Craving something warm, cheesy, and comforting? This One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is the ultimate cozy meal, packed with ground beef, tender macaroni, and gooey cheese in a rich, creamy broth. It’s like a cheeseburger in a bowl—but with all the comforting goodness of soup!
Best of all, this recipe comes together in just one pot, making cleanup a breeze. Whether you're cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, this soup is guaranteed to be a hit.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ One-Pot Meal: Less mess, easy cleanup!
✔ Hearty & Comforting: Perfect for chilly nights.
✔ Kid-Friendly: A fun twist on classic mac and cheese!
✔ Customizable: Add your favorite toppings and variations.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium carrot, grated (adds a touch of sweetness)
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 1 cup elbow macaroni (or any small pasta)
- 1 cup heavy cream or whole milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp mustard (yellow or Dijon)
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
- 2 tbsp butter
Optional Toppings:
- Cooked bacon bits (for a bacon cheeseburger twist)
- Chopped pickles (for a tangy kick)
- Extra shredded cheese (because more cheese is always better!)
- Green onions (for freshness)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Beef
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
- Drain excess fat if needed.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
- Add onions, garlic, and grated carrot to the pot.
- Cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
Step 3: Add the Broth & Tomatoes
- Pour in the beef broth and diced tomatoes (with juices).
- Stir in Worcestershire sauce, mustard, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
Step 4: Cook the Macaroni
- Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then add the elbow macaroni.
- Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.
Step 5: Make it Creamy & Cheesy
- Lower the heat and stir in heavy cream (or milk).
- Slowly add the shredded cheese, stirring constantly until melted and creamy.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy
- Ladle the soup into bowls and top with your favorite toppings.
- Serve hot and enjoy the ultimate cheeseburger-inspired comfort food!
Serving Suggestions
- With Toasted Buns: Serve with buttered toast or garlic bread for a true cheeseburger experience.
- With a Side Salad: A fresh side salad balances out the richness of the soup.
- With French Fries: Make it feel even more like a cheeseburger meal!
Tips & Variations
✔ Make It Spicy: Add a dash of hot sauce or chopped jalapeños.
✔ Make It Low-Carb: Swap macaroni for cauliflower florets.
✔ Use Different Cheese: Try pepper jack, Swiss, or gouda for a flavor twist.
✔ Make It Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream and dairy-free cheese.
✔ Add More Veggies: Toss in mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for extra nutrition.
How to Store & Reheat
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Freeze for up to 2 months (without pasta for best results).
- Reheat: Warm in a pot over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add extra broth if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey works great as a leaner alternative.
2. How do I prevent the macaroni from getting mushy?
If you plan to store leftovers, cook the pasta separately and add it when reheating.
3. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the beef first, then add all ingredients except the cheese and cream. Cook on LOW for 6-8 hours, then stir in cheese and cream before serving.
4. What’s the best cheese for this soup?
Cheddar is classic, but pepper jack, mozzarella, or Colby Jack work well too!
5. Is this soup keto-friendly?
To make it keto, swap the macaroni for cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
Final Thoughts
This One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is the ultimate comfort food—rich, cheesy, and packed with flavor! It’s easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights, and guaranteed to become a family favorite.
Try it today and enjoy a bowl of cheesy, beefy goodness!
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