Hearty One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Recipe (No Velveeta)

Macaroni brings a nostalgic comfort to this incredible cheeseburger soup that breaks traditional recipe boundaries.

Ground beef sizzles with aromatic onions in a single pot, creating rich flavor layers.

Creamy textures blend perfectly with hearty pasta and savory meat.

Fresh ingredients transform an ordinary soup into a memorable meal that satisfies deep hunger.

Seasonal herbs and sharp cheddar cheese add unexpected complexity to each spoonful.

Quick preparation means you can enjoy this delightful dish in under thirty minutes.

Every bite promises a delicious adventure that will make your taste buds dance with excitement.

Why One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Recipe (No Velveeta!) Is Comforting and Easy

• Simplify Dinner Prep: Combine the hearty flavors of a cheeseburger and classic mac and cheese in one pot, eliminating multiple cooking steps and reducing kitchen cleanup.
• Kid-Approved Comfort Food: Delight picky eaters with a familiar, crowd-pleasing meal that blends childhood favorites into a single, satisfying dish perfect for family dinners.
• Quick Weeknight Solution: Create a rich, creamy soup in less than 30 minutes with minimal ingredients and straightforward cooking techniques, making it ideal for busy households.
• Customizable Crowd-Pleaser: Easily adapt the recipe by adding toppings like crispy bacon bits, chopped pickles, or a sprinkle of green onions to personalize each serving.

Ingredients for One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Recipe (No Velveeta!)

• Ground Beef: A flavorful protein that adds richness and heartiness to the soup.
• Elbow Macaroni: A classic pasta shape that provides a comforting texture and absorbs the soup's flavors.
• Cheddar Cheese: A sharp and melty cheese that creates a creamy and delicious base for the soup.

• Beef Broth: Provides a deep, savory foundation for the soup's overall flavor profile.
• Milk: Helps create a smooth and creamy consistency in the soup.

• Onion, Salt, Pepper: A classic combination that enhances the depth and overall taste of the soup.

How to Make One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Recipe (No Velveeta!)

Step 1: Sizzle Ground Beef and Onions

Heat a large pot over medium flame. Toss in ground beef and diced onions. Break up the beef with a wooden spoon while cooking. Stir frequently until meat turns brown and onions become translucent. Carefully drain any excess grease from the pot.

Step 2: Pour and Bubble Broth

Add beef broth to the pot and bring the liquid to a rolling boil. Sprinkle in elbow macaroni and let it simmer. Cook pasta until tender but still slightly firm, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. This should take around 7-8 minutes.

Step 3: Create Creamy Cheese Fusion

Lower the stovetop heat to gentle. Pour in whole milk and slowly add shredded cheddar cheese. Whisk continuously until cheese completely melts and blends smoothly into the soup. The mixture should transform into a rich, velvety consistency.

Step 4: Season and Garnish

• Chopped fresh parsley
• Crispy bacon bits
• Sliced green onions

Ladle the soup into warm bowls and serve immediately for maximum deliciousness.

Pro Tips for One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Recipe (No Velveeta!)

• Drain Beef Thoroughly: Remove as much fat as possible to prevent a greasy soup and keep the dish lighter.
• Choose Sharp Cheddar: Opt for sharp cheddar cheese to enhance the flavor profile and create a more robust taste in the soup.
• Control Pasta Texture: Watch macaroni closely while cooking to ensure it stays al dente and doesn't become mushy in the broth.
• Adjust Liquid Consistency: Add extra broth or milk if the soup becomes too thick, creating a smooth and creamy texture.
• Low and Slow Cheese Melting: Stir cheese on low heat to prevent separation and achieve a silky, uniform consistency.

Variation Ideas for One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Recipe (No Velveeta!)

• Vegetarian Cheeseburger Soup: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms for a meat-free version. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
• Gluten-Free Macaroni Option: Swap regular elbow macaroni with gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or quinoa. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free certified.
• Spicy Cheeseburger Soup Kick: Add diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce to create a zesty flavor profile. Incorporate pepper jack cheese for extra heat.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Replace macaroni with cauliflower rice or small cauliflower florets to reduce carbohydrate content. Use heavy cream instead of milk for a richer texture.

Pairing Suggestions for One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Recipe (No Velveeta!)

• Crisp Garden Salad: Toss together a fresh mixed green salad with tangy vinaigrette to cut through the soup's richness and add bright, crunchy texture.
• Buttery Garlic Toast: Grill thick slices of crusty bread with garlic butter, creating a perfect dipping companion that echoes the hearty cheeseburger flavors.
• Zesty Pickle Garnish: Sprinkle chopped dill pickles on top for a classic cheeseburger-inspired crunch and tangy kick that brightens the creamy soup.
• Cold Craft Beer Pairing: Select a crisp lager or amber ale that complements the soup's robust beef and cheese profile, providing a refreshing contrast.

Storage Advice for One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Recipe (No Velveeta!)

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed soup stays fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. Avoid freezing dairy-based soups with potatoes, as texture might change.
• Gently warm soup in a pot over medium-low heat. Stir frequently to prevent scorching. Add a splash of broth or milk to restore creamy consistency if needed.
• Place soup in microwave-safe dish. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed. Watch carefully to prevent separation of dairy ingredients.

FAQs on One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Recipe (No Velveeta!)

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute elbow macaroni with other short pasta shapes like shells, rotini, or penne that hold sauce well and cook quickly.

• Is this soup freezer-friendly?

Absolutely! You can freeze this soup in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Just thaw and reheat gently, stirring occasionally to maintain creamy texture.

• Can I make this soup with ground turkey?

Definitely. Ground turkey is a great lean protein alternative that works perfectly in this recipe. The flavor profile remains similar and delicious.

• Do I need to use whole milk?

While whole milk creates the creamiest result, you can use 2% or reduced-fat milk. Just avoid skim milk as it might make the soup less rich and creamy.

One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Recipe (No Velveeta!)

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4.8 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty macaroni cheeseburger soup delivers classic comfort in a single pot, blending rich burger flavors with creamy pasta goodness. Chefs can savor this easy, satisfying meal that brings restaurant-style indulgence straight to home kitchens.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Liquid Components:

• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup milk

Additional Ingredients:

• 1 medium onion, diced
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Heat a large pot over medium-high temperature, sauté ground beef with finely chopped onions until meat is completely browned and onions are translucent, approximately 6-7 minutes.
2. Drain excess fat from the meat, then return pot to stove and add beef broth, bringing liquid to a rolling boil.
3. Introduce elbow macaroni into the boiling broth, reducing heat to medium and cooking pasta until tender and al dente, roughly 8-9 minutes.
4. Lower heat to minimum, gently incorporate milk into the pasta mixture, stirring continuously to prevent scorching.
5. Gradually blend shredded cheddar cheese into the soup, whisking smoothly until cheese melts completely and creates a silky, uniform consistency.
6. Season the soup with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper, adjusting flavors to personal preference.
7. Allow soup to rest for 2-3 minutes, enabling flavors to meld and sauce to slightly thicken before ladling into warm serving bowls.
8. Garnish with optional toppings like crispy bacon bits, chopped green onions, or additional shredded cheese if desired, and serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Customize protein choices by substituting ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for dietary preferences.
• Enhance nutrition by adding extra vegetables like diced bell peppers, carrots, or spinach during the beef browning stage.
• Control sodium levels by using low-sodium beef broth and monitoring salt addition during seasoning.
• Achieve a richer flavor by using sharp cheddar or mixing multiple cheese varieties for depth and complexity.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 550 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg