This One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is a delightful blend of comfort and flavor, making it the perfect dish for any occasion. In just 30 minutes, you can create a hearty meal that your family will adore. With everything cooked in one pot, cleanup is a breeze! The creamy texture and cheesy goodness make this soup stand out, while the use of fresh ingredients ensures a wholesome experience.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This soup can be prepared in just 30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight dinner option.
- One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks together in one pot, minimizing cleanup time and effort.
- Family-Friendly Flavor: The rich cheeseburger taste appeals to both kids and adults alike.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can easily substitute vegetables or proteins based on your preferences or what you have on hand.
- Comforting Meal: This soup provides all the comforting qualities of a cheeseburger in a warm bowl.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools to streamline the cooking process. Having everything ready will help you enjoy making this delicious dish!
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Essential for cooking the soup evenly and holding all ingredients comfortably.
- Baking sheet: Perfect for roasting the sesame seed buns to create crispy croutons that add texture to your soup.
Ingredients
To make this scrumptious 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
- 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
For Toppings
- 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: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 2: Prepare Croutons
Place the diced sesame seed bun cubes in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat evenly. Bake for 10 minutes or until crispy on the outside.
Step 3: Cook Ground Beef
Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef along with 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, and a couple pinches of salt and pepper. Brown the ground beef while crumbling it with a spatula until cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 4: Sauté Vegetables
In the same large pot, heat butter over medium heat (no need to wipe it out). Add diced onion, sliced carrots, sliced celery, and a large pinch of salt and pepper. Turn heat to medium-high and cook while stirring occasionally for about 10 minutes.
Step 5: Add Garlic and Herbs
Reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic along with the remaining oregano and thyme. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 6: Thicken Soup
Add flour to coat the veggies thoroughly. Cook for one more minute while stirring frequently.
Step 7: Deglaze Pot
Pour in a splash of chicken broth to deglaze the pot; scrape all the flavorful bits off the bottom.
Step 8: Combine Broth and Pasta
Stir in the rest of the chicken broth along with uncooked macaroni noodles. Add another pinch of salt and pepper. Turn heat to medium-high and bring everything to a simmer.
Step 9: Cook Pasta
Once simmering, reduce heat to low and let it cook for about 5-7 minutes until pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 10: Finish Soup
Remove from heat. Stir in heavy cream and shredded cheese until melted.
Step 11: Add Beef Back In
Mix in white balsamic vinegar followed by adding back cooked ground beef into the pot. Heat over medium until warmed through. Season with salt and pepper as desired.
Step 12: Serve
Ladle into bowls topped with crispy sesame seed bun croutons, garnished with green onions and extra shredded cheddar cheese if you like!
Enjoy this comforting One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup!
How to Serve One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup
Serving One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is simple and fun. This hearty soup is perfect for sharing with family or friends, and it pairs well with a variety of accompaniments that enhance its flavors.
Pair with Sesame Seed Bun Croutons
- These crispy croutons add a delightful crunch and complement the cheeseburger flavor perfectly.
Top with Shredded Cheese
- A sprinkle of extra shredded cheddar cheese on top not only enhances the flavor but also adds a creamy texture as it melts into the warm soup.
Garnish with Green Onions
- Freshly sliced green onions provide a pop of color and a hint of sharpness that balances the richness of the soup.
Serve with a Side Salad
- A light side salad can provide a refreshing contrast to the creamy soup, making for a balanced meal.
Include Pickles on the Side
- Serve dill pickles alongside for an added tang that echoes traditional cheeseburger toppings.
Offer Hot Sauce
- For those who enjoy a kick, provide hot sauce for drizzling over individual bowls to spice things up.
How to Perfect One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup
Perfecting your One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup can elevate this dish to new heights. Here are some tips to ensure your soup is always delicious.
- Use fresh ingredients – Fresh vegetables and high-quality ground beef will greatly enhance the flavor of your soup.
- Monitor pasta doneness – Keep an eye on the macaroni; cook it until just al dente for the best texture in your soup.
- Adjust seasoning – Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed throughout the cooking process to achieve a balanced flavor.
