One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

This One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a delicious, hearty meal that your whole family will love. The best part? Everything cooks in one pot! This recipe is a creamy delight without the use of processed cheese, making it a healthier choice while still delivering on flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for hectic weekdays.
• One Pot Wonder: Enjoy less cleanup with everything cooked in a single pot.
• Rich and Creamy Flavor: The combination of cheese and cream creates a comforting and satisfying soup.
• Versatile Ingredients: Customize it by adding vegetables or spices to suit your taste.
• Family-Friendly: With its cheesy goodness, this soup is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth, having the right tools on hand is essential. Gather these items before you begin.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Spatula
• Ladle

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Perfect for cooking the soup evenly and holding all ingredients comfortably.
• Baking sheet: Ideal for toasting the bun croutons to add a crunchy texture to your soup.

Ingredients

For this delicious One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup, gather the following ingredients:

Main 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

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

Heat oven to 400 degrees. Place 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 2: Brown the Beef

Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 pound ground beef, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, and a couple pinches of salt and pepper. Brown ground beef, crumbling with a spatula until cooked through. Remove from pan and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté Vegetables

Heat 6 tablespoons of butter in the same large pot over medium heat (no need to wipe it out or drain the grease).
Add:
– 1 cup diced onion
– 1 cup sliced carrots
– 1 cup sliced celery
– A large pinch of salt and pepper

Turn heat to medium-high and cook, stirring occasionally for about 10 minutes.

Step 4: Add Garlic and Herbs

Reduce heat to medium and add:
– 5 cloves minced garlic
– Remaining 1 teaspoon oregano
– Remaining 1 teaspoon thyme

Cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 5: Thicken the Soup Base

Add:
– 4 tablespoons flour

Stir to coat veggies. Cook for one more minute while stirring frequently.

Step 6: Deglaze the Pot

Add a splash of chicken broth to deglaze the pot, scraping all the yummy bits off the bottom.

Step 7: Combine Ingredients

Stir in:
– The rest of the chicken broth (8 cups)
– Uncooked macaroni noodles (8 oz.)
– Another pinch of salt and pepper

Turn heat to medium-high and bring to a simmer.

Step 8: Cook Pasta

Once it begins to simmer, turn down heat to low. Simmer for about 5–7 minutes or until pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent noodles from sticking.

Step 9: Create Creamy Finish

Remove soup from heat. Stir in:
– Heavy cream (1 cup)
– Shredded cheddar cheese (8 oz.)

Add:
– White balsamic vinegar (1 teaspoon)

Return cooked ground beef back into the pot. Heat over medium until warmed through. Season with salt and pepper as desired.

Step 10: Serve Your Soup

Serve hot with toasted sesame seed bun croutons on top. Garnish with sliced green onions and additional shredded cheddar cheese if desired. Enjoy!

How to Serve One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

This comforting One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is perfect for family dinners or gatherings. With its creamy texture and robust flavors, it pairs well with various sides and garnishes.

Croutons

• Top your soup with crunchy sesame seed bun croutons for added texture and flavor.

Green Onions

• Freshly sliced green onions not only add a pop of color but also enhance the soup’s taste with their mild onion flavor.

Shredded Cheese

• Sprinkle extra shredded cheddar cheese on top just before serving for an indulgent, cheesy finish.

Side Salads

• A simple green salad drizzled with your favorite vinaigrette can complement the richness of the soup perfectly.

Pickles

• Serve pickles on the side to add a tangy crunch that balances the creaminess of the soup.

Cornbread

• Warm cornbread slathered with butter makes for a delightful side that pairs wonderfully with this hearty soup.

How to Perfect One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

To elevate your One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup, consider these helpful tips for the best results.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs bring out the best flavors in your soup.
• Don’t overcook pasta: Keep an eye on the macaroni; remove it from heat as soon as it’s al dente to avoid mushiness.
• Adjust seasoning: Taste as you go and adjust salt and pepper according to your preference for optimal flavor.
• Experiment with cheeses: Try mixing different types of cheese like Monterey Jack or Gouda for varied flavor profiles.
• Add veggies: Incorporate spinach or bell peppers for more nutrients and a pop of color.
• Make it thicker: If you prefer a thicker consistency, add more flour during cooking or let it simmer longer.

Best Side Dishes for One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

Pairing side dishes with your One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup can enhance the meal experience. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Bread

2. Perfect for dipping, garlic bread adds a flavorful crunch that complements the creamy soup.

3. Caesar Salad

4. A classic Caesar salad brings a refreshing crunch that balances the richness of the soup.

5. Roasted Vegetables

6. Seasoned roasted vegetables add color and nutrients, making them a healthy side choice.

7. Potato Wedges

8. Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs are hearty and satisfying alongside the soup.

9. Coleslaw

10. A tangy coleslaw offers a crunchy texture that contrasts nicely with the creamy soup.

11. Fruit Salad

12. A light fruit salad provides a refreshing sweetness that rounds out your meal beautifully.

13. Stuffed Peppers

14. Stuffed peppers filled with rice and beans make for a filling companion to the cheeseburger soup.

15. Baked Sweet Potatoes

16. Sweet potatoes add natural sweetness and nutrition, making them an excellent side dish option.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup, it’s easy to overlook some details. Here are common mistakes you should avoid to ensure your soup turns out perfectly every time.

• Skipping the Deglazing Step: Neglecting to deglaze the pot can result in a lack of depth in flavor. Always scrape up those delicious bits stuck to the bottom.
• Overcooking the Pasta: Cooking the macaroni too long will make it mushy. Aim for al dente; it will continue to cook slightly after adding in the cream and cheese.
• Ignoring Seasoning Adjustments: Failure to taste and adjust seasoning can lead to bland soup. Always sample your dish before serving and add salt or pepper as needed.
• Using Cold Dairy Products: Adding cold cream or cheese can cause them to clump. Make sure they are at room temperature before mixing them in for a smooth texture.
• Not Enough Liquid: If the soup seems too thick, it’s likely lacking liquid. Add more chicken broth gradually until you reach your desired consistency.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• The soup will keep well for up to 3 days in the fridge.

Freezing One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

• Portion into freezer-safe containers.
• This soup can be frozen for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes or until warmed through.
• Microwave: Transfer soup to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through until hot.
• Stovetop: Pour soup into a pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally and heat until warmed through, about 5-10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup that might help enhance your cooking experience.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef in One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup?

Yes! Ground turkey is a great alternative that will still provide wonderful flavor while making the dish lighter.

How do I make this soup vegetarian-friendly?

To make a vegetarian version of One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup, substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

What can I add for extra flavor in One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup?

Consider adding chopped bell peppers or jalapeños for spice, or even a dash of Worcestershire sauce for additional depth.

How do I store leftover One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze them for longer storage.

Final Thoughts

One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is a delightful blend of flavors that brings comfort and satisfaction in every bowl. Its versatility allows you to customize it with your favorite vegetables or proteins, making it a family favorite suitable for any occasion. Try this recipe today and enjoy a warm, hearty meal!