One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

If you’re craving the ultimate comfort food mashup that’s hearty, cheesy, and packed with flavor, you’re going to adore this One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup. Imagine all your favorite cheeseburger moments swirling together into a creamy, savory soup that satisfies every craving in one spoonful. It’s simple to make, richly comforting, and perfect for cozy nights when you want something warm and indulgent without fussing over multiple dishes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe thrives on a handful of pantry and fridge staples that each bring their own magic to the One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup. From savory ground beef to tender veggies, and that creamy cheddar cheese that melts everything together – every ingredient plays a crucial role.

• 1 lb. ground beef: Gives the soup its meaty, rich base and that classic cheeseburger flavor.
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano: Adds a subtle herbaceous note that brightens the soup’s depth.
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme: Provides warm, earthy undertones that complement the beef perfectly.
• 6 tablespoons butter: Used for softening veggies and creating a luscious roux to thicken the soup.
• 1 cup yellow onion, diced: Contributes sweetness and a gentle bite to the soup’s foundation.
• 1 cup sliced carrots: Adds sweetness, color, and a satisfying texture contrast.
• 1 cup sliced celery: Brings brightness and crunch to balance the richness.
• 5 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses a fragrant depth that makes every spoonful irresistible.
• 4 tablespoons flour: Essential for thickening the soup and giving it that creamy, velvety body.
• 8 cups chicken broth: The flavorful liquid that pulls everything together, making the soup hearty and comforting.
• 8 oz. uncooked elbow macaroni: The classic pasta shape holds onto the soup’s cheesy goodness perfectly.
• 1 cup heavy cream: Elevates the soup’s richness and gives it that smooth, creamy finish.
• 8 oz. sharp cheddar cheese, shredded: The star of the show, melting into every bite with bold, tangy flavor.
• 1 teaspoon white balsamic vinegar: Adds a subtle zing that brightens the cheesy richness without overpowering.
• Kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper: To season and bring all the flavors into perfect harmony.
• Sesame seed buns for croutons: Cubed and toasted to add a crunchy, buttery garnish that mimics classic burger buns.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: For tossing the bun cubes before baking, ensuring a golden crisp texture.
• Sliced green onion and shredded cheddar cheese for garnish: Fresh and colorful toppings that add crunch and extra cheesiness.

How to Make One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

Step 1: Prepare the Sesame Seed Bun Croutons

Start by warming your oven to 400 degrees. Take those sesame seed buns and cut them into 1-inch cubes. Toss them gently with olive oil so every piece is coated, then spread them evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Baking these for about 10 minutes until they’re crisp outside lends a wonderful texture contrast, just like a toasted bun in your favorite burger.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef with Herbs

In a large pot heated over medium, add the ground beef along with half the oregano and thyme, plus salt and pepper to taste. Brown the beef thoroughly, breaking it apart as it cooks so it’s nice and crumbly. Once fully cooked, remove it from the pot to keep aside. This step builds the soup’s meaty backbone and infuses those lovely herb notes directly into the beef.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables in Butter

Without cleaning the pot, melt your butter over medium heat and toss in the diced onions, sliced carrots, and celery with a big pinch of salt and pepper. Raise the heat to medium-high to coax out their natural sweetness as they soften and mingle for roughly 10 minutes. This veggie medley forms a flavorful base and adds vibrant color and texture to the soup.

Step 4: Add Garlic and Herbs, then Flour

Reduce the heat back to medium and stir in the minced garlic plus the remaining teaspoon each of oregano and thyme. Let this cook for a minute until fragrant, then sprinkle the flour over the veggies. Stir well to coat everything, letting the flour cook out for a minute more. This step is crucial—it thickens the broth into a creamy, dreamy texture.

Step 5: Deglaze and Simmer with Broth and Pasta

Pour in a splash of chicken broth and use your spoon to scrape up all the flavorful bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. This step ensures nothing flavorful gets wasted. Next, add the rest of the broth along with the elbow macaroni and another pinch of salt and pepper. Bring everything to a gentle simmer over medium-high heat, then reduce to low and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until the pasta is perfectly al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 6: Finish with Cream, Cheese, and Ground Beef

Turn off the heat and stir in the heavy cream and sharp cheddar cheese, letting the cheese melt into the creamy soup. Add the white balsamic vinegar to brighten the flavors, then fold in the cooked ground beef to warm it through. Season with salt and pepper as needed. This final step transforms the soup into a luscious, cheesy masterpiece full of nostalgic cheeseburger flavor.

How to Serve One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

Garnishes

Scatter freshly sliced green onions and an extra sprinkle of shredded sharp cheddar cheese on top. These simple garnishes add a fresh pop of color, a mild onion bite, and an irresistible cheesy pull with each spoonful. Finish by topping your soup with those golden, crispy sesame seed bun croutons you prepared at the start—they give you that crunch and bun-like satisfaction.

Side Dishes

This soup truly stands as a meal on its own, but if you want to round things out, pair it with a crisp green salad for freshness or some roasted vegetables to keep things warm and hearty. Garlic bread or a soft dinner roll is also excellent for sopping up every last cheesy drop in the bowl.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving the soup in mini bread bowls or individual ramekins topped with croutons and cheese. You can also layer the soup in clear bowls to showcase the beautiful colors—the golden cheddar, vibrant veggies, and beefy bits all make it visually irresistible for a casual dinner party or weeknight treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your meal, simply let any leftover One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup cool to room temperature. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to meld overnight, making leftovers even better the next day.

Freezing

This soup freezes beautifully! Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Keep in mind that pasta can absorb liquid and become softer after freezing, so when reheating, you might want to add a splash of broth or cream to refresh its texture.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a little extra chicken broth or cream if it seems too thick. Reheat until just warmed through to keep the beef tender and the cheese creamy without separating.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is classic and holds onto the soup well, small pasta shapes like shells, ditalini, or mini penne can also work nicely. Just be mindful of cooking times and adjust as needed.

Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, you can omit the ground beef and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Adding plant-based crumbles or mushrooms can help keep that hearty texture and flavor.

What kind of cheese works best?

Sharp cheddar is the star here for its bold flavor and great meltability. However, you could experiment with a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack or even a smoky gouda for a different twist.

Can I make this soup spicy?

Of course! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce when cooking the beef or seasoning the soup to give it a little kick without overpowering the cheeseburger comfort.

Why add white balsamic vinegar?

The vinegar adds a subtle acidity that brightens the richness of the cheese and cream, balancing the flavors perfectly and preventing the soup from feeling too heavy.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup enough—it’s the ultimate cozy meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Whether you’re cooking for your family, impressing friends, or just craving a one-dish wonder packed with cheeseburger goodness, this recipe delivers every time. Give it a try and watch how quickly it becomes a favorite in your home!

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