- Experiment with cheeses – While sharp cheddar is classic, try mixing in other cheeses like Monterey Jack or Gruyère for added depth.
- Add veggies – Incorporate additional vegetables such as bell peppers or corn for more nutrition and flavor variety.
- Store leftovers properly – Keep any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge, where it can last up to three days.
Best Side Dishes for One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup
Pairing side dishes with One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup can create a complete meal experience. Here are some great options:
- Garlic Bread – Toasted bread spread with garlic butter pairs wonderfully, perfect for dipping into the soup.
- Coleslaw – A crunchy coleslaw adds freshness and balances the richness of the soup.
- Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal roasted veggies add color and nutrients, enhancing your meal’s healthiness.
- Potato Chips – Crispy potato chips can provide an enjoyable crunch alongside each spoonful of soup.
- Cornbread Muffins – Sweet cornbread muffins offer a comforting sweetness that complements savory flavors.
- Stuffed Peppers – Mini stuffed peppers filled with rice or quinoa can be a fun, hearty addition to your meal.
- Fruit Salad – A light fruit salad offers a refreshing contrast to the creamy cheeseburger soup.
- Pasta Salad – A cold pasta salad can be a nice counterpoint, providing different textures and flavors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes to avoid for the best results.
- Skipping the browning step: Failing to brown the ground beef properly can result in a lack of flavor. Always brown your meat until it’s fully cooked and crumbly.
- Not seasoning adequately: Neglecting to add enough salt and pepper will leave your soup bland. Season at multiple stages during cooking for better flavor.
- Overcooking the pasta: Cooking the macaroni too long can make it mushy. Aim for al dente by simmering it just until tender.
- Ignoring the cream addition: Forgetting to stir in the heavy cream can lead to a less creamy texture. Add it after removing from heat for optimal richness.
- Using stale bread for croutons: Fresh bread makes delicious croutons, while stale bread can be tough. Use fresh sesame seed buns for the best crunch.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover soup in an airtight container.
- It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup
- Allow the soup to cool completely before freezing.
- Use freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top as it may expand.
Reheating One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake in a covered dish until heated through, about 20-30 minutes.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover with a lid or plastic wrap, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Heat in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup.
Can I use turkey instead of beef in this recipe?
Yes! Ground turkey is a great alternative that will provide a leaner option without sacrificing flavor.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or coconut milk for a lighter version, but it may alter the final taste slightly.
How do I make this soup vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, replace ground beef with lentils or mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Can I prepare One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! This soup can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator or freezer, making it perfect for meal prep.
What toppings go well with this soup?
Besides croutons, consider adding sliced green onions, extra shredded cheese, or even diced tomatoes for added freshness.
Final Thoughts
One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is a delightful blend of flavors that combines comfort food with convenience. Its versatility allows you to customize ingredients based on your preferences. Whether you stick with classic ground beef or experiment with different proteins and toppings, this soup is sure to please everyone at your table!
One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup
Indulge in a bowl of comfort with this One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup, a delightful fusion of classic cheeseburger flavors and creamy goodness—all prepared in just 30 minutes! This hearty soup is perfect for weeknight dinners, offering a satisfying meal that the entire family will love. The one-pot method means minimal cleanup, making it an ideal choice for busy evenings. Each spoonful combines tender macaroni, seasoned ground beef, and rich cheese, topped with crispy sesame seed bun croutons for added texture. Enjoy this cozy dish alongside your favorite sides or simply on its own!
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
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. Arrange diced sesame seed buns on a parchment-lined baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and bake until crispy (about 10 minutes).
- In a large pot over medium heat, brown the ground beef seasoned with salt and pepper; then set aside.
- In the same pot, melt butter and sauté onions, carrots, celery, and additional seasoning for about 10 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for another minute before mixing in flour.
- Deglaze the pot with a splash of chicken broth; then add remaining broth and uncooked macaroni. Stir to combine.
- Bring to a simmer and cook until pasta is al dente (5-7 minutes), then stir in heavy cream and cheese until melted.
- Mix in cooked ground beef along with white balsamic vinegar; adjust seasoning as necessary.
- Serve topped with croutons and garnish with green onions and additional cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One Pot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 350g)
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 100mg