One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

One pot macaroni cheeseburger soup is a warm, hearty dish that brings together classic burger flavors with tender pasta in a single pot. This easy cheeseburger soup recipe feels like a bowl of creamy comfort, complete with savory ground beef, soft elbow macaroni, and smooth cheddar cheese. It’s one of those family-friendly meals that always hits the spot.

This combination of beef, pasta, and cheese is loved for its satisfying taste and simple preparation. Anyone can make it without fuss, and the result is a tasty twist on a beloved cheeseburger.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This homemade cheeseburger soup stands out because it’s convenient, flavorful, and beginner-friendly. Many soups take a long time to develop a rich taste, but one pot macaroni cheeseburger soup blends beef, onions, and cheese in a way that builds bold layers with minimal effort. You don’t need fancy tools—just a stovetop pot and some basic ingredients.

The addition of elbow macaroni adds a comforting feel that reminds you of a cheeseburger-and-fries meal. Plus, it’s easy to adjust the flavor with extra herbs or garnishes. If you’re seeking a one pot dinner that saves time and still delivers a cheesy punch, this is the soup for you.

Ingredients Needed

Below is the ingredient list you’ll need for a big batch of this creamy cheeseburger soup. While the base follows a traditional approach, a few personal touches can enhance the overall taste and originality.

1. Ground Beef (1 lb.)
   
   • Opt for medium or lean ground beef to balance flavor and minimize grease.
     
2. Dried Oregano (2 teaspoons, divided)
   
   • Adds a pleasant herbal note. Feel free to swap in a pinch of dried basil or parsley if you prefer.
     
3. Dried Thyme (2 teaspoons, divided)
   
   • Gives the soup an earthy edge. You can also try dried rosemary in small amounts for a twist.
     
4. Butter (6 tablespoons)
   
   • This brings richness and helps sauté the vegetables.
     
5. Yellow Onion (1 cup, diced)
   
   • Offers sweetness and depth to the soup base.
     
6. Carrots (1 cup, sliced)
   
   • Adds color, natural sweetness, and a bit of texture.
     
7. Celery (1 cup, sliced)
   
   • Brings a bright, fresh taste. You can replace it with sliced bell peppers for a different crunch.
     
8. Garlic (5 cloves, minced)
   
   • Adds a savory pop. Adjust the amount if you want more or less garlic flavor.
     
9. Flour (4 tablespoons)
   
   • Helps thicken the soup to a creamy consistency.
     
10. Chicken Broth (8 cups)
    
    • Provides a mild backdrop that highlights the cheese and beef.
      
11. Elbow Macaroni (8 oz. uncooked)
    
    • The star carb that turns this into a hearty cheeseburger macaroni soup.
      
12. Heavy Cream (1 cup)
    
    • Makes the soup velvety and smooth.
      
13. Sharp Cheddar Cheese (8 oz., shredded)
    
    • Sharp cheddar pairs perfectly with beef for that classic burger vibe.
      
14. White Balsamic Vinegar (1 teaspoon)
    
    • Brightens the flavors at the end.
      
15. Kosher Salt
    
    • Balances the overall taste.
      
16. Fresh Cracked Pepper
    
    • Brings a subtle kick.
      
17. Sesame Seed Buns (4, diced into 1-inch pieces for croutons)
    
    • Mimics the burger experience.
      
18. Olive Oil (2 tablespoons, for croutons)
    
    • Helps crisp the bun pieces in the oven.
      
19. Green Onion (sliced, for garnish)
    
    • A pop of color on top.
      
20. Extra Shredded Cheddar Cheese (for garnish)
    
    • Because a little more cheese never hurts.
      

How to Make One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

This step-by-step process is simple to follow. Gather your ingredients, and let’s create a delicious one pot comfort food that tastes like your favorite cheeseburger with an extra helping of cheesy macaroni.

1. Prep the Croutons
   
   • Preheat your oven to 400°F.
     
   • Arrange diced sesame seed bun pieces on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
     
   • Drizzle them with two tablespoons of olive oil.
     
   • Toss to coat evenly.
     
   • Bake for about 10 minutes or until the outside feels crisp. Remove them from the oven and set aside.
     
2. Brown the Beef
   
   • Set a large pot on medium heat.
     
   • Place 1 pound of ground beef in the pot.
     
   • Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, and a couple of pinches of salt and pepper.
     
   • Break up the beef with a spatula or wooden spoon as it cooks.
     
