This One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is a delightful and comforting dish that brings together classic cheeseburger flavors in a creamy, savory soup. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a family gathering, this recipe is not only quick to prepare but also easy to clean up since everything cooks in one pot! Whether you’re looking for a weeknight meal or a fun way to please the kids, this soup checks all the boxes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe takes just 30 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for busy evenings.
- One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks in one pot, which means less cleanup time for you!
- Rich Flavor: The combination of ground beef, vegetables, and cheddar cheese provides an irresistible taste that everyone will enjoy.
- Comforting and Satisfying: This soup is hearty enough to be a complete meal, perfect for chilly nights.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or swap out the cheese for something different!
Tools and Preparation
Before you start cooking, gather your tools and equipment. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Baking sheet
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Essential for cooking the soup evenly and holding all ingredients comfortably.
- Chef’s knife: A sharp knife makes chopping vegetables fast and safe.
- Baking sheet: Perfect for making crispy sesame seed croutons that add texture to your soup.

Ingredients
To create this delicious One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup, gather the following 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:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 oz. sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
To Enhance Flavor:
- 1 teaspoon white balsamic vinegar
- Kosher salt
- Fresh cracked pepper
For Serving:
- 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: Prepare the Croutons
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Place sesame seed bun cubes on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Drizzle with olive oil and toss until coated evenly.
- Bake for 10 minutes or until crispy.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
- In a large pot over medium heat, add ground beef along with 1 teaspoon of oregano, 1 teaspoon of thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Cook until browned while breaking it apart with a spatula. Remove from pot and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté Vegetables
- In the same pot, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add diced onion, carrots, celery, salt, and pepper. Cook while stirring occasionally for about 10 minutes.
Step 4: Add Garlic and Herbs
- Lower the heat slightly and add minced garlic along with remaining oregano and thyme.
- Cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Step 5: Thicken the Soup Base
- Sprinkle flour over the vegetable mixture. Stir well to coat everything evenly.
- Cook for another minute while stirring frequently.
Step 6: Deglaze the Pot
- Pour in a small splash of chicken broth to deglaze the pot.
- Scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom.
Step 7: Add Broth and Pasta
- Stir in remaining chicken broth along with uncooked elbow macaroni. Season with another pinch of salt and pepper.
- Increase heat to medium-high until it reaches a simmer.
Step 8: Cook Pasta
- Once simmering, reduce heat to low. Let it cook for about 5–7 minutes or until pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally.
Step 9: Combine All Ingredients
- Remove from heat after pasta is cooked. Stir in heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
Step 10: Final Touches
- Mix in white balsamic vinegar. Return browned ground beef back into the pot. Heat gently over medium heat until warmed through; season as needed.
Step 11: Serve
- Ladle soup into bowls topped with crispy sesame seed croutons. Garnish with sliced green onions and additional shredded cheddar cheese before serving!
Enjoy your homemade One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup!
How to Serve One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup
One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is a hearty dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your experience.
With Homemade Croutons
- Crispy Sesame Seed Buns: Bake diced sesame seed buns until golden and crispy for added texture and flavor.
Garnished with Fresh Herbs
- Green Onions: Sprinkle sliced green onions on top for a fresh crunch that complements the creamy soup.
Topped with Extra Cheese
- Shredded Cheddar: Add more shredded cheddar cheese on top just before serving for an indulgent touch of cheesiness.
Served with a Side Salad
- Mixed Green Salad: A light salad dressed with vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup and adds freshness.
Accompanied by Breadsticks
- Garlic Breadsticks: Soft, warm breadsticks are perfect for dipping into the soup, adding a delightful side to your meal.
How to Perfect One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup
To make your One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup even better, keep these tips in mind.
- Bold Seasoning: Use fresh herbs or spices to elevate the flavors. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
- Creamy Consistency: For a thicker soup, reduce the amount of broth or add more cream.
- Al Dente Pasta: Cook macaroni until just al dente; it will continue cooking in the hot soup.
