another minute before moving on. This base step is crucial to layer the deep flavors that make this dish so satisfying.
Step 2: Add Broth, Tomatoes, and Macaroni
Pour in the beef broth and undrained diced tomatoes, bringing the mixture to a boil to lift all those flavors together. Once boiling, stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni, which will soak up all that savory goodness as it cooks. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the soup simmer uncovered for about 10 to 12 minutes. Keep an occasional stir to prevent sticking. When the pasta is perfectly tender, you know you’re right on track to that cozy, cheesy finish.
Step 3: Melt the Cheeses and Finish the Creaminess
Lower the heat and gently stir in the milk, shredded cheddar, and mozzarella cheeses until the soup transforms into a velvety, cheesy masterpiece. Take care to stir regularly so your cheese melts smoothly without clumping. At this stage, you can stir in sour cream if you want that added richness and tang that makes this soup feel downright decadent. Remove the pot from heat—your One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Recipe is basically ready to enjoy!
How to Serve One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or sliced green onions on top of your soup for a burst of freshness and color. These little touches brighten the appearance and add a mild herbal contrast that complements the rich, cheesy broth beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair the soup with a crisp side salad for balance or some warm, crusty bread to soak up every last cheesy drop. Simple garlic bread or even a buttery cornbread muffin would make delightful companions to this hearty bowl.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to get playful, serve the soup in mini bread bowls for an extra cozy, edible presentation. You can also top it with a handful of chopped pickles or a drizzle of ketchup and mustard to mimic the true flavors of a cheeseburger in an unexpected way. Offering an array of toppings lets your guests customize their soup experience and keeps this beloved recipe fresh and fun.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of this One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Recipe store beautifully in airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen as it rests, making the next-day meal just as tasty, if not more so.
Freezing
If you want to save some for longer, freeze the soup in portions, but be aware that the macaroni may absorb a lot of liquid and change texture slightly upon thawing. To minimize this, try slightly undercooking the pasta when making it initially if you know freezing is in your plan.
Reheating
When reheating, warm the soup gently over medium-low heat, stirring often to prevent sticking and add a splash of broth or milk to loosen it up in case it thickens too much. This keeps the soup creamy and prevents it from becoming overly dense or dry.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional and perfect for scooping, small pasta shapes like shells or ditalini work wonderfully and still hold the creamy broth well.
Is there a way to make this soup vegetarian?
You can swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. Adding a bit of smoked paprika or liquid smoke can help replicate the savory depth of the meat.
Can I prepare this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the beef and sauté the aromatics first, then add everything to your slow cooker and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours. You may want to add the cheese towards the end to keep it creamy and fresh.
What’s the best way to get a cheesy, smooth soup?
Using freshly shredded cheese rather than pre-shredded helps it melt more evenly. Also, stir the cheese in slowly over low heat and avoid boiling once the cheese is added to prevent separation.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, try using plant-based milk and vegan cheeses. Coconut or cashew-based creams add creaminess, and there are many tasty vegan cheddar and mozzarella alternatives that melt well.
Final Thoughts
This One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Recipe is a total game-changer for busy weeknights or anytime you want comfort food without the hassle. It’s simple, packed with flavor, and comes together quickly, but feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Once you try it, this cozy, cheesy soup will likely become one of your favorite go-to recipes to feed family or friends with love and ease. Give it a whirl—your taste buds will thank you!
Print
One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course, Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is a hearty, comforting dish that combines all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger in a creamy, cheesy soup. It features browned ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, a rich tomato and beef broth base, and a luscious blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Perfect for a cozy family dinner, this easy stovetop recipe is ready in just over half an hour and can be customized with simple additions like pickles or ketchup to amplify the cheeseburger taste.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
Pasta and Cheese
- 1 1/2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Optional Toppings
- 1/4 cup sour cream (optional, for extra richness)
- Chopped parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Drain any excess grease if necessary to keep the soup from becoming too oily.
- Sauté Aromatics and Spices: Add the diced onion to the pot and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic, paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook everything together for another minute to release the spices’ flavors.
- Add Liquids and Pasta: Pour in the beef broth and the undrained diced tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a boil, then stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the soup simmer uncovered for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender but not mushy.
- Incorporate Milk and Cheese: Lower the heat and stir in the milk, shredded cheddar, and mozzarella cheeses. Mix until the cheeses have melted fully and the soup turns creamy and smooth. Remove the pot from the heat.
- Finish and Serve: If desired, fold in the sour cream for extra richness. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley or green onions. Serve hot, enjoying the comforting flavors of this cheeseburger-inspired soup.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.
- Add chopped pickles or a squirt of ketchup and mustard to mimic classic cheeseburger flavors.
- Leftovers reheat well but may thicken; stir in a splash of broth or milk to loosen.
