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One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

4.7 from 112 reviews

This One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is a hearty and comforting dish that combines the flavors of a classic cheeseburger with creamy, cheesy soup and tender elbow macaroni. Made with ground beef, fresh vegetables, sharp cheddar cheese, and toasted sesame seed bun croutons, this satisfying soup is perfect for a cozy meal any day of the week.

Ingredients

Scale

Soup Ingredients

  • 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, to taste
  • Fresh cracked pepper, to taste

Croutons

  • 4 sesame seed buns, diced into 1-inch pieces
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Garnish

  • Sliced green onion, for garnish
  • Shredded cheddar cheese, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare Croutons: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Spread the diced sesame seed buns in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and toss well to coat evenly. Bake for about 10 minutes or until the bread pieces are crispy on the outside, then set aside.
  2. Brown the Ground Beef: Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef along with 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, and a couple pinches of kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper. Cook while crumbling the beef with a spatula until fully browned and cooked through. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
  3. Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot (no need to clean it), melt 6 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add diced onion, sliced carrots, sliced celery, and a large pinch of salt and pepper. Increase heat to medium-high and cook while stirring occasionally for about 10 minutes until vegetables are softened.
  4. Add Garlic and Herbs: Reduce heat to medium and stir in minced garlic, along with the remaining 1 teaspoon oregano and 1 teaspoon thyme. Cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
  5. Make Roux: Sprinkle 4 tablespoons of flour over the vegetables and stir to coat evenly. Continue cooking for one minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
  6. Deglaze the Pot: Add a small splash of chicken broth to the pot and scrape the bottom to release any browned bits, adding flavor to the soup.
  7. Add Broth and Pasta: Pour in the remaining chicken broth and add the uncooked elbow macaroni. Season with another pinch of salt and pepper. Turn the heat to medium-high and bring to a simmer.
  8. Simmer Pasta: Once simmering, lower heat to low and let the soup cook for 5-7 minutes until the macaroni is al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  9. Finish Soup Base: Remove the pot from heat. Stir in the heavy cream and shredded sharp cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
  10. Add Vinegar and Beef: Stir in 1 teaspoon of white balsamic vinegar. Return the cooked ground beef to the pot and heat the soup over medium heat for about 2 minutes until the beef is warmed through. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
  11. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls. Top each serving with the toasted sesame seed bun croutons, sliced green onions, and extra shredded cheddar cheese for garnish. Enjoy warm!

Notes

  • For a lower-fat version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream and use lean ground beef.
  • You can use gluten-free flour and pasta to make this recipe gluten-free if needed.
  • Make the croutons ahead of time and store in an airtight container to preserve crispness.
  • Adjust seasoning carefully after adding cheese and cream to balance flavors.
  • Leftover soup can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.

Keywords: macaroni cheeseburger soup, easy soup recipe, ground beef soup, cheesy soup, comfort food soