This One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is the perfect blend of comfort and flavor. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is ideal for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings. With its creamy texture and cheesy goodness, it’s sure to become a favorite. Plus, everything cooks in one pot, making cleanup a breeze!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just 30 minutes needed from start to finish, this soup is perfect for those hectic evenings.
- One Pot Wonder: Save time on cleanup with everything cooking in a single pot!
- Creamy and Cheesy: The combination of heavy cream and sharp cheddar creates an irresistible taste.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or spices for a personal touch.
- Family-Friendly: Kids love the flavors, making it a go-to meal for the whole family.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make your experience smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Essential for cooking the soup evenly and holding all the ingredients together.
- Baking sheet: Perfect for toasting the sesame seed buns into croutons that add texture to your soup.
Ingredients
For the Soup
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano, divided
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme, divided
- 6 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup 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
For the Croutons
- 4 sesame seed buns, diced into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For Garnishing
- sliced green onion
- shredded cheddar cheese
How to Make One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Heat oven to 400 degrees. Place sesame seed bun cubes in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat evenly. Bake for 10 minutes or until crispy on the outside.
Step 2: Cook the Beef
Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add ground beef along with 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, and a couple pinches of salt and pepper. Brown ground beef while crumbling it with a spatula until cooked through. Remove from pan and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté Vegetables
In the same large pot, heat butter over medium heat (no need to wipe it out or drain grease). Add diced onion, sliced carrots, sliced celery, along with a large pinch of salt and pepper. Cook while stirring occasionally for about 10 minutes.
Step 4: Add Garlic and Herbs
Reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic along with remaining oregano and thyme; cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 5: Thicken the Base
Stir in flour to coat the veggies well; cook for one more minute while stirring frequently.
Step 6: Deglaze the Pot
Add a splash of chicken broth to deglaze the pot by scraping up any bits stuck on the bottom.
Step 7: Combine Ingredients
Pour in the remaining chicken broth along with uncooked elbow macaroni. Stir in another pinch of salt and pepper. Turn heat to medium-high; bring mixture to a simmer.
Step 8: Simmer
Once simmering, reduce heat to low. Simmer for about 5–7 minutes or until pasta is al dente while stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 9: Finish the Soup
Remove from heat; stir in heavy cream and shredded cheese until melted smoothly into the soup.
Step 10: Season & Serve
Add white balsamic vinegar along with cooked ground beef back into the pot. Heat over medium just until beef is warmed through; season with salt and pepper as desired.
Step 11: Garnish & Enjoy
Serve soup topped with toasted sesame seed bun croutons along with sliced green onions and additional shredded cheddar cheese if desired! Enjoy your delicious One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup!
How to Serve One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup
Serving One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is a delightful experience. This comforting dish is perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in. Here are some fantastic serving suggestions to elevate your meal.
With Crusty Bread
- Garlic Bread: Serve warm garlic bread on the side for a flavorful complement.
- Dinner Rolls: Soft dinner rolls can soak up the soup and add a nice touch.
Topped with Garnishes
- Green Onions: Freshly chopped green onions add a burst of color and flavor.
- Extra Cheddar Cheese: A sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese on top will enhance the cheesiness.
As Part of a Meal
- Side Salad: A crisp garden salad can balance the richness of the soup.
- Pickles: Serve pickles as a tangy side that pairs well with the hearty flavors.
How to Perfect One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup
To achieve the best results with your One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup, consider these handy tips.
- Bold seasoning: Adjust salt, pepper, and herbs to enhance flavor. Taste as you go!
- Choose quality cheese: Use sharp cheddar for a richer taste and better melt.
- Watch pasta doneness: Stir frequently while cooking pasta to avoid sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables will provide better texture and flavor compared to canned options.
Best Side Dishes for One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup
Pairing One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup with complementary side dishes will enhance your meal. Here are some delicious options:
- Caesar Salad: Classic Caesar salad adds crunch and tang, perfect alongside creamy soup.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned roasted vegetables bring added nutrition and flavor to your plate.
- Chips or Crisps: Crunchy chips offer a fun texture contrast that kids will love.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad balances the richness of the soup with sweetness.
- Coleslaw: Creamy coleslaw provides a cool, crunchy side that pairs wonderfully with hot soup.
- Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins are great for dipping into the cheesy goodness of the soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To ensure your One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup turns out perfectly, avoid these common mistakes.
- Overcooking the Pasta: Cooking the macaroni too long can make it mushy. Always check for al dente texture as it will continue to cook in the soup.
- Not Browning the Beef Properly: Failing to brown the ground beef can result in a less flavorful soup. Make sure to crumble and cook the beef until it’s well browned before setting it aside.
- Ignoring Seasoning Levels: Under-seasoning can lead to bland soup. Taste as you go and adjust salt and pepper according to your preference.
- Skipping the Deglazing Step: This step is crucial for flavor. Make sure to add a splash of chicken broth after cooking the vegetables to scrape up any flavorful bits from the pot.
- Using Low-Quality Cheese: Not all cheeses melt well. Opt for a good quality sharp cheddar for creamy results in your soup.
- Rushing the Cooking Process: Each step enhances flavor. Take your time, especially when sautéing vegetables, to develop deeper flavors.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- The soup can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup
- Allow the soup to cool completely before freezing.
- Store in freezer-safe containers or bags; it will last up to 3 months.
Reheating One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish covered with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes or until warmed through.
- Microwave: Transfer individual portions into microwave-safe bowls. Heat on high at 1-minute intervals, stirring between each until hot.
- Stovetop: Pour soup into a pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated through, adding a splash of broth if it thickens too much.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey is a great alternative that will still provide delicious flavor while being leaner.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or a plant-based cream alternative if you’re looking for a lighter option.
How do I make this One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup spicier?
Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce during cooking for an extra kick!
Can I add vegetables to this cheeseburger soup?
Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or green beans to increase nutrition and flavor.
How do I store leftovers?
Store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze them for longer storage.
Final Thoughts
One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is not only comforting but also incredibly versatile! You can customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or spices. This quick recipe is perfect for busy nights when you crave a hearty meal without fuss. Give it a try and enjoy every cheesy spoonful!