One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
Rich, hearty, and irresistibly comforting, One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup captures the beloved flavors of a classic cheeseburger and transforms them into a creamy, soul-warming bowl.
With savory ground beef, tender pasta, and a velvety cheddar base, every spoonful feels both familiar and indulgent. The best part—it all comes together in a single pot, making it not only delicious but also wonderfully convenient.
Perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving cozy comfort food, this dish offers nostalgia and satisfaction in every bite.
Why People Will Love One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup:
All-in-One Comfort – It combines the nostalgic taste of a cheeseburger with the heartiness of macaroni, delivering classic comfort food in a warm, creamy bowl.
Satisfying Yet Simple – Made in just one pot, it balances big, bold flavor with easy cleanup—ideal for weeknights without sacrificing depth.
Creamy and Cheesy Indulgence – The melted cheddar and milk transform the broth into a velvety base that feels rich, soothing, and indulgent.
Family-Friendly Appeal – Both kids and adults love the familiar cheeseburger flavors, making it a dish that brings everyone together at the table.
Customizable Flavor – Easily adaptable with toppings like pickles, bacon, or jalapeños, it can be made classic, bold, or spicy depending on personal taste.
Key Ingredients
Ground Beef – The backbone of the dish, providing rich, savory depth and that unmistakable cheeseburger essence that anchors every spoonful.
Elbow Macaroni – Tender pasta that soaks up the broth and creamy cheese, adding substance and a comforting bite that makes the soup truly hearty.
Beef Stock – A flavorful base that infuses the soup with meaty richness, elevating it beyond ordinary pasta dishes.
Cheddar Cheese – Sharp and melty, cheddar creates the luscious, velvety sauce that ties the flavors together and delivers indulgent cheesiness.
Milk – Softens the broth into a creamy foundation, balancing the richness of the cheese with a smooth, comforting finish.
Onion – Adds subtle sweetness and depth, rounding out the savory profile and enhancing the beef’s flavor.
Expert Tips:
Build Flavor at the Start – Take time to brown the beef deeply; let it develop a slight crust before adding onions. This caramelization adds a smoky, burger-like richness to the base.
Mind the Pasta Timing – Add the macaroni only once the broth is boiling, and cook just until al dente. Overcooking will cause the pasta to absorb too much liquid and lose its bite.
Cheese Matters – Always shred cheddar from a block instead of using pre-shredded cheese, which contains starches that prevent smooth melting. This ensures a velvety, restaurant-quality finish.
Balance the Creaminess – Add the milk slowly over low heat, stirring constantly, so it blends seamlessly with the cheese and doesn’t curdle or separate.
Season in Layers – Taste after each stage—browning, simmering, and finishing. Salt behaves differently in broth, pasta, and cheese, so gradual adjustments keep the flavor balanced.
Upgrade with Toppings – Treat it like a cheeseburger bowl: add crispy bacon, diced pickles, a drizzle of hot sauce, or even sesame seeds for a playful nod to the classic sandwich.
One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup
A warm, filling soup that brings together all the delicious flavors of a cheeseburger with creamy macaroni—all in a single pot! Quick, tasty, and ideal for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
1 lb ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cups beef stock
2 cups elbow macaroni
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup milk
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Sauté Ground Beef:
In a large pot, brown the ground beef and chopped onion over medium heat until the beef is cooked through and the onion is tender. Remove any excess grease.
Incorporate Beef Stock:
Add the beef stock and bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
Prepare Macaroni:
Mix in the elbow macaroni, and simmer uncovered for about 7-8 minutes, or until the pasta is just al dente.
Stir in Cheese and Milk:
Reduce the heat to medium-low, and blend in the milk and shredded cheddar cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the soup is creamy.
Season and Enjoy:
Taste the soup and add salt and pepper as needed. Serve in bowls and enjoy!
Important Notes When Making One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup:
Pasta Absorption – Macaroni continues to soak up liquid even after cooking. If serving later, you may need to add extra broth or milk when reheating to maintain the soup’s creamy consistency.
Cheese Quality – Block cheese melts cleaner and smoother than pre-shredded varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents. Using freshly shredded cheddar elevates both texture and flavor.
Beef Fat Content – An 80/20 ground beef blend strikes the right balance of flavor and richness. Leaner beef works but may yield a less hearty taste, requiring a touch more cheese or seasoning.
Salt Awareness – Beef stock and cheese already carry sodium. Always taste before salting at the end to avoid an overly salty dish.
