One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This soup is packed with flavor, offering the rich and savory taste of a cheeseburger in soup form. The macaroni adds that comforting pasta texture, while the creamy broth brings it all together with melted cheddar cheese. Topped with crispy homemade sesame croutons, this soup is filling, flavorful, and easy to make in just one pot!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Soup:

1 lb. ground beef

2 tsp. dried oregano (divided)

2 tsp. dried thyme (divided)

6 tbsp. butter

1 cup yellow onion, diced

1 cup carrots, sliced

1 cup celery, sliced

5 cloves garlic, minced

4 tbsp. flour

8 cups chicken broth

8 oz. uncooked elbow macaroni

1 cup heavy cream

8 oz. sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

1 tsp. white balsamic vinegar

Kosher salt to taste

Fresh cracked pepper to taste

For the Croutons:

4 sesame seed buns, diced into 1-inch pieces

2 tbsp. olive oil

For Garnish:

Sliced green onions

Shredded cheddar cheese

Directions

1. Make the Croutons:

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the sesame seed bun cubes onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat evenly.

Bake for 10 minutes, or until the croutons are golden and crispy. Set aside.

2. Cook the Ground Beef:

Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef, 1 tsp of oregano, 1 tsp of thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spatula, until browned and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.

3. Sauté the Vegetables:

In the same pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, celery, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Increase heat to medium-high and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.

4. Add Garlic and Herbs:

Reduce the heat to medium. Stir in minced garlic, the remaining oregano, and thyme. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

5. Make the Roux:

Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir to coat. Cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently.

6. Deglaze and Simmer:

Add a splash of chicken broth to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Pour in the remaining chicken broth, uncooked macaroni, and another pinch of salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat.

7. Cook the Pasta:

Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente.

8. Finish the Soup:

Remove from heat. Stir in heavy cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and white balsamic vinegar. Return the cooked ground beef to the pot and warm everything through over medium heat for a few minutes. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

9. Serve and Garnish:

Ladle the soup into bowls and top with sesame seed croutons, sliced green onions, and extra shredded cheddar cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6 servings

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

Add Vegetables: You can add additional vegetables like bell peppers, peas, or corn for extra flavor and nutrition.

Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños to the soup for a spicy kick.

Cheese Swap: You can swap sharp cheddar for mozzarella, Gouda, or another cheese that melts well.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating: Reheat the soup in a pot over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or cream if it’s too thick. Reheat the croutons separately to keep them crispy.

FAQs

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the soup a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Reheat it on the stove before serving, adding a little extra cream or broth if needed.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can use any pasta you prefer, such as penne or rotini. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose.

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! You can swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of this soup.

How do I know when the pasta is done?

The pasta is done when it’s al dente, or firm to the bite. Be sure to taste it around the 5-7 minute mark to check for doneness.

Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, you can freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and warm on the stove.

Conclusion

This One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is the perfect comforting meal for a busy night. With its creamy, cheesy broth, hearty pasta, and tender beef, it’s a satisfying dish that’s easy to make and full of flavor. The homemade sesame croutons add a nice crunch, making every bite even more delicious. It’s a must-try for anyone who loves comfort food with a twist!

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