Cheesy One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Recipe – Dinner Joy

Comfort meets creativity in this mouthwatering one-pot macaroni cheeseburger soup that promises a flavor explosion.

Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly to create a meal that satisfies deep hunger pangs.

Pasta lovers will adore how classic cheeseburger elements merge with creamy soup magic.

Rich beef and melted cheese dance together in a single pot, eliminating multiple dish cleanup.

Crispy bacon bits and tender ground meat add unexpected texture to each spoonful.

Simple kitchen skills are all you need to craft this crowd-pleasing recipe.

Grab a ladle and let your culinary adventure begin – deliciousness awaits!

What Makes Cheeseburger Soup So Comforting

• Streamline Cooking: One-pot method eliminates multiple dishes, reducing cleanup and kitchen mess while saving precious time and energy.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Fusion: Combines classic cheeseburger taste with comforting soup format, making it an instant hit for both kids and adults with its familiar and exciting flavor profile.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Requires minimal ingredients and simple cooking steps, perfect for busy families seeking a satisfying meal that can be prepared with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness.
• Customizable Comfort: Offers flexibility with toppings like pickles, ketchup, and mustard, allowing each person to personalize their bowl and create a unique dining experience.

Ingredients for One-Pot Cheeseburger Soup

• Ground Beef: A classic protein that provides a hearty and savory foundation for the soup.

• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic ingredients that add depth and flavor to the base of the soup.
• Diced Tomatoes: Provide a tangy and slightly acidic component that enhances the overall taste.

• Beef Broth: Creates a rich and flavorful liquid base for the soup.
• Elbow Macaroni: A classic pasta shape that gives the soup a comforting and familiar texture.

• Cheddar Cheese: Melts into a creamy, sharp element that defines the soup's cheesy character.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the overall flavor profile.

• Pickles, Ketchup, Mustard: Classic burger condiments that add extra flavor and customization to the soup.

Cooking Instructions for Cheeseburger Mac Soup

Step 1: Sizzle and Brown Ground Beef

In a spacious pot, start cooking ground beef over medium-high heat. Break the meat into smaller pieces while it browns.

• Chopped onion
• Minced garlic

Continue cooking until onions become translucent and beef is completely browned. Pour off any extra grease if needed.

Step 2: Create Soupy Base with Pasta

• Diced tomatoes with juice
• Beef broth

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Add elbow macaroni and mix thoroughly.

Lower heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes. Stir occasionally until pasta becomes tender.

Step 3: Melt Cheese for Creamy Goodness

Remove pot from heat. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese into the soup.

Stir continuously until cheese completely melts, creating a smooth and creamy texture. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste preference.

Step 4: Dress and Serve Cheeseburger Soup

• Diced pickles
• Ketchup
• Mustard swirl

Serve immediately and savor the delicious, comforting soup.

Tips to Improve One-Pot Cheeseburger Soup

• Drain excess beef fat completely to prevent greasy soup and ensure a cleaner taste profile.
• Select sharp cheddar cheese for more intense flavor and creamier texture in the final dish.
• Control pasta cooking time carefully to avoid mushy noodles; aim for al dente consistency by checking macaroni periodically during simmering.
• Experiment with protein alternatives like ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for lighter, healthier versions of this comfort food soup.
• Enhance soup's depth by adding Worcestershire sauce or a splash of beef broth concentrate for richer umami notes.

Ways to Customize Cheeseburger Mac Soup

• Vegetarian Cheeseburger Soup: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans for a meat-free version that maintains the hearty flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular elbow macaroni with gluten-free pasta or cauliflower rice to accommodate dietary restrictions while keeping the soup's core taste intact.
• Spicy Southwest Variation: Add diced green chilies, jalapeños, and swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese to create a zesty, kicked-up version of the original recipe.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Use cauliflower florets instead of pasta and reduce overall carbohydrate content while preserving the rich, creamy cheeseburger essence.

What Goes Well with Cheeseburger Soup

• Flavor-Boosting Beer Pairing: Select a crisp American lager or amber ale that complements the rich, meaty soup without overpowering its cheesy depth.
• Classic Side Crunch: Serve with toasted garlic bread or crispy seasoned croutons to add textural contrast and enhance the soup's hearty cheeseburger profile.
• Zesty Condiment Drizzle: Blend extra toppings like diced dill pickles, a swirl of yellow mustard, or tangy ketchup directly into the soup for an authentic cheeseburger flavor explosion.
• Fresh Green Balance: Add a light side salad with crisp romaine lettuce and a zesty vinaigrette to cut through the soup's richness and provide a refreshing counterpoint.

Keeping Cheeseburger Mac Soup Fresh Longer

Store leftovers in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the soup completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.

Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Seal tightly and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Leave a small space at the top for expansion.

Place soup in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming. Add a splash of broth if the soup seems too thick.

Pour soup into a pot, add a little beef broth or water to restore moisture. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and maintain creamy texture.

FAQs

• Is this soup really like a cheeseburger in flavor?

Yes, it combines classic cheeseburger ingredients like ground beef, tomatoes, and cheese to create a soup that tastes remarkably similar to a cheeseburger’s core flavors.

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While elbow macaroni works best, you can substitute with similar short pasta shapes like shells or rotini without changing the recipe’s overall texture.

• Do I need to drain the ground beef?

It’s recommended to drain excess grease if there’s a lot, which helps prevent the soup from becoming too oily and ensures a cleaner, more balanced flavor.

• What cheese works best for this recipe?

Cheddar cheese is ideal, but you can also use a blend of cheddar and monterey jack for extra richness and a slightly more complex cheese profile.

One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

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4.8 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty one-pot macaroni cheeseburger soup blends classic comfort food with unexpected culinary magic. Creamy, rich flavors merge ground beef, pasta, and cheesy goodness into a delightful meal you’ll crave on chilly evenings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound ground beef

Pasta and Grains:

• 2 cups elbow macaroni

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (14.5 ounces) can diced tomatoes, undrained

Dairy:

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Liquids:

• 4 cups beef broth

Seasonings:

• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

Optional Toppings:

• Diced pickles
• Ketchup
• Mustard

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Instructions

1. Sear ground beef in a large pot over medium-high heat, crumbling the meat while cooking. Incorporate chopped onions and minced garlic midway through browning. Cook until onions become translucent and beef is completely cooked, then eliminate excess fat if needed.
2. Pour diced tomatoes and beef broth into the pot. Elevate to a gentle boil, then introduce elbow macaroni. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 12-14 minutes, stirring periodically until pasta reaches perfect tenderness.
3. Remove pot from heat source. Gradually fold shredded cheddar cheese into the mixture, continuously stirring until cheese melts completely, creating a velvety, uniform consistency. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper according to preference.
4. Transfer soup into serving bowls. Embellish with classic burger accompaniments like chopped pickles, ketchup drizzle, or mustard swirl. Serve piping hot for maximum flavor enjoyment.

Notes

• Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and create a healthier soup version.
• For gluten-free adaptation, swap regular elbow macaroni with gluten-free pasta alternatives like chickpea or rice pasta.
• Enhance flavor complexity by adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of smoked paprika during beef browning stage.
• Consider vegetarian transformation by replacing ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms for similar texture and umami depth.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 520 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 920 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 33 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 33 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg