One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

This One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is a delightful fusion of comfort food and convenience. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, this dish brings together the rich flavors of cheeseburgers in a creamy soup form. With everything cooked in just one pot, cleanup is a breeze, and you’ll have a satisfying meal ready in just 30 minutes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe takes only 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy nights.
• One Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup is required since everything cooks in one pot.
• Flavorful Comfort Food: The combination of ground beef, cheddar cheese, and creamy broth creates a deliciously comforting dish.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the cheesy flavor and fun macaroni texture.
• Customizable Ingredients: You can easily adjust the veggies or use different types of cheese to suit your taste.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into cooking, gather your tools for an efficient cooking experience. Having everything at hand will streamline the process and make it enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Spatula
• Knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Essential for cooking the soup evenly while ensuring all ingredients blend well together.
• Baking sheet: Used for roasting the sesame seed bun croutons to add a crunchy texture to your soup.

Ingredients

For the Soup Base

• 1 lb. ground beef
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano, divided
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme, divided
• 6 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup yellow onion, diced
• 1 cup sliced carrots
• 1 cup sliced celery
• 5 cloves garlic, minced

For the Broth and Pasta

• 4 tablespoons flour
• 8 cups chicken broth
• 8 oz. uncooked elbow macaroni

For Creaminess and Flavor

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 8 oz. sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 teaspoon white balsamic vinegar
• Kosher salt
• Fresh cracked pepper

For Croutons and Garnish

• 4 sesame seed buns, diced into 1-inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Sliced green onion, for garnish
• Shredded cheddar cheese, for garnish

How to Make One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 2: Prepare Croutons

Place sesame seed bun cubes in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat evenly. Bake for 10 minutes or until crispy on the outside.

Step 3: Cook Ground Beef

Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add ground beef along with 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Brown the beef by crumbling it with a spatula until fully cooked through. Remove from pan and set aside.

Step 4: Sauté Vegetables

In the same pot, melt butter over medium heat (no need to wipe it out). Add diced onion, sliced carrots, sliced celery, and a large pinch of salt and pepper. Cook while stirring occasionally for about 10 minutes.

Step 5: Add Garlic

Reduce heat to medium again. Stir in minced garlic along with remaining oregano and thyme. Cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 6: Thicken Base

Sprinkle flour over the vegetables; stir well to coat them evenly. Cook for another minute while stirring frequently.

Step 7: Deglaze Pot

Add a splash of chicken broth to deglaze the pot by scraping up any bits stuck to the bottom.

Step 8: Combine Broth and Pasta

Stir in remaining chicken broth along with uncooked macaroni noodles. Season with another pinch of salt and pepper. Increase heat to medium-high until it reaches a simmer.

Step 9: Simmer Pasta

Once simmering, reduce heat to low. Simmer for about 5-7 minutes or until pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 10: Add Cream and Cheese

Remove soup from heat; stir in heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese until melted.

Step 11: Finish Soup

Add white balsamic vinegar followed by cooked ground beef back into the pot. Heat over medium until warmed through; season with additional salt and pepper if desired.

Step 12: Serve

Serve hot topped with sesame seed bun croutons, garnished with green onions and shredded cheddar cheese. Enjoy your comforting bowl of One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup!

How to Serve One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is a delightful dish that can be served in various ways. Whether you’re enjoying it on a cozy night at home or hosting a gathering, these serving suggestions will elevate your meal.

Croutons

• Use crispy sesame seed bun croutons for added texture. Simply bake diced buns with olive oil until golden brown.

Fresh Herbs

• Garnish the soup with sliced green onions or fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor.

Cheese Topping

• Add extra shredded cheddar cheese on top just before serving for an even cheesier experience.

Side Salad

• Serve with a light side salad for a refreshing contrast. Consider a simple mixed greens salad with vinaigrette.

Breadsticks

• Offer garlic or herb breadsticks alongside the soup for a comforting touch.

Pickles

• Include pickles on the side for a tangy crunch that complements the creamy soup.

How to Perfect One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

To ensure your One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup turns out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables and high-quality ground beef will enhance the flavor of your soup.
• Control the thickness: Adjust the amount of chicken broth and cream based on your preferred soup consistency.
• Stir frequently: Stir the macaroni while it cooks to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
• Season well: Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed throughout the cooking process for maximum flavor.
• Let it rest: Allow the soup to sit for a few minutes after cooking; this helps meld the flavors together.
• Reheat gently: If you have leftovers, reheat them slowly over low heat to avoid curdling the cream.

Best Side Dishes for One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

Pairing side dishes with your One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup can create a balanced meal. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Bread
   A classic choice that complements any soup, buttery garlic bread adds an irresistible crunch.

2. Caesar Salad
   Crisp romaine lettuce topped with creamy Caesar dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the rich soup.

3. Roasted Vegetables
   Seasonal roasted veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, and carrots add color and nutrition to your meal.

4. Potato Wedges
   Crunchy potato wedges seasoned with herbs make for a hearty addition that pairs well with cheeseburger flavors.

5. Coleslaw
   A tangy coleslaw brings brightness to your plate and balances out the richness of the soup.

6. Cornbread Muffins
   Soft, sweet cornbread muffins are perfect for dipping into your savory soup, adding texture and flavor.

7. Fruit Salad
   A light fruit salad serves as a refreshing palate cleanser that contrasts nicely with savory dishes.

8. Stuffed Peppers
   Colorful stuffed peppers filled with rice and veggies offer an appealing presentation alongside your soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup, small mistakes can lead to big flavor losses. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:

• Skipping the browning step – Browning the ground beef adds depth of flavor. Don’t rush this process; it enhances the overall taste of your soup.
• Not seasoning properly – Under-seasoning can lead to bland soup. Be sure to taste as you go and adjust salt and pepper to your liking.
• Overcooking the macaroni – Cooking the pasta too long can make it mushy. Aim for al dente by checking the noodles a minute or two before the recommended cooking time.
• Ignoring ingredient temperatures – Adding cold ingredients like cream can cool down your soup. Allow them to come to room temperature before mixing in.
• Using low-quality cheese – Not all cheeses melt well. Choose a good quality sharp cheddar for that creamy texture and rich flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup in an airtight container.
• It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

• Freeze soup in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months.
• Leave a little space at the top of containers for expansion when freezing.

Reheating One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

• Oven – Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake in an oven-safe container until heated through, stirring occasionally.
• Microwave – Heat individual portions in a microwave-safe bowl, covering it loosely, and heat in short intervals until warm.
• Stovetop – Reheat gently on medium heat, stirring frequently, until hot throughout.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup, we’ve got you covered!

Can I customize my One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup?

Yes! Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or switch up the meats based on your preference.

How do I make this soup vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version of One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup, simply replace ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives and use vegetable broth.

What can I serve with this soup?

This hearty soup pairs beautifully with croutons, fresh bread, or a light salad for a complete meal.

How long does it take to make One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup?

The total time is about 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for a quick dinner.

Can I use different types of cheese?

Absolutely! While sharp cheddar is recommended, feel free to mix in Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for added flavor.

Final Thoughts

One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is an easy and delicious recipe that brings comfort food right to your table. Its creamy texture and savory flavors make it a family favorite. Plus, it’s highly customizable — whether you want extra veggies or a different cheese blend. Give this recipe a try; it’s bound to become a go-to meal!