One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

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There’s something magical about comfort food that comes together in one pot. This One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is hearty, cheesy, and loaded with flavor in every spoonful. It blends the nostalgia of a cheeseburger with the creamy coziness of a bowl of soup, making it perfect for busy weeknights, game days, or when you’re just craving a satisfying dinner that warms you from the inside out.

The richness of the ground beef, paired with soft elbow macaroni and melty cheese, creates a dish that’s both family-friendly and incredibly easy to make. Each bite delivers savory meat, tender pasta, and cheesy goodness in a creamy, seasoned broth. You only need one pot and about 30 minutes to bring this crowd-pleaser to life.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use (Essential Tools and Why They Matter)

To make One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup effortlessly, gather the following tools:

• Large Heavy-Bottom Pot or Dutch Oven: This is crucial for even cooking and preventing the soup from sticking. A Dutch oven retains heat beautifully and allows you to cook everything in one go.
• Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: Perfect for stirring the beef and soup base without scratching your cookware.
• Chef’s Knife & Cutting Board: You’ll need these to chop onions, garlic, and any other fresh ingredients like carrots or celery.
• Measuring Cups & Spoons: To ensure accurate portions of broth, milk, pasta, and cheese.
• Ladle: For easy serving without splashing that creamy, delicious soup.

Having the right tools on hand helps streamline the process and keeps your cleanup minimal—because nobody wants a pile of dishes after a comforting meal.

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Ingredients for the One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

Here’s what you need to make this soul-warming dish:

• Ground Beef – The foundation of our cheeseburger flavor. It brings heartiness and depth.
• Elbow Macaroni – A classic choice that soaks up the flavors while adding chewy comfort.
• Cheddar Cheese – Melts beautifully to give you that unmistakable cheeseburger richness.
• Onion – Adds aromatic depth and a slight sweetness once sautéed.
• Garlic – Enhances the savoriness of the beef and cheese combo.
• Carrots (optional) – Introduces a pop of color and a touch of sweetness.
• Beef Broth – Forms the base of the soup and infuses each bite with savory flavor.
• Whole Milk or Heavy Cream – Provides creaminess and ties everything together.
• Tomato Paste – Adds that ketchup-like note, deepening the burger feel.
• Worcestershire Sauce – A dash of umami that elevates the soup’s flavor complexity.
• Salt, Pepper, and Italian Seasoning – Essential for balance and seasoning.

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How To Make the One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

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 necessary.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Add diced onion, garlic, and carrots (if using) to the pot. Cook for 4-5 minutes until softened and fragrant.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Base

Stir in the tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce. Cook for 1-2 minutes to deepen the flavor.

Step 4: Add Liquids and Seasonings

Pour in the beef broth, milk (or cream), and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir everything together.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta

Add the elbow macaroni directly into the soup. Simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente (about 10-12 minutes).

Step 6: Finish with Cheese

Turn off the heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 7: Serve Hot

Ladle into bowls and garnish with extra cheese or chopped parsley for a cozy finish.

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Serving and Storing Your One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

This soup is best served hot right off the stove, with a generous sprinkle of shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese on top. Pair it with crusty garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table quickly—the aroma alone is enough to get forks ready.

To store, let the soup cool completely and then transfer it to airtight containers. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, add a splash of broth or milk to maintain the creamy consistency. This soup also freezes well for up to 2 months—just hold off on adding the pasta until you reheat, so it doesn’t turn mushy.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of cheese works best for this soup?

Sharp cheddar is the classic pick for bold flavor and smooth melting. You can also mix in Monterey Jack or even Velveeta for extra creaminess.

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or even chicken works great as a lighter alternative without sacrificing flavor.

How do I make it spicier?

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes, a dash of hot sauce, or diced jalapeños while cooking the beef.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, just swap the macaroni for a gluten-free pasta and make sure your broth and seasonings are certified gluten-free.

What vegetables can I add for extra nutrition?

Try adding spinach, bell peppers, corn, or zucchini. Just toss them in during the sauté step.

Is this soup kid-friendly?

Absolutely. It has the familiar cheeseburger flavor profile and creamy texture that most kids love.

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Want More Soup Ideas with a Twist?

If this One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup hits the spot, you’ll love diving into more bold and comforting soup creations from Life With Olivia. Check out these cozy favorites:

• Creamy Alfredo Lasagna Soup for a rich, pasta-packed bowl of goodness.
• Hearty Creamy Ditalini Soup for Chilly Nights when you need something thick, warm, and deeply satisfying.
• Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup for a sharp, cheesy twist with bold sausage flavor.
• Hearty Vegetarian Tortellini Soup for a meatless option loaded with texture and flavor.
• Louisiana Seafood Gumbo when you want a spicy, soulful bowl to warm your spirit.

For even more one-pot creations and hearty dinners, browse through my Pinterest boards where I post daily recipe inspirations: Life With Olivia on Pinterest.

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Save This Recipe for Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest comfort food board so you always have it ready when a cheesy craving strikes.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you add extra veggies? Try a different cheese? Or maybe gave it a smoky twist?

I love seeing how you personalize these dishes. Have a question? Drop it below—we’re all about making mealtime easier and tastier together.

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