- Flavorful Broth: Choose a high-quality chicken broth for richer flavor. You can also use homemade broth if available.
- Leftover Transformation: Use any leftover soup in casseroles or as a pasta sauce for another meal.
Best Side Dishes for One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup
Pairing sides with your soup can create a balanced meal. Here are some great options:
- Garlic Bread: Toasted garlic bread pairs well, offering a crunchy contrast to the creamy soup.
- Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad adds crisp romaine and a tangy dressing that complements the soup’s richness.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw provides crunch and acidity, balancing out the flavors of the cheeseburger soup.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables bring extra nutrients and color to your meal.
- Cornbread Muffins: Soft cornbread muffins are slightly sweet and perfect for dipping into the soup.
- Potato Wedges: Crispy baked potato wedges add heartiness and work well with the cheeseburger theme.
- Stuffed Peppers: Mini stuffed peppers filled with rice or quinoa offer a healthy side option full of flavor.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad serves as a light contrast, making for a well-rounded meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup, it’s easy to overlook some details. Here are common mistakes and how to avoid them.
- Overcooking the Pasta: Cooking the macaroni for too long can make it mushy. Follow the recommended cooking time closely and test for al dente.
- Skipping the Deglazing Step: Neglecting to deglaze the pot can leave behind flavorful bits. Always add a splash of broth to scrape up those tasty morsels.
- Not Seasoning Enough: Failing to season at various stages can result in bland soup. Taste and adjust seasoning as you cook for maximum flavor.
- Using Low-Quality Cheese: Using subpar cheese can affect texture and taste. Opt for a good quality sharp cheddar to enhance your soup’s creaminess.
- Ignoring the Garnish: Skipping garnishes like green onions or additional cheese can lessen visual appeal and flavor. Always finish your soup with fresh toppings.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Consume within 3-4 days for best quality.
Freezing One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup
- Portion the soup into freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, covered loosely. Heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Place in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup.
Can I make One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative and use dairy-free cheese.
What can I add to One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup?
You can customize it by adding vegetables like bell peppers, corn, or even leafy greens for added nutrition.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative that will work well in this recipe.
How can I adjust the spice level in One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup?
To add more heat, consider including diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce while cooking.
How long does it take to make One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup?
This recipe takes just 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for a quick weeknight meal.
Final Thoughts
One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is not only quick and easy but also packed with comforting flavors that your family will adore. Feel free to customize with your favorite veggies or proteins to match your taste preferences!
One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup
Indulge in the comforting goodness of One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup, a delightful fusion of classic cheeseburger flavors all wrapped up in a rich, creamy broth. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for hectic weeknights or cozy family dinners, taking just 30 minutes from start to finish. With every spoonful, you’ll savor the hearty notes of ground beef, cheddar cheese, and fresh vegetables combined with tender elbow macaroni. Plus, the one-pot cooking method means less cleanup, allowing you to enjoy more time with your loved ones. Customize it by adding your favorite veggies or swapping out cheeses for a unique twist. Gather everyone around the table and serve this delicious soup topped with crispy croutons for an added crunch!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 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
- 4 tablespoons flour
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 8 oz. uncooked elbow macaroni
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 oz. sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 teaspoon white balsamic vinegar
- Kosher salt
- Fresh cracked pepper
- 4 sesame seed buns, diced into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Sliced green onion, for garnish
- Shredded cheddar cheese, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F and prepare croutons by baking diced sesame seed buns drizzled with olive oil until crispy.
- Brown ground beef in a large pot over medium heat; season with oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Sauté onion, carrots, celery in butter until soft; add garlic and herbs.
- Sprinkle flour over veggies; stir well and cook briefly.
- Deglaze pot with chicken broth; add remaining broth and uncooked macaroni.
- Simmer until pasta is al dente; stir in heavy cream and cheese until melted.
- Mix in white balsamic vinegar and return browned beef to pot; warm through before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 70mg



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