If you are craving a comforting, hearty meal that combines the nostalgia of a cheeseburger with the cozy warmth of soup, you are going to love this One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Recipe. This dish brings everything you adore about a classic cheeseburger—savory ground beef, sharp cheddar cheese, and tender potatoes—into a creamy, easy-to-make soup that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or lazy weekends. What’s truly wonderful is how this recipe manages to marry simplicity with bold, satisfying flavors all in a single pot, making cleanup a breeze while keeping your taste buds dancing.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Recipe shines thanks to its straightforward ingredients, each selected to enhance texture, flavor, and color. These essentials transform humble pantry staples into something extraordinary.
- 1 pound ground beef: Provides the rich, meaty base that makes this soup deeply satisfying.
- 1 onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed with garlic.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Brings aromatic warmth that complements the beef perfectly.
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced: Offer hearty texture and absorb the savory broth beautifully.
- 4 cups beef broth: The flavorful liquid foundation that ties everything together.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds a subtle tangy complexity.
- 1 teaspoon mustard: Brings a mild sharpness to brighten the flavor profile.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Infuses a gentle smoky warmth and vibrant color.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Delivers creamy richness and that signature cheeseburger taste.
- 1 cup milk: Ensures a smooth, silky soup base.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing and enhancing every bite.
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Brings a fresh, bright note and pretty color finish.
How to Make One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Sauté Aromatics
Start by heating a large pot over medium heat and cooking your ground beef until it’s nicely browned. This step builds the deep, savory backbone of your soup. Once browned, drain any excess fat to keep the soup from becoming greasy. Next, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing them until the onion turns translucent and fragrant. This creates a flavorful base and sets the stage for the rest of the ingredients to shine.
Step 2: Simmer Potatoes and Flavorful Broth
Add your diced potatoes directly into the pot along with the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and paprika. These ingredients combine to make a broth that’s rich, tangy, and just a little smoky—perfectly hugging the potatoes as they cook. Bring everything to a boil before reducing the heat and letting it gently simmer for about 15-20 minutes. You’ll know the potatoes are ready when they are tender and can be easily pierced with a fork. This simmering allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 3: Create Creamy Cheese Magic
Now for the best part—the cheese! Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and milk, continuing to cook for an additional 5 minutes. Stir constantly so the cheese melts smoothly into the broth, thickening it into a creamy, luscious concoction that feels indulgent without overwhelming you. This silky texture is what elevates the soup from simple to spectacular and perfectly replicates that iconic cheeseburger flavor in a cozy bowl.
Step 4: Season and Serve
Finish your soup with a generous seasoning of salt and pepper, adjusting it to your taste preferences. Serving it hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley, adds a pop of color and a fresh herbal note that brightens every spoonful. Your One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Recipe is now ready to enjoy, offering a bowlful of warmth and comfort that feels like a big, cheesy hug.
How to Serve One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Enhancing this soup with the right garnishes truly elevates the experience. Fresh parsley is a classic, providing vibrant color and an herbaceous lift. For an extra layer of indulgence, consider sprinkling crispy bacon bits or extra shredded cheddar on top. A dollop of sour cream or a few sliced green onions can add tang and crunch, making each bite even more delightful.
Side Dishes
This soup is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but pairing it with fresh bread, such as crusty baguette or buttery dinner rolls, is fantastic for sopping up every last bit of cheesy goodness. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette creates a refreshing contrast, balancing the richness of the soup.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this soup in mini bread bowls to impress guests or family with a rustic presentation. Alternatively, ladle the soup over a plate of crispy, toasted bread for a warm, open-faced sandwich vibe. For gatherings, offer a topping bar with favorite add-ons like pickles, jalapeños, or diced tomatoes so everyone can customize their bowl.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer leftovers into an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. This soup will keep well for up to 3 days, making it a perfect option for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week. The flavors actually deepen with time, so it tastes great even the next day.
Freezing
If you want to stash some away for longer, this One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Recipe freezes beautifully. Make sure to leave a bit of space at the top of your container for expansion. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results. Note that the texture of the potatoes may change slightly, but the flavor will remain wonderfully intact.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the soup gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to ensure the cheese stays creamy. If the soup has thickened too much, add a splash of milk or broth to bring it back to your desired consistency. Avoid using high heat, which can cause the dairy to separate and the soup to become grainy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While cheddar gives the classic cheeseburger flavor, feel free to experiment with sharp white cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a smoky gouda for a unique twist.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
Yes, this soup freezes well. Just be mindful that the texture of the potatoes may soften a bit, but the flavor remains just as delicious.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, substitute the ground beef with plant-based meat crumbles and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. The flavor profile will be slightly different but still tasty and comforting.
What can I add to make it spicier?
Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños during the sauté stage will bring some heat. You can also top your bowl with hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes for extra kick.
How can I make the soup thicker?
If you prefer a thicker consistency, simmer the soup uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce the liquid or add a slurry of cornstarch mixed with cold water just before adding cheese and milk.
Final Thoughts
This One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Recipe is truly one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug in a bowl—comforting, cheesy, and packed with familiar flavors we all love. It’s simple enough to whip up on a busy night but impressive enough to serve when friends come over. I encourage you to give it a try because once you do, this recipe is bound to become a favorite go-to for cozy, satisfying meals any time of the year.
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One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This hearty One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup combines the comforting flavors of a classic cheeseburger with creamy, cheesy soup all cooked together in one pot. Featuring ground beef, diced potatoes, cheddar cheese, and savory seasonings, it’s an easy-to-make, satisfying meal perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon mustard
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Brown the beef and sauté aromatics: In a large pot over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned. Drain any excess fat, then add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Add potatoes and simmer: Add the diced potatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and paprika to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are tender and cooked through.
- Melt cheese into soup: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and milk, cooking for an additional 5 minutes while stirring frequently until the cheese has melted completely and the soup has turned creamy and smooth.
- Season and serve: Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as desired. Serve the hot soup garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
Notes
- You can substitute potatoes with elbow macaroni for a more traditional cheeseburger soup texture.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, reduce the beef broth slightly or add a slurry of cornstarch and water during the simmering step.
- To make it spicier, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeño with the garlic and onions.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
