One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

Warm, creamy, and loaded with cheesy goodness, One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is the ultimate comfort food. This recipe combines the savory flavors of a cheeseburger with the heartiness of pasta and soup in one pot, making it a perfect weeknight dinner. With minimal cleanup and easy-to-find ingredients, this dish will become a family favorite in no time. Let’s get cooking!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Soup:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
• 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 cups beef broth (or chicken broth for a lighter flavor)
• 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
• 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 cup elbow macaroni (or any small pasta)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup cream cheese or heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Toppings:

• Chopped pickles
• Crumbled bacon
• Fresh parsley
• Extra shredded cheese

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef

1. Heat the olive oil or butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Add the ground beef and cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it into crumbles until browned. Drain excess grease if necessary.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

1. Add the diced onion to the pot and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
2. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, or until fragrant.

Step 3: Build the Soup Base

1. Pour in the beef broth, milk, and diced tomatoes (with their juice). Stir to combine.
2. Add Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

1. Stir in the elbow macaroni.
2. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Simmer uncovered for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is tender.

Step 5: Add the Cheese

1. Once the pasta is cooked, reduce the heat to low.
2. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and cream cheese (or heavy cream) until melted and creamy.

Step 6: Taste and Adjust

1. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or paprika as needed.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

1. Ladle the soup into bowls and top with your choice of garnishes, such as chopped pickles, crumbled bacon, or extra cheese.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve this soup hot with toasted hamburger buns, garlic bread, or a side of green salad.
• Add a dollop of ketchup or mustard on top for an extra cheeseburger vibe.

Storage:

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth to restore the creamy consistency.

Freezing:

• This soup is best enjoyed fresh due to the pasta, which may become mushy after freezing. If freezing, cook the pasta separately and add it fresh when reheating.

Helpful Notes

• Lighter Version: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey, use reduced-fat cheese, and swap whole milk for skim milk or unsweetened almond milk.
• Vegetarian Option: Use plant-based ground meat, vegetable broth, and vegan cheese.
• Pasta Variations: Shells, penne, or small rotini work well if you don’t have elbow macaroni.

Tips from Well-Known Chefs

1. Guy Fieri: “For that classic burger flavor, don’t skip the Worcestershire sauce—it adds an umami punch.”
2. Rachael Ray: “Toast your spices like paprika in the pot with the onions and garlic to deepen their flavor.”
3. Bobby Flay: “A splash of pickle brine in the soup adds a tangy twist reminiscent of a cheeseburger.”

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this soup gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your Worcestershire sauce and broth are gluten-free.

2. What other cheeses can I use?
Cheddar is classic, but you can mix in Monterey Jack, Colby, or even smoked gouda for added flavor.

3. Can I use pre-cooked pasta?
Yes, add it toward the end of the cooking process to prevent it from becoming overcooked.

4. How can I make this soup spicier?
Add diced jalapeños, a dash of hot sauce, or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a kick.

5. Can I add vegetables to the soup?
Absolutely! Diced bell peppers, carrots, or spinach are great additions for extra nutrition.

6. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, brown the beef and aromatics first, then add all ingredients except pasta and cheese to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–8 hours, adding the pasta and cheese during the last 30 minutes.

7. What if my soup is too thick?
Thin it out with a little extra broth or milk until you reach your desired consistency.

8. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, but cook the pasta separately and add it when reheating to avoid mushiness.

9. How can I make it taste more like a cheeseburger?
Top the soup with diced pickles, a drizzle of ketchup, or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a fun twist.

10. What should I serve alongside this soup?
Garlic bread, a crisp salad, or onion rings make excellent sides.