If you love the comforting flavors of a cheeseburger combined with the hearty warmth of a creamy soup, then you are going to adore this One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Recipe. It brings together juicy ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, sharp cheddar, and a medley of vibrant vegetables all simmered in a rich, cheesy broth. Every spoonful offers that perfect balance between indulgence and home-cooked goodness, making it a wonderful meal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple but thoughtfully chosen ingredients that build layers of flavor, texture, and color in your soup. Each item brings something unique to the pot, from the savory depth of oregano and thyme to the crunch of homemade sesame seed croutons.
- 1 lb. ground beef: The savory base that gives this soup its irresistible meaty flavor.
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano, divided: Adds an aromatic, earthy note that elevates the broth.
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme, divided: Provides a subtle herbal undertone, balancing the richness.
- 6 tablespoons butter: Essential for sautéing the vegetables and creating a luscious base.
- 1 cup yellow onion, diced: Offers sweetness and depth as it softens during cooking.
- 1 cup sliced carrots: Adds slight sweetness and a pop of bright orange color.
- 1 cup sliced celery: Brings freshness and a mild crunch to the soup’s texture.
- 5 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the broth with a bold, savory kick.
- 4 tablespoons flour: Helps thicken the soup and bind the flavors together.
- 8 cups chicken broth: The hearty liquid that carries all the delicious flavors.
- 8 oz. uncooked elbow macaroni: Classic, tender pasta that soaks up every bit of cheesy goodness.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Makes the soup wonderfully creamy and rich.
- 8 oz. sharp cheddar cheese, shredded: The star of the soup, delivering irresistible cheese flavor and melt.
- 1 teaspoon white balsamic vinegar: Adds a gentle tang to brighten and balance the richness.
- Kosher salt: For seasoning that brings all the ingredients to life.
- Fresh cracked pepper: Adds a touch of spice and warmth.
- 4 sesame seed buns, diced into 1-inch pieces: Transformed into crunchy, buttery croutons for topping.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Used to crisp up the sesame bun cubes for that perfect crunch.
- Sliced green onion, for garnish: Provides a fresh, mild onion flavor and lovely color contrast.
- Shredded cheddar cheese, for garnish: Extra cheesy goodness on top for the cheese lovers.
How to Make One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sesame Seed Bun Croutons
Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees. Toss the diced sesame seed buns with olive oil so they get nicely coated. Spread them on a baking sheet lined with parchment and bake until golden and slightly crispy. These croutons will add delightful texture and a buttery crunch when sprinkled on top of your soup.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
In a large pot over medium heat, cook the ground beef with half of the dried oregano and thyme, seasoning with salt and pepper. Break it up as it browns for an even texture. Once cooked through, remove the beef from the pot but keep all those flavorful drippings—that’s where the magic begins.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables in Butter
Without cleaning the pot, melt the butter and then add the onions, carrots, and celery seasoned with salt and pepper. Cooking these together over medium-high heat softens the vegetables while building a rich base of flavor that will carry through the entire soup.
Step 4: Add Garlic and Herbs
Lower the heat to medium and toss in the minced garlic with the remaining oregano and thyme. Let everything cook together for about a minute until fragrant, enhancing the soup’s aromatic qualities without overwhelming the palate.
Step 5: Thicken the Base with Flour
Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir thoroughly to coat them. This step is crucial for thickening the soup and giving it that creamy, velvety texture you’ll love in every spoonful.
Step 6: Deglaze and Add Broth with Pasta
Add a small splash of chicken broth to the pot and scrape up all the tasty bits stuck to the bottom. Then pour in the remaining broth, along with the uncooked elbow macaroni, seasoning again with salt and pepper. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the pasta to cook and absorb those rich flavors.
Step 7: Finish with Cream, Cheese, and Ground Beef
Remove the pot from heat before stirring in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese, letting them melt into a luscious, cheesy broth. Add white balsamic vinegar for brightness, then return the browned ground beef to the pot. Warm everything together for a few more minutes to blend the flavors beautifully.
How to Serve One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
Garnishes
This soup absolutely sings when topped with crispy homemade sesame seed bun croutons, a sprinkle of shredded cheddar, and fresh green onions. The croutons provide a delightful crunch that contrasts the creamy soup, while the green onions add freshness and color that make the dish even more inviting.
Side Dishes
Keep sides simple because this soup is a meal on its own. A crisp green salad or some steamed veggies complements the richness perfectly. Alternatively, a light fruit salad could brighten your meal with refreshing sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this soup in mini bread bowls made from hollowed-out rolls, or layer it as a comforting casserole with extra cheese and the croutons baked on top. Another idea is to plate the soup with a side of crispy bacon strips or pickles for added texture and tang.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer your leftover macaroni cheeseburger soup into airtight containers and store in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it perfect for warm meals throughout the week.
Freezing
This soup freezes reasonably well, though the pasta might soften slightly upon thawing. Use freezer-safe containers and aim to consume within 2 months for the best taste and texture. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your soup gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the soup is too thick, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up. You can also microwave individual portions, stirring halfway through for even warmth.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta in the soup?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is classic in this Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup, small pasta shapes like shells, ditalini, or mini penne can work just as well. Just keep an eye on the cooking time since different pastas may soften at different rates.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or hearty beans like lentils for protein. Use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth, and the soup will still be deliciously comforting with a twist.
What can I use instead of white balsamic vinegar?
If you don’t have white balsamic vinegar, a squeeze of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar works wonderfully. It adds the necessary acidity to brighten up the rich, cheesy flavors without overpowering them.
Can I prepare the croutons ahead of time?
Definitely. The sesame seed bun croutons can be baked a day or two ahead and stored in an airtight container at room temperature. This way, they will stay crisp and ready to sprinkle on your soup whenever you’re ready to serve.
How can I make this soup spicier?
For some heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the vegetables or toss in diced jalapeños alongside the onions. A dash of hot sauce at the end also works great if you prefer controlling the spice level as you eat.
Final Thoughts
This One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Recipe is truly one of those feel-good dishes that hits all the right notes—comforting, cheesy, and loaded with flavor. It’s straightforward enough to whip up any night but special enough to impress family and friends. Give it a try and get ready for everyone asking for seconds!
