Introduction

This One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is the ultimate easy weeknight dinner that combines all the comforting flavors of a classic cheeseburger in a creamy, hearty soup. Perfect for busy evenings, it comes together in a single pot for minimal cleanup. If you love cheesy comfort food, you might also enjoy this Best Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe.

Ingredients

This comforting One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup comes together with savory ground beef, tender pasta, and rich cheddar in a creamy, satisfying broth that tastes just like your favorite cheeseburger.

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups beef broth
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tablespoon white balsamic vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: Dill pickles, ketchup, or mustard for serving

Timing

Prep Time	10 minutes
Cook Time	20 minutes
Total Time	30 minutes

Context: This One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is about 25% faster than similar multi-pot recipes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Brown the Ground Beef

Place a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound of lean ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until no pink remains—about 5–7 minutes.

For the best flavor, avoid overcrowding the pot so the beef browns properly rather than steaming. Drain any excess fat if needed.

Step 2 — Sauté Aromatics

Add 1 diced onion and 2 minced garlic cloves to the pot with the beef. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant.

Stir frequently to prevent the garlic from burning, which can create a bitter taste in your One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup.

Step 3 — Add Broth and Tomatoes

Pour in 4 cups of beef broth and 1 can (14.5 ounces) of diced tomatoes with their juices. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.

Those browned bits add rich flavor, so don’t skip this step. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil before moving on.

Step 4 — Cook the Macaroni

Stir in 1 cup of dry elbow macaroni. Reduce heat to medium and simmer uncovered for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente.

Check the macaroni a minute or two early to avoid overcooking—it will continue to soften in the hot soup.

Step 5 — Create the Creamy Base

In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup of milk and 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour until smooth. Slowly pour this into the soup while stirring constantly.

This technique prevents lumps and helps thicken your One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup evenly. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 6 — Melt in the Cheese

Reduce heat to low and stir in 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese a handful at a time, letting each addition melt completely before adding more.

Use freshly shredded cheese for the creamiest results, as pre-shredded varieties contain anti-caking agents that can make the soup grainy.

Step 7 — Season and Adjust

Taste the soup and season with salt, black pepper, and optional Worcestershire sauce to your preference. Remember that cheese and broth contain salt, so add gradually.

For extra flavor, consider stirring in 1 teaspoon of mustard powder or a dash of hot sauce at this stage.

Step 8 — Rest and Serve

Remove the pot from heat and let the One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup stand for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the soup to thicken slightly.

Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or extra shredded cheese if desired. Serve hot with crusty bread for a complete meal.

Nutritional Information

Calories	420
Protein	24g
Carbohydrates	35g
Fat	19g
Fiber	3g
Sodium	980mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

• Lean Ground Turkey — Lighter protein with similar texture and savory flavor.
• Whole Wheat or Chickpea Pasta — Adds fiber and nutrients while maintaining heartiness.
• Cauliflower Rice — Low-carb option that blends seamlessly into the cheesy broth.
• Nutritional Yeast or Vegan Cheese — Dairy-free alternative with a rich, cheesy taste.
• Gluten-Free Macaroni — Perfect for dietary restrictions without sacrificing comfort.
• Low-Sodium Broth & Cheese — Reduces salt while keeping the soup flavorful.
• Lentils or Mushrooms — Plant-based protein that adds earthy depth to the dish.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a crisp garden salad or garlic bread for a complete meal
• Serve in warm bowls to maintain temperature and enhance comfort
• Garnish with fresh parsley, extra shredded cheese, or crumbled bacon
• Perfect for chilly evenings, game day gatherings, or family weeknight dinners
• Accompany with pickles or a tangy coleslaw to balance the richness
• Great for potlucks—transports easily in a thermal container

This One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is wonderfully versatile—dress it up for guests or keep it simple for a cozy family meal. The hearty combination of pasta, beef, and cheese appeals to all ages and makes excellent leftovers.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using lean ground beef only. Fix: Opt for 80/20 beef—the fat adds essential flavor and prevents dryness.
• Mistake: Adding raw macaroni to cold liquid. Fix: Bring broth to a boil first so pasta cooks evenly and doesn’t clump.
• Mistake: Overcrowding the pot with ingredients. Fix: Brown beef in batches if needed to ensure proper searing and texture.
• Mistake: Dumping in all cheese at once. Fix: Stir cheese in gradually over low heat to prevent a grainy, broken sauce.
• Mistake: Skipping the tomato paste sauté. Fix: Cook tomato paste with aromatics for 1–2 minutes to deepen the soup’s flavor base.
• Mistake: Overcooking the macaroni. Fix: Check pasta 2 minutes before the suggested time—it will soften further as the soup rests.
• Mistake: Using pre-shredded cheese with anti-caking agents. Fix: Shred your own cheese for a smoother, creamier melt.
• Mistake: Not adjusting liquid after cooking. Fix: Pasta absorbs broth, so have extra warm broth ready to thin the soup if needed.
• Mistake: Adding acidic ingredients too early. Fix: Stir in tomatoes or pickles at the end to keep the cheese sauce stable.
• Mistake: Rushing the beef browning step. Fix: Take time to develop a fond on the pot bottom—it adds rich, savory notes to the broth.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Cool your One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat: Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until the soup reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.

For best results, you may need to add a splash of broth or milk when reheating to restore the soup’s creamy consistency.

Conclusion

This One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is the ultimate comfort meal, combining classic flavors with easy cleanup. If you love this recipe, try our Mac Cheese Bacon Burger Rolls next. Please leave a comment with your review and subscribe for more delicious one-pot dinners!

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FAQs

Can I make this One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this soup in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or milk if it thickens too much.

What can I use if I don’t have ground beef?

You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based ground meat alternative. This One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is versatile and will still be delicious with these swaps.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Use your favorite gluten-free macaroni and ensure your broth and other ingredients are certified gluten-free. The One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup will turn out just as creamy and satisfying.