If you are craving a comforting, hearty meal that brings all the joy of a cheeseburger right into a warm bowl of soup, this One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender ground beef, creamy cheddar cheese, and tender potatoes mingling with classic macaroni in a rich, flavorful broth that feels like a hug in a bowl. The best part? It all comes together in a single pot, making cleanup a breeze while delivering maximum flavor and satisfaction. Whether you’re feeding a family or need a cozy dinner to brighten your day, this soup hits every note perfectly.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, straightforward ingredients are the secret to this soup’s incredible flavor and texture. Each item plays a specific role, from the richness of ground beef to the silky sharpness of cheddar cheese, creating a perfectly balanced dish that’s both hearty and comforting.
- 1 pound ground beef: Provides a savory, meaty base that’s full of flavor and protein.
- 1 onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth, softened to perfection for that comforting aroma.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Gives a subtle kick and enhances overall flavor complexity.
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced: Bring hearty texture and make the soup more filling.
- 4 cups beef broth: The rich liquid foundation that merges all flavors beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds a tangy, umami boost that ties everything together.
- 1 teaspoon mustard: Offers a mild tang that brightens up the soup’s taste.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Adds color and a gentle smokiness for extra warmth.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into creamy goodness, making the soup decadently cheesy.
- 1 cup milk: Creates a smooth, luscious base for the cheese to melt seamlessly.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and rounding out the flavors.
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds a fresh pop of color and brightness to finish the soup.
How to Make One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating a large pot over medium heat, then add the ground beef. Cook it thoroughly until it’s nicely browned. This step is key because browning the beef creates deep, savory flavors that form the foundation of your soup. Don’t forget to drain the excess fat once done to keep the soup balanced and not greasy.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
After the beef is browned and drained, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic right into the same pot. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, which usually takes just a few minutes. This step builds a flavorful base layer that melds beautifully with the meat.
Step 3: Simmer with Potatoes and Broth
Add the diced potatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and paprika directly to the pot. Bring everything to a boil and then lower the heat to let it simmer gently. This simmering lets the potatoes soften up and all those flavors marry together perfectly, creating a hearty, comforting broth. This will typically take 15 to 20 minutes.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Milk
Now for the creamy magic — stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and milk. Keep cooking over low heat while stirring frequently to ensure the cheese melts smoothly into the soup. The milk enriches the broth, turning it luxuriously creamy and thick. This step makes the soup feel like a warm, cheesy embrace.
Step 5: Season and Finish
Finally, season your soup with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust these carefully so the soup is perfectly balanced. Once everything is well combined and heated through, it’s ready to serve. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and herbaceous brightness that complements all the rich flavors.
How to Serve One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley sprinkled on top is not only visually appealing but adds a fresh flavor contrast to the creamy soup. You can also play with crispy bacon bits or a dash of smoked paprika for a smoky garnish that takes each bite up a notch.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs perfectly with warm, crusty bread—great for dipping and soaking up every last spoonful. A simple green salad adds a refreshing crunch that balances the creamy richness of the soup beautifully for a complete meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Recipe in rustic bowls for a cozy vibe. To impress guests or family, top with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of chopped green onions. For a playful twist, serve alongside mini slider buns to echo the cheeseburger theme in a fun way.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let the soup cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it an ideal make-ahead meal for busy weeks or leftovers that taste just as good the next day.
Freezing
Although the creamy texture may slightly change after freezing, you can absolutely freeze this soup. Store it in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stove.
Reheating
Reheat the soup slowly over medium-low heat on the stove, stirring often. Add a splash of milk or broth if the soup thickens too much during reheating to restore its creamy consistency. Avoid microwaving on high to keep the cheese from separating.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While cheddar is classic and melts beautifully, you can experiment with Colby, Monterey Jack, or even a blend of cheeses for a unique twist on the soup’s flavor.
Is there a vegetarian option for this soup?
Yes! Swap the ground beef for a plant-based meat alternative or add extra vegetables like mushrooms and lentils to maintain that hearty texture without the meat.
Can I add pasta directly to the soup?
In this recipe, the focus is on the potatoes, but you can absolutely stir in some macaroni pasta during the last 10 minutes of cooking to make it even more reminiscent of a cheeseburger meal in one pot.
What if I don’t have Worcestershire sauce?
You can replace Worcestershire sauce with a splash of soy sauce or a bit of balsamic vinegar to add that umami kick and tangy depth to the broth.
How spicy is this soup?
The soup is mild and friendly for all palates, but you can add a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes if you want to introduce a little heat.
Final Thoughts
There is something utterly satisfying about a One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Recipe that warms the soul and delights the taste buds. It’s the perfect blend of cheesy, meaty, and comforting flavors all in one easy-to-make pot that’s perfect for any night of the week. So, grab your pot and dive into making this deliciously cozy soup—you won’t regret it!
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One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This hearty One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup combines the comforting flavors of a classic cheeseburger with a creamy, cheesy soup base. Featuring ground beef, tender potatoes, sharp cheddar cheese, and a blend of spices, this easy-to-make soup is perfect for a cozy meal and comes together in just 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon mustard
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a large pot over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it is fully browned. Make sure to break the meat apart as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat to reduce greasiness.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté them until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
- Simmer with Potatoes and Broth: Stir in the diced potatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and paprika. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Add Cheese and Milk: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and milk into the pot. Continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the cheese is fully melted and the soup reaches a creamy consistency.
- Season and Serve: Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve the soup hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
Notes
- You can substitute the potatoes with cooked macaroni noodles to turn this into a traditional macaroni and cheeseburger soup.
- Use low-fat milk or a milk alternative to lighten the soup if desired.
- For extra richness, add a splash of heavy cream instead of milk.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop.
- Add a pinch of chili powder or hot sauce for a spicy kick.
