One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is a warm, tasty meаl that mixes two classic dishes , cheeseburger and macaroni and cheese. It feels like home and makes you happy . You only need one pot to cook it , so it’s perfect for busy days or when you just don’t want a pile of dishes to wash.
What makes one-pot meals so great is how simple they are . They save time cooking and cleaning , which is awesome on weeknights when you’re tired or on lazy weekends. One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup gives you all the cheesy, beefy flavors in one bowl , turning a simple soup into a filling dinner you’ll keep coming back to.
This soup blends the heartiness of cheeseburgers with the creaminess of macaroni and cheese in a single pot . It’s easy to make , tastes amazing , and soon enough it’ll be a favorite in your home cooking line-up.
What is One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup?
One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup brings together cheeseburger flavors and macaroni-and-cheese comfort in one easy pot . You brown the meat, add veggies, broth, pasta, and cheese all in the same pan , so cleanup is almost nothing . This cooking style is called a “one-pot meal” because you only dirty one pot from start to finish , saving time and effort.
Definition of One-Pot Meals
One-pot meals mean you toss all ingredients into one vessel for cooking . It’s great if you’re busy or just don’t feel like washing lots of dishes later . Plus , the flavors mix together as it cooks, often making tastier food than if you cooked everything separately .
Origins and Culinary Inspiration
Cheeseburgers became popular in the early 1900s in the United States , and macaroni and cheese has roots in Europe, especially Italy and Britain . Someone smart decided to mash them together into a soup , and the result is this happy blend of nostalgia and comfort that’s perfect any night of the week.
Ingredient Breakdown
Here’s what you need to make the rich, flavorful One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup . Some things are must-haves, others you can add if you want more texture or taste.
Essential Ingredients
- Ground beef (or turkey/alternative protein): gives that burger taste.
- Macaroni pasta: classic elbow shapes work best.
- Cheese blend: cheddar plus cream cheese makes it super creamy.
- Vegetables: onions, tomatoes, bell peppers add color and lite sweetness.
- Broth: beef or veggie broth is your flavorful liquid base.
- Seasonings: garlic, mustard, Worcestershire sauce for extra zing.
Optional Ingredients
- Toppings: crispy bacon bits, scallions, or croutons for crunch.
- Variations: try beans for fiber or swap cheeses to change flavors.
Equipment Needed
- Large pot or Dutch oven: the only pot you’ll need.
- Wooden or silicone spoon: to stir without scratching.
- Measuring cups and spoons: measure right so it tastes great.
- Ladle: for serving bowls of soup easily.
Step-by-Step Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey)
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup elbow macaroni
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup cream cheese
- 2 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: bacon bits, scallions for garnish
Directions
1. Sauté Ground Beef and Vegetables
Heat the pot over medium. Add the ground meat, onions, and bell pepper . Cook until meat is browned and veggies are soft. Then stir in garlic and cook 1 more minute until it smells amazing .
2. Add Broth and Pasta
Pour in broth and diced tomatoes. Bring to a boil , then add macaroni. Stir so pasta is covered by liquid , then lower heat to a simmer.
3. Simmer
Cover the pot and let it simmer for 8–10 minutes , or until pasta is tender. Stir now and then so nothing sticks .
4. Add the Cheeses and Seasoning
Once pasta is done, stir in cream cheese until melted. Then mix in cheddar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, salt, and pepper . Taste and fix seasonings if needed.
5. Serve and Enjoy
Scoop soup into bowls, top with bacon or scallions if you like , and dig in while it’s hot!
Tips for Perfect One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup
Choosing the Right Meat
You can use ground beef, turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat . Each one gives different flavor and texture , so pick what you like.
Pasta Choices
Elbow macaroni is classic but shells or penne work too. Just watch cooking time since shapes cook at different rates .
Adding Flavor
Add paprika for smokiness, Italian seasoning for herbs, or hot sauce for a spicy kick . Experiment till you find your favorite blend .
Storage and Reheating Advice
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days . Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a bit of broth if it’s too thick .
Pairing Suggestions
Side Dishes
Garlic bread is perfect for dipping , and a simple salad adds freshness to the meal .
Beverage Pairings
A cold beer goes great with this soup . If you want non-alcoholic, try iced tea, soda, or lemonade .
Nutritional Information
This soup packs protein from meat and veggies that give vitamins. Here’s a rough idea per serving:
- Calories: Depends on your ingredients
- Protein: About 20–30g
- Carbs: Around 30–40g
FAQs
What can I use instead of ground beef in this soup?
You can swap in ground turkey, chicken, lentils, or plant-based meat for a vegetarian twist .
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes . Brown meat and veggies first , then put everything in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours. Add cheese at the end so it stays creamy .
How long will leftovers last in the refrigerator?
Leftovers last 3–4 days in a sealed container. Let it cool before sealing so it stays fresh .
Can I freeze One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup?
Freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months . Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove .
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Use dairy-free cheese and replace cream cheese with coconut milk or cashew cream for a creamy, dairy-free soup .
Conclusion
One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup brings two favorites into one simple, tasty meal . It’s quick to make, full of flavor, and perfect for family dinners . Give it a try and watch it become a go-to recipe in your kitchen!
One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup
Equipment
- 1 Large pot or Dutch oven
- 1 Wooden spoon or spatula
- 1 Measuring cups and spoons
- 1 Cheese grater (optional)
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup diced onion (about 1 medium onion)
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 3 cups beef broth
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup elbow macaroni
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- Chopped parsley (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked, breaking it up into smaller pieces with a wooden spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add diced onion and minced garlic to the pot and sauté for about 3 minutes until onions become translucent.
- Pour in the beef broth and water, and bring to a boil.
- Stir in the elbow macaroni, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the macaroni is tender. Stir occasionally to avoid sticking.
- Once the macaroni is cooked, reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
