If you’re looking for a satisfying, hearty meal, look no more than this one-pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup. This soup integrates all the flavors of a traditional cheeseburger in a warm, enjoyable soup. Best of all, it’s quite simple to make and suitable for a cozy family dinner.
Ingredients
Ingredient Quantity
Ground beef (or turkey) 1 pound
Onion (diced) 1
Garlic (minced) 3 cloves
Beef broth 4 cups
Elbow macaroni 1 cup
Cheddar cheese (shredded) 2 cups
Diced tomatoes (canned) 1 can (14 oz)
Milk 1 cup
Salt To taste
Pepper To taste
Paprika 1 teaspoon
Worcestershire sauce 1 tablespoon
Instructions
- In a big pot, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it separated as it cooks. Drain extra fat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot and cook for another 3-4 minutes, until damped.
- Pour in the beef broth and diced tomatoes, then bring the mixture to a boil.
- Stir in the elbow macaroni and reduce heat to a simmer. Boil for about 10 minutes, or until the pasta is soft.
- Lower the heat and mix the shredded cheddar cheese and milk, continually stirring until the cheese melts and the soup reaches a creamy texture.
- Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and Worcestershire sauce to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with extra cheese or a dollop of sour cream if preferred.
Storage Information
Store remaining cheeseburger soup in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It’s a great alternative for meal prep because, frankly, it’s even better the next day.
Upgrade Ideas
- Use lean ground beef rather than ground turkey for a more classic beef burger flavor.
- Add extra vegetables, such as chopped cauliflower or broccoli. Cauliflower adds a delicious creaminess to the soup, like in my Easy Nourishing Chicken Cauliflower Soup.
- Instead of macaroni noodles, add cubed potatoes, such as gold, red, or russet potatoes.
- For an extra creamy soup, add a couple of tablespoons of heavy cream.
- Want more of your favorite cheeseburger flavors? Top your finished soup with bacon and some diced pickles or pickle relish.
- For some heat, add a small can of diced green chilies or some diced jalapeño.
Extra Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup Take-ups
Cheeseburger macaroni soup with Velveeta: Change the shredded cheddar for Velveeta to make the soup even lighter.
Hamburger Helper Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup: If you’re yearning for a dreamy flavor, you can add seasoning equal to what’s found in Hamburger Helper mixes.
Cheeseburger macaroni with cheddar cheese soup: Use a can of condensed cheddar cheese soup to make this arrangement quicker and cheesier.
12 tomato cheeseburger macaroni soup: A popular variation with additional vegetables like carrots and celery for more depth.
Quick and straightforward cheeseburger soup: Keep things simple by using pre-shredded cheese and pre-cooked ground beef.
Amish cheeseburger soup recipe: This dish uses a heartier, rustic approach with chunks of potatoes and a cream-based broth.
Creamy macaroni beef soup: To make the soup even creamier, add heavy cream or cream cheese.
Tipsy Housewife Cheeseburger Soup: A fun twist with a splash of beer for added depth of flavor.
FAQ for One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup
What type of cheese is best for cheeseburger soup?
Cheddar cheese is commonly used for cheeseburger soup because of its rich, sharp flavor that matches the beef. You can also use Velvet for a creamier texture.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey is an excellent alternative to a lighter option. It will still give a delicious flavor while reducing the fat content.
How do I store leftover cheeseburger soup?
Store leftover cheeseburger soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It’s perfect for meal prep and often tastes better the next day.
Can I freeze cheeseburger soup?
Yes, you can freeze this soup. Let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It will last up to 3 months in the freezer.
What can I substitute for macaroni in cheeseburger soup?
If you don’t have macaroni, you can substitute it with cubed potatoes, rice, or other types of pasta like rotini or penne.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! You can brown the beef first, then transfer all the ingredients to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 4–6 hours, or on high for 2–3 hours.
Can I make this soup dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free version, replace the cheddar cheese and milk with plant-based cheese and non-dairy milk such as almond or oat milk.
What’s the difference between Velveeta and cheddar cheese in this soup?
Velveeta melts into a much creamier thickness, giving the soup a smoother texture, while cheddar cheese adds a sharper, more robust flavor.
What vegetables can I add to cheeseburger soup?
You can add vegetables like cauliflower, broccoli, bell peppers, or zucchini to increase the nutritional value and bulk the soup.
Can I use chicken broth instead of beef broth?
Yes, chicken broth can be used in place of beef broth, though it may slightly change the flavor profile. Vegetable broth is also a beneficial option.
What’s the best type of pasta for cheeseburger soup?
Elbow macaroni is traditional, but you can also use other pasta types like shells, penne, or rotini for a different texture.
Can I make this soup gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free flour for the roux and gluten-free pasta to ensure that the entire recipe is gluten-free.
How do I make cheeseburger soup extra creamy?
To make the soup extra creamy, add a couple of tablespoons of heavy cream or some cream cheese for an even richer texture.
How can I add more flavor to cheeseburger soup?
Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce, some bacon bits, or even diced pickles to mimic the flavors of a cheeseburger. A dash of hot sauce can also give it some kick.
Can I make this soup keto-friendly?
Yes, bypass the macaroni and replace it with a low-carb option like cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to make the soup keto-friendly.
Is this soup suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This one-pot macaroni cheeseburger soup is even better the next day. Make a big batch and store it in the fridge for quick lunches and dinners during the week.