   • Continue browning until the meat has no pink remaining.
     
   • Transfer the cooked beef to a separate bowl or plate and set aside.
     
3. Start the Soup Base
   
   • Using the same pot (do not wipe it out), add 6 tablespoons of butter.
     
   • Keep the heat on medium so the butter melts gently without burning.
     
   • Once melted, stir in 1 cup diced onion, 1 cup sliced carrots, and 1 cup sliced celery.
     
   • Add a pinch of salt and pepper to help these vegetables release moisture.
     
   • Turn the heat to medium-high and stir occasionally for about 10 minutes. You want the onions to become translucent and the carrots to soften a bit.
     
4. Add Garlic and Herbs
   
   • Reduce the heat back to medium.
     
   • Stir in 5 cloves of minced garlic, the remaining 1 teaspoon oregano, and the remaining 1 teaspoon thyme.
     
   • Cook for about 1 minute, letting those aromatics bloom. Watch carefully so the garlic doesn’t scorch.
     
5. Thicken with Flour
   
   • Sprinkle 4 tablespoons of flour over the vegetables.
     
   • Stir to coat everything. This will look a bit lumpy at first, but that’s normal.
     
   • Cook for another minute, moving the vegetables around to prevent sticking. This step helps form the base for a creamy cheeseburger soup.
     
6. Deglaze and Add Broth
   
   • Pour a small splash of chicken broth into the pot.
     
   • Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom with your spoon. These bits carry extra flavor.
     
   • Stir in the rest of the 8 cups of chicken broth.
     
   • Add another pinch of salt and pepper to layer in flavor.
     
7. Incorporate the Macaroni
   
   • Gently stir in 8 oz. of uncooked elbow macaroni.
     
   • Turn the heat to medium-high until the soup comes to a gentle simmer.
     
   • Once it simmers, reduce the heat to low and let it cook for about 5-7 minutes.
     
   • Keep an eye on it and stir occasionally, so the noodles don’t stick to the bottom. You want the macaroni to be al dente, not mushy.
     
8. Create the Creamy Texture
   
   • Remove the soup from the heat.
     
   • Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream until it’s fully incorporated.
     
   • Add 8 oz. of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, stirring until melted.
     
   • This step transforms the soup into a rich, creamy beef and cheese soup.
     
9. Add Vinegar and Return the Beef
   
   • Mix in 1 teaspoon of white balsamic vinegar. This small addition balances the richness.
     
   • Return the cooked ground beef to the pot.
     
   • Turn the heat to medium for a couple of minutes to warm the beef.
     
   • Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
     
10. Garnish and Serve
    

• Ladle the soup into bowls.
  
• Top with the crispy sesame seed bun croutons.
  
• Sprinkle with sliced green onion and a bit of extra shredded cheddar cheese.
  
• Enjoy your one pot macaroni cheeseburger soup while it’s hot!
  

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve this cheeseburger macaroni soup with a green salad or fresh vegetables for color and crunch.
  
• A dash of hot sauce or sliced jalapeños can spice things up if you like a bolder flavor.
  
• Top each bowl with chopped pickles or a light squirt of ketchup if you want that extra burger-themed vibe.
  

Storage:

• Cool the soup to room temperature before storing.
  
• Place leftovers in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to three days.
  
• The pasta may soak up some liquid, so add a splash of milk or chicken broth when reheating.
  

The USDA provides comprehensive guidelines on safe freezing practices, including storage times and temperature recommendations.

Reheating:

• Warm the soup on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Stir often to keep the creamy texture smooth.
  
• If you notice the soup looks thicker, add a bit of broth or milk to loosen it up.
  
• Avoid boiling it for too long, as that can make the noodles too soft.
  

Helpful Notes

• Meat Choice: Ground beef is traditional, but you could experiment with ground turkey or chicken if you prefer. Adjust seasonings and cooking times as needed.
  
• Extra Veggies: Feel free to throw in chopped mushrooms, bell peppers, or even a handful of spinach near the end for more nutrients.
  
• Cheese Variety: Sharp cheddar is a standard pick for cheeseburger flavors, but you can add some pepper jack for extra zing, or mix in a little mozzarella for a stretchier cheese pull.
  
• Seasoning Adjustments: Dried oregano and thyme offer a strong aroma. If you’re not a fan, reduce the amounts or swap in a small amount of dried basil. Keep it simple if you want a classic burger flavor.
  
