There’s nothing quite like a warm, hearty bowl of soup to comfort the soul—especially when it combines the best of two beloved dishes: macaroni and cheese and cheeseburgers. This One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is the ultimate comfort food, blending tender ground beef, creamy cheese, and perfectly cooked macaroni in a rich, flavorful broth.
Not only is this soup delicious and satisfying, but it’s also incredibly easy to make—all in one pot! Whether you're cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that both kids and adults will love.
In this article, we’ll walk you through:
-
Why this recipe works (hint: it’s cheesy, beefy, and oh-so-comforting!)
-
Step-by-step instructions for making the perfect one-pot meal
-
Tips and variations to customize your soup
-
Nutritional insights (because balance is key!)
-
FAQs to answer all your cheeseburger soup questions
Let’s dive in and make the coziest, cheesiest soup you’ve ever tasted!
Why You’ll Love This One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup
1. Ultimate Comfort Food
This soup combines the best flavors of a cheeseburger—savory ground beef, melty cheese, and a hint of mustard and ketchup—with the creamy goodness of mac and cheese. It’s like eating your favorite fast-food meal in soup form!
2. Easy One-Pot Wonder
No need to dirty multiple pans—this recipe is made entirely in one pot, meaning less cleanup and more time to enjoy your meal.
3. Family-Friendly & Crowd-Pleasing
Kids love the cheesy macaroni, while adults appreciate the rich, beefy flavor. It’s a win-win for family dinners or potlucks.
4. Customizable & Versatile
Want to make it spicier, lighter, or veggie-packed? We’ll share easy swaps to tailor this soup to your taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious cheeseburger macaroni soup:
Main Ingredients
-
1 lb ground beef (or turkey/chicken for a lighter option)
-
1 small onion, diced
-
2 cloves garlic, minced
-
3 cups beef or chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
-
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (undrained)
-
2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
-
2 cups milk (whole or 2% for creaminess)
-
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheeses)
-
2 tbsp ketchup (for that classic burger taste)
-
1 tbsp yellow mustard (adds tangy depth)
-
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (umami boost!)
-
1 tsp paprika (for smokiness)
-
Salt & pepper to taste
Optional Toppings
-
Crumbled bacon
-
Diced pickles (for a true burger feel!)
-
Extra shredded cheese
-
Chopped green onions
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Beef
-
In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned.
-
Drain excess fat (if needed), then add onion and garlic, cooking until softened (about 3-4 minutes).
Step 2: Add Broth & Tomatoes
-
Pour in beef broth and diced tomatoes (with juices).
-
Stir in ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, salt, and pepper.
-
Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
Step 3: Cook the Macaroni
-
Add uncooked macaroni and stir well.
-
Simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.
Step 4: Make It Creamy & Cheesy
-
Reduce heat to low and stir in milk.
-
Gradually add shredded cheese, stirring until fully melted and creamy.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
-
Ladle into bowls and top with bacon, pickles, or extra cheese.
-
Serve with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
Tips & Variations
1. Make It Lighter
-
Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
-
Swap whole milk for evaporated milk (fewer calories, still creamy).
2. Add More Veggies
-
Toss in diced bell peppers, carrots, or spinach for extra nutrition.
3. Spice It Up
-
Add jalapeños, hot sauce, or red pepper flakes for heat.
4. Gluten-Free Option
-
Use gluten-free macaroni and ensure broth is GF.
5. Meal Prep & Storage
-
Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
-
Freezer: Freeze (without pasta) for up to 3 months—add fresh pasta when reheating.
Nutritional Info (Per Serving)
Approximate values for 1 ½ cups:
-
Calories: 450
-
Protein: 25g
-
Carbs: 35g
-
Fat: 22g
-
Fiber: 2g
FAQs
1. Can I use a different pasta?
Yes! Small shells, penne, or rotini work well.
2. How do I prevent the soup from being too thick?
Add extra broth or milk when reheating if needed.
3. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown beef first, then add all ingredients (except cheese & milk) and cook on low for 4-5 hours. Stir in dairy at the end.
4. Why does my cheese clump?
Shred cheese fresh (pre-shredded has anti-caking agents) and add it slowly on low heat.
Final Thoughts
This One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is the ultimate cozy meal—packed with cheesy, beefy goodness and ready in under 30 minutes. It’s easy, customizable, and family-approved, making it a must-try recipe for any night of the week.
Give it a try and let us know how you like it! 🍔🧀🥣
