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One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Recipe (No Velveeta)

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


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4.8 from 34 reviews

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

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.


Ingredients

Scale

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

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