• Consistency: If you like a thicker soup, reduce the chicken broth by a cup or let the soup simmer uncovered for a few minutes to evaporate extra liquid. If you want it thinner, add more broth or milk.
  
• White Balsamic Vinegar: This adds a subtle tartness without dominating the taste. You can use a small splash of regular white vinegar if that’s what you have on hand.
  

Conclusion

This one pot macaroni cheeseburger soup captures the best parts of a classic burger—savory ground beef, rich cheese, and a hint of toasted bun—in a single hearty bowl. It’s creamy, comforting, and filled with everyday ingredients that most people already have. The ease of preparing it all in one pot saves time and cleanup, making it a practical go-to recipe on busy evenings. Once you taste the blend of cheddar, beef, and tender pasta, you’ll see why it’s a crowd-pleaser. Serve it with fresh garnishes or keep it plain and simple—either way, it’s a guaranteed hit.

If you try this recipe, let friends and family know how it turned out. Share a photo or drop a comment so others can see your experience. Every bowl brings the familiar flavors of a cheeseburger, but with a cozy, soup-style twist. Enjoy!

________________________________________

One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

Rebecca Blumer

This creamy, cheesy, one-pot macaroni cheeseburger soup brings together all your favorite burger flavors in a comforting, hearty bowl. With tender elbow macaroni, savory ground beef, and sharp cheddar cheese, it’s an easy weeknight meal that hits the spot.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course Soup

Cuisine American

Servings 6 Bowls

Calories 465 kcal

Equipment

• Large Pot
• Baking Sheet

Ingredients

  

Soup Base

• 1 lb ground beef lean or medium
• 2 tsp dried oregano divided
• 2 tsp dried thyme divided
• 6 tbsp butter
• 1 cup yellow onion diced
• 1 cup carrots sliced
• 1 cup celery sliced
• 5 cloves garlic minced
• 4 tbsp flour
• 8 cups chicken broth
• 8 oz elbow macaroni uncooked
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese shredded
• 1 tsp white balsamic vinegar
• kosher salt to taste
• fresh cracked pepper to taste

Croutons & Garnish

• 4 sesame seed buns diced into 1-inch pieces
• 2 tbsp olive oil for croutons
• green onion sliced, for garnish
• extra shredded cheddar cheese for garnish

Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss diced sesame buns with olive oil, bake on a parchment-lined sheet for 10 minutes until crisp. Set aside.
• In a large pot over medium heat, brown the ground beef with 1 tsp each of oregano and thyme, plus salt and pepper. Cook until no longer pink. Remove and set aside.
• In the same pot, melt butter and sauté onion, carrots, and celery with a pinch of salt and pepper for about 10 minutes.
• Stir in garlic, remaining oregano and thyme. Cook for 1 minute.
• Sprinkle flour over the vegetables. Stir and cook for another minute to thicken.
• Deglaze with a splash of broth, then add the remaining broth. Bring to a gentle simmer.
• Add macaroni and cook 5–7 minutes until al dente, stirring occasionally.
• Remove from heat. Stir in cream and shredded cheddar until melted and creamy.
• Stir in vinegar and return beef to pot. Simmer briefly to warm through. Season to taste.
• Serve hot, topped with sesame croutons, green onions, and extra cheese.

Notes

Swap ground beef with turkey or chicken, and adjust seasoning as needed. Customize toppings or add jalapeños or pickles for a burger-style twist.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	465 kcal
Fat	32 g
Saturated Fat	17 g
Cholesterol	106.8 mg
Sodium	1175.7  mg
Carbohydrates	31.3 g
Fiber	2.2 g
Sugars	4.3 g
Protein	25.7 g

 

⚠️ Disclaimer: The nutrition information provided is estimated based on automated calculations and should be viewed as an approximation. These values are offered as a helpful reference and may vary depending on specific ingredients and brands used. For the most accurate results, please consult your own nutritional data or preferred brand values.

Explore More Delicious Recipes

If you enjoyed diving into the One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup, why not explore more delightful dishes from our collection? Here are some must-try recipes to elevate your cooking adventures:

• Forgotten Chicken Recipe You Must Try Tonight
• Easy Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe No One Resists
• Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Everyone Will Love
• Ultimate Chicken Marsala For Delicious Dinners
• Garlic Butter Steak Bites And Potatoes Savory Delight
  

Explore these recipes today to bring more exciting flavors to your table and make every meal memorable!

FAQs