Storage Reality – This soup thickens as it rests. When refrigerating, plan to loosen it with extra liquid on reheating. For best results, consume within 3 days for freshness and texture.
Customization Flexibility – The base recipe is simple, but it welcomes additions—such as diced tomatoes for brightness, jalapeños for heat, or bacon for extra depth. Treat it as a canvas for creativity.
How To Enjoy One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup After Cooking:
Allow the Flavors to Settle
After turning off the heat, let the soup rest for 5–10 minutes. This pause allows the pasta to finish absorbing flavor, the cheese to fully meld, and the broth to settle into a rich, creamy base.
Serving the Soup
Classic Style: Ladle into warm bowls so the soup stays hot and velvety.
With Bread: Pair with crusty baguette slices, garlic toast, or buttery rolls to scoop up the cheesy broth.
Burger-Inspired Toppings: Add crispy bacon, diced pickles, or a drizzle of ketchup and mustard for a playful nod to the classic cheeseburger.
Fresh Finishes: Sprinkle chopped green onions, parsley, or even sesame seeds to balance richness and add freshness.
Perfect Pairings
Light Contrast: Serve with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess.
Comfort on Comfort: Pair with oven-baked fries or sweet potato wedges for a complete “burger night in a bowl.”
Beverages: Enjoy with a cold soda, a light beer, or even a tall glass of iced tea for balance.
Storing and Reheating
Refrigeration: Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Best enjoyed fresh, but can be frozen for 1–2 months. Keep in mind that pasta may soften more after thawing.
Reheating: Warm gently on the stove over medium-low heat. Stir in a splash of broth or milk to restore creaminess as the pasta thickens over time.
The Experience
This soup isn’t just dinner—it’s comfort in a bowl. Every spoonful blends the nostalgia of a cheeseburger with the cozy warmth of macaroni and cheese. Take it slow, savor the richness, and enjoy how familiar flavors are reborn in a new, soul-soothing form.
Nutrition Information:
For One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup (per serving, assuming 6 servings):
Calories: 410 kcal | Total Fat: 22 g | Saturated Fat: 11 g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8 g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2 g | Cholesterol: 90 mg | Sodium: 780–950 mg (depending on broth and cheese used) | Total Carbohydrates: 28 g | Dietary Fiber: 2 g | Sugars: 4 g | Protein: 25 g
Recipe Swaps and Variations
Meat Swap: Use ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat for a lighter version.
Add Veggies: Try diced tomatoes, carrots, or spinach for added nutrition.
Cheese Options: Mix it up with Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or pepper jack.
Pasta Variations: Any small pasta works—shells, rotini, or ditalini.
Spice It Up: Add a dash of hot sauce, smoked paprika, or chili flakes for heat.
How to Store Leftovers
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Gently warm on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of milk or broth to loosen if it thickens.
Freeze: Best enjoyed fresh, but can be frozen for up to 2 months. Note that pasta may soften when thawed.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the soup in advance. It stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Just reheat on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or broth if it thickens too much.
What can I substitute for ground beef?
You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter or vegetarian version.
Just adjust the cooking time as needed based on the type of meat used.
Can I add vegetables to this soup?
Absolutely! Feel free to add diced bell peppers, carrots, or even spinach for added nutrition.
Sauté them along with the onions before adding the broth.
How can I thicken the soup if it’s too watery?
If the soup is too thin, you can stir in a little cornstarch mixed with water, or let it simmer uncovered for a few minutes to reduce and thicken the broth.
Can I freeze the soup?
Yes, you can freeze the soup, but it’s best to do so before adding the cheese.
After thawing, reheat and stir in the cheese to maintain a creamy texture.
It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Do I need to drain the ground beef?
Yes, after browning the ground beef, drain any excess fat to prevent the soup from becoming greasy.
This helps keep the dish lighter and enhances the overall flavor.
How do I know when the macaroni is cooked?
Cook the macaroni for about 7-8 minutes until it’s just al dente.
It should still have a slight bite to it since it will continue to cook when you add the cheese and milk.
What type of pot is best for this recipe?
A large pot or Dutch oven works best, as it allows for even cooking and enough space for the ingredients to combine without spilling over.
Can I use pre-cooked ground beef?
Yes, you can use pre-cooked ground beef to save time.
Just add it along with the broth and proceed with the recipe from there.
You may need to adjust cooking times slightly.
What if my soup turns out too thick?
If the soup is too thick, simply add a bit more beef broth or milk to reach your desired consistency.
Stir well and let it heat through before serving.