One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

If you’re searching for the ultimate comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that brings together the nostalgic flavors of a cheeseburger and the cozy vibe of a hearty soup, then One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is about to become your new weeknight obsession. Imagine the savory satisfaction of a juicy cheeseburger, the creamy richness of mac and cheese, and a heartwarming soup all rolled into one easy, one-pot dish. It’s quick to make, impossibly creamy, and loaded with bold flavors that guarantee empty bowls and full hearts around the table.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is how it uses simple, everyday ingredients, yet every component brings something special to the table. From the juicy ground beef to the melty cheeses, these basics work in harmony to create an explosion of flavor, texture, and color.

• Olive Oil: A little goes a long way to get things sizzling and helps brown the beef beautifully.
• Ground Beef: The star of the show, giving the soup its hearty, classic cheeseburger foundation.
• Onion: Adds natural sweetness and depth; dice it fine so it melts right into the broth.
• Garlic: Two cloves punched up for savory, aromatic notes in every spoonful.
• Salt & Black Pepper: The backbone of seasoning, making each bite pop.
• Smoked Paprika: Adds a subtle smokiness that mimics a grilled burger vibe.
• Dried Parsley: For a fresh hint of herbal flavor that brightens up the whole pot.
• Tomato Paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and gives a rich color base.
• Diced Tomatoes (with juice): The juicy bits add tang and a chunky texture.
• Beef Broth: The flavorful liquid gold that ties everything into a soup.
• Elbow Macaroni: Because a cheeseburger soup without pasta just isn’t as fun or filling.
• Heavy Cream: For that creamy, dreamy texture that makes this soup sing.
• Cheddar Cheese (shredded): Gives you the classic burger-melty cheese flavor.
• Mozzarella Cheese (shredded): Melts into gooey bliss, keeping every spoonful satisfyingly stretchy.
• Sour Cream: Adds luxurious tanginess and makes the soup silky-smooth.
• Optional Chopped Pickles or Green Onions: Add zippy crunch and color to finish things off like the best burger topper.

How to Make One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Start by heating the olive oil in a large, sturdy pot over medium heat. Toss in your ground beef and use a spatula or wooden spoon to break it up into bite-sized crumbles. Cook it for about 5 to 7 minutes, letting the beef turn golden brown and irresistibly fragrant. If you see excess fat in the pot, go ahead and drain it off—this keeps your soup hearty but never greasy.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Next, add the diced onion and minced garlic right into the pot with the beef. Let them cook for another 2 or 3 minutes, stirring often. You’ll know they’re ready when the onions turn soft and translucent and the kitchen starts smelling absolutely amazing, like you just walked into a favorite burger spot.

Step 3: Spice it Up

Sprinkle in the salt, pepper, smoked paprika, parsley, and tomato paste. Spend a good minute stirring everything together—this step is where you let those seasonings open up and the tomato paste blend perfectly with the beef and onions. That extra minute makes the flavors all cozy up to each other in the pot.

Step 4: Add Broth, Tomatoes, and Macaroni

Pour in the can of diced tomatoes (juice included) and all that savory beef broth. Give the mixture a quick stir, then scatter the uncooked elbow macaroni right in. Turn up the heat to bring things to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer. Stir occasionally for about 8 to 10 minutes, until the pasta is tender and the flavors are mingling beautifully.

Step 5: Make it Creamy and Cheesy

Drop the heat to low and add the heavy cream, shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and sour cream. Gently stir until the cheese is fully melted and the soup looks gloriously creamy and velvety. This step is pure magic—the soup transforms instantly into a rich, luxurious meal that’s brimming with cheesy goodness.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Ladle the One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup into bowls while it’s piping hot. For a playful, classic burger finish, top with a scatter of chopped pickles or green onions. Get ready for spoonfuls of pure, comforting happiness.

How to Serve One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

Garnishes

The right garnish is like a high-five at the end of a great meal. For this soup, a small pile of chopped pickles or a sprinkle of fresh green onions add the perfect pop of color and the little tangy crunch that recalls your favorite cheeseburger toppings. Don’t be afraid to get creative—crushed potato chips, a swirl of extra sour cream, or even a dusting of smoked paprika can make every bowl feel fun and personal.

Side Dishes

Since One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is so hearty, keep sides simple and fresh. A crisp green salad with a zippy vinaigrette helps balance out the richness, while a basket of warm, crusty bread or buttery rolls is just right for dunking. If you want to double down on the comfort, serve with bowls of seasoned oven fries or roasted veggies for a true diner-style dinner.

Creative Ways to Present

Serving this soup at a party or game night? Try ladling it into mini mugs or small bread bowls for a whimsical touch. For family dinners, big soup bowls with classic cheeseburger garnishes lined up so guests can choose their favorites make it both interactive and festive. Pair with striped napkins and old-school diner baskets to nail that retro burger-joint vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let your leftover One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you notice the pasta thickens up the next day, just add a splash of broth or milk when reheating to bring back that creamy, soupy consistency.

Freezing

Believe it or not, you can freeze this soup! However, the pasta may get a tad softer upon thawing. If you plan to freeze, consider making the soup up through the simmering step and adding the dairy and cheese after reheating. Pour into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little headspace, and freeze for up to two months for easy comfort food on demand.

Reheating

When it’s time to reheat, you can simply microwave single portions in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 30 seconds until it’s steamy and smooth again. For larger batches, rewarm gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring frequently and loosening with a splash of broth or water if needed. Add a fresh touch of cheese or garnish to bring back that just-cooked magic.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Soup

Absolutely! While elbow macaroni gives you that classic taste and texture, feel free to swap in small shells, rotini, or even gluten-free pasta if you prefer. Just keep an eye on the cooking time so the noodles don’t become too soft.

Is there a way to lighten up this soup?

Yes! You can substitute ground turkey or a plant-based ground for the beef, swap in low-fat cheese and sour cream, and even use whole wheat or legume pasta for extra nutrition. It will still capture the essence of One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup, just with a lighter touch.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Definitely. This soup keeps wonderfully in the fridge for a couple of days, making it ideal for meal prep. To avoid overly soft pasta, you can cook the noodles separately and add them just before serving, or slightly undercook them in the soup if you know you’ll reheat later.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

Half-and-half, evaporated milk, or even whole milk work well if you’d like to cut down on richness. Just keep in mind: the creamier the dairy, the silkier your One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup will be!

How can I make this soup spicier?

For a bolder kick, stir in a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes when you add the spices. Pepper jack cheese or chopped pickled jalapeños would be amazing, too. Customize the heat level to your crowd’s tastes and enjoy!

Final Thoughts

There’s just something irresistibly fun and filling about a bowl of One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup—it’s the kind of recipe that turns a regular night into a delicious memory. I can’t wait for you to make this at home and watch your friends and family dive in with big smiles. Give it a try and let this cheesy, comforting creation become your new go-to favorite!

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