One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup
There’s nothing quite like a hearty, comforting bowl of soup on a chilly day, and this One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup takes that classic notion to delicious new heights. By blending the beloved flavors of a cheeseburger with the creaminess of a mac and cheese, this recipe delivers a meal that’s sure to become a new family favorite.
✨ What Makes This Recipe Special
The magic of this One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup lies in its ability to satisfy cravings for both comfort food classics. The rich, cheesy broth combines the heartiness of ground beef with the gooey, indulgent texture of macaroni and cheese. Plus, with everything cooked in a single pot, cleanup is a breeze – leaving you more time to savor every spoonful.
What sets this recipe apart is its versatility. It can be enjoyed as a main course, a side dish, or even as a dip with crusty bread for dipping. The perfect balance of flavors and textures makes it a crowd-pleasing dish that’s sure to delight both kids and adults alike.
🍽️ Ingredients
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 cups whole milk
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp paprika
• 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, macaroni, and a blend of cheeses creates the comforting, satisfying flavor profile that has made cheeseburger-inspired recipes perennially popular.
👨🍳 Cooking Instructions
• Step 2: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot and sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion is translucent.
• Step 3: Stir in the elbow macaroni, beef broth, and milk. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the macaroni is tender.
• Step 4: Once the macaroni is cooked, remove the pot from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, dried oregano, and paprika. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Step 5: Serve the One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup warm, garnished with additional shredded cheese or chopped parsley, if desired.
⏱️ Timing Overview
• Cooking time: 20 minutes
• Total time: 30 minutes
Compared to traditional cheeseburger recipes, which can take up to an hour to prepare, this One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup saves you 50% of your cooking time while delivering similar flavors.
👩🏻⚕️ Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 6 servings):
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fat: 27g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 896mg
These One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup provide approximately 37% of your daily protein requirements and 16% of your daily carbohydrate needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.
🥬 Make It Even Healthier
• Lower-carb version: Substitute cauliflower florets or zucchini noodles for the macaroni to create a keto-friendly or low-carb alternative.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Replace the milk with unsweetened almond or oat milk, and use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
• Added protein: Stir in cooked crumbled bacon or diced grilled chicken for an extra protein boost.
• Boost vegetables: Add diced tomatoes, chopped spinach, or grated carrots 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 the soup with a side of roasted vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts or broccoli.
• For a cozy family dinner, serve the One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup alongside a simple green salad and some oven-baked French fries.
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Skimping on the cheese: The creaminess and richness of this soup come from the generous amount of cheddar cheese. Don’t be tempted to use less than the recipe calls for.
• Not adjusting the seasoning: Taste the soup before serving and adjust the salt and pepper to your personal preference. The right seasoning can make all the difference in the final flavor.
• Letting it sit too long: This soup is best served immediately, as the macaroni can continue to absorb the liquid and become too thick if left to sit for too long.
• Forgetting to drain the ground beef: Make sure to drain any excess fat from the ground beef before adding the other ingredients to prevent a greasy, heavy soup.
📦 Storage & Leftovers
These One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup retain their quality remarkably well:
• Freezing unbaked: Prepare the soup up to the point of adding the cheese, then let it cool completely. Transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating and adding the cheese.
• Freezing baked: Allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or individual portions. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
• Reheating: When reheating, you may need to add a splash of milk or broth to thin out the consistency if the soup has thickened too much. Heat gently over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until warmed through.
❓ FAQs
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, this One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup can be made ahead of time and refrigerated or frozen for later use. For the best texture, assemble the soup up to the point of adding the cheese, then refrigerate or freeze. When ready to serve, thaw and reheat the soup, adding the cheese just before serving.
Can I substitute the ground beef?
Absolutely! You can swap the ground beef for ground turkey, ground chicken, or even plant-based ground meat alternatives to suit your dietary preferences. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile may change slightly depending on the substitution.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
This recipe can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free elbow macaroni or other small gluten-free pasta shapes. Just be sure to check the labels on all ingredients to ensure they are certified gluten-free.
What can I do if the soup turns out too thick?
If your One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup ends up thicker than desired, simply add a splash of additional beef broth or milk to thin it out to your preferred consistency. Stir gently until the desired texture is achieved.
Can I add extra vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! This soup is highly versatile, and you can easily customize it by adding diced tomatoes, sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or any other vegetables you enjoy. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly if adding extra ingredients.
🎉 Final Thoughts
These One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and presentation. Whether you’re serving them as a comforting family dinner or a satisfying lunch, they’re sure to impress with their rich, creamy texture and nostalgic cheeseburger-inspired flavors. 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 Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup demonstrate that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the cooking process. So what are you waiting for? It’s time to get cooking and experience the ultimate comfort food mashup!
