One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup
Get ready to indulge in a delightfully comforting one-pot wonder that combines the best of two classic dishes – macaroni and cheese and cheeseburger! Our One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is a family-friendly meal that’s sure to become a new weeknight staple in your household.
💝 The Magic Behind This Dish
This recipe is a true game-changer, blending the creamy, cheesy goodness of mac and cheese with the savory, beefy flavors of a cheeseburger. The result is a hearty, satisfying soup that delivers the ultimate comfort food experience. With its mouthwatering combination of textures and flavors, this one-pot wonder will have your taste buds dancing with joy.
What sets this recipe apart is its ability to satisfy cravings for both mac and cheese and cheeseburgers in a single dish. The quick and easy preparation means you can have a delicious, homemade meal on the table in no time, without compromising on flavor or satisfaction.
🍽️ Ingredients
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 cups milk
• 8 oz elbow macaroni
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
The beauty of this One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of ground beef, elbow macaroni, and a blend of cheddar cheese and savory herbs creates the comforting, family-friendly flavor profile that has made cheeseburger-inspired recipes perennially popular.
👨🍳 Cooking Instructions
• Step 2: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion is translucent.
• Step 3: Pour in the beef broth and milk. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
• Step 4: Add the elbow macaroni and continue simmering for 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.
• Step 5: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, dried oregano, and dried basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Step 6: Serve hot and enjoy your One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup!
⏱️ Timing Overview
• Cooking time: 25 minutes
• Total time: 40 minutes
Compared to traditional cheeseburger soup recipes, which can take up to an hour to prepare, this One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup saves you 20% of your cooking time while delivering similar flavors.
👩🏻⚕️ Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 6 servings):
• Protein: 32g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fat: 27g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 807mg
These one-pot macaroni cheeseburger soup recipes provide approximately 64% of your daily protein requirements and 14% of your daily carbohydrate needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.
🔄 Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
• Lower-carb version: Substitute cauliflower florets for the elbow macaroni to create a keto-friendly alternative.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Replace the milk and cheese with unsweetened almond milk and dairy-free shredded cheese.
• Added protein: Stir in cooked, diced chicken or turkey for an extra protein boost.
• Boost vegetables: Add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to increase the vegetable content.
These modifications can reduce calories by up to 20% or adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs without compromising the fundamental flavor profile of the One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
• Pair with a fresh garden salad for a complete meal
• Complement with a side of roasted Brussels sprouts or broccoli
• For a weeknight dinner, serve alongside a simple green salad and a glass of iced tea
• Create an appetizer platter with this soup, bite-sized cheese cubes, and crispy bacon bits
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Forgetting to drain the beef: Leaving excess fat in the pot can make the soup greasy. Be sure to drain the browned ground beef before adding the other ingredients.
• Skimping on the cheese: For the ultimate cheeseburger flavor, use the full 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Don’t be tempted to reduce the amount.
• Not seasoning properly: Taste the soup as you go and adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. The right seasoning is key to bringing out the best flavors.
🧊 Storing Tips for the Recipe
These one-pot macaroni cheeseburger soup recipes retain their quality remarkably well:
• Freezing unbaked: Prepare the soup up to the point of adding the macaroni, then let it cool completely. Transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat on the stovetop and add the macaroni.
• Freezing baked: Allow the cooked soup to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then gently reheat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to restore the desired texture.
❓ FAQs
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! This One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is an excellent make-ahead meal. You can prepare the entire recipe, let it cool completely, and then store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, simply reheat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally, until hot and bubbly.
Can I substitute different types of cheese?
Yes, you can experiment with different cheese varieties to suit your taste preferences. Cheddar is the classic choice, but you could also try using a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack, or even incorporate some crumbled feta or grated Parmesan cheese.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make this One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup gluten-free, simply substitute the elbow macaroni with a gluten-free pasta variety or use cauliflower florets instead. Be sure to check the labels on all other ingredients to ensure they are also gluten-free.
What can I do if the soup turns out too thick?
If your One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup ends up being too thick for your liking, you can thin it out by adding a bit more broth or milk. Start with 1/4 cup at a time and stir well until you reach the desired consistency.
Can I add any extra toppings or garnishes?
Absolutely! This soup is very versatile and allows for countless customizations. Try topping it with crispy bacon bits, diced fresh tomatoes, sliced green onions, or a dollop of sour cream. You can also get creative by swirling in a spoonful of pesto or sprinkling on some crushed crackers or croutons.
🎉 Final Thoughts
These One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup recipes represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and presentation. Whether you’re serving them as a comforting weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, they’re sure to impress with their creamy, cheesy goodness and satisfying textures. The versatility of this recipe allows for countless variations to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, these one-pot wonders demonstrate that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the cooking process. So why not give this delightful One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup a try and let the comfort food magic unfold in your kitchen?
