One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup – No Velveeta

This One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is a comforting and hearty dish that combines the best flavors of a classic cheeseburger with the creamy goodness of macaroni soup. Packed with ground beef, fresh vegetables, and melty sharp cheddar, it’s perfect for cozy family dinners or a quick weeknight meal.

The simplicity of a one-pot recipe means less cleanup, making it as convenient as it is delicious. Serve it with crunchy sesame seed bun croutons for a satisfying twist!

One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup – No Velveeta

Ingredients:

1 lb. ground beef

2 teaspoons dried oregano, divided

2 teaspoons dried thyme, divided

6 tablespoons butter

1 yellow onion, diced

1 cup sliced carrots

1 cup sliced celery

5 cloves garlic, minced

4 tablespoons flour

8 cups chicken broth

8 oz. uncooked elbow macaroni

1 cup heavy cream

8 oz. sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

1 teaspoon white balsamic vinegar

Kosher salt

Fresh cracked pepper

4 sesame seed buns, diced into 1-inch pieces

2 tablespoons olive oil

Garnish:

Sliced green onion

Shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions:

Step 1:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Arrange the diced sesame seed buns in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat evenly.

Bake for about 10 minutes, or until they are crispy and golden.

Step 2:

In a large pot over medium heat, add the ground beef, 1 teaspoon of oregano, 1 teaspoon of thyme, and a few pinches of salt and pepper.

Cook the beef until it’s browned and crumbled, then remove it from the pot and set it aside.

Step 3:

In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat (there’s no need to clean it out).

Add the diced onion, sliced carrots, sliced celery, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper.

Increase the heat to medium-high and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 4:

Lower the heat to medium and add the minced garlic, along with the remaining 1 teaspoon of oregano and 1 teaspoon of thyme.

Cook for another minute.

Step 5:

Sprinkle in the flour and stir to coat the vegetables.

Cook for another minute while stirring frequently.

Step 6:

Add a splash of chicken broth to deglaze the pot, scraping up any delicious bits from the bottom.

Then pour in the rest of the chicken broth along with the uncooked macaroni and another pinch of salt and pepper.

Step 7:

Raise the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a simmer.

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Once it simmers, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente.

Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 8:

Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheese.

Then add the white balsamic vinegar.

Step 9:

Return the cooked ground beef to the pot and warm the soup over medium heat for a few minutes until everything is heated through.

Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 10:

Serve the soup topped with the baked sesame seed bun croutons, garnished with sliced green onions and extra shredded cheddar cheese.

Enjoy!

Notes:

Meat Options: Feel free to substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. Just adjust cooking times as needed.

Vegetable Variations: You can add or substitute other vegetables like bell peppers, corn, or peas to customize the soup to your liking.

Cheese Choices: While sharp cheddar is recommended for its flavor, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a cheese blend.

Thickness Adjustment: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can reduce the amount of chicken broth or add more flour. For a thinner soup, simply add additional broth or cream.

Storage: This soup stores well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth or cream if needed to loosen it up.

Freezing: While the soup can be frozen, the pasta may become softer upon thawing. If you plan to freeze it, consider cooking the pasta separately and adding it just before serving.

Serving Suggestions: Pair the soup with a fresh salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. You can also top it with your favorite burger toppings like pickles or mustard for extra flavor.

Spice Level: For a bit of heat, consider adding some red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the soup. Adjust to your taste!

Nutrition Information:

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef if you prefer a leaner option.

Just brown it in the same way as the beef, and it will work well in this soup.

What Can I Use as a Cheese Substitute?

If you want to avoid or replace cheddar cheese, you can use other cheese varieties like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a cheese blend.

Choose one that melts well for a creamy texture.

Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can prepare this soup in advance.

However, it’s best to leave out the macaroni when storing it.

Add the macaroni when you’re ready to reheat and serve, so it doesn’t become overcooked and mushy.

What Can I Use Instead of White Balsamic Vinegar?

If you don’t have white balsamic vinegar, you can use regular white vinegar or apple cider vinegar as a substitute.

Start with a small amount and adjust to taste.

How Do I Store and Reheat Leftovers?

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

You may need to add a splash of broth or cream to maintain the desired consistency.

Is There a Gluten-Free Option for the Macaroni?

If you need a gluten-free alternative, you can use gluten-free macaroni or pasta in place of regular elbow macaroni.

There are many gluten-free pasta options available in stores.

Can I Freeze Leftover Soup for Later?

While you can freeze this soup, keep in mind that pasta can become mushy when frozen and thawed.

If you plan to freeze leftovers, consider undercooking the pasta slightly before adding it to the soup.

Thaw and reheat gently on the stove, adding extra liquid if needed.

What Are Some Creative Garnish Ideas?

Aside from green onions and shredded cheddar cheese, you can get creative with garnishes.

Try adding diced tomatoes, crumbled bacon, sliced jalapeños, or even a dollop of sour cream to customize the flavors and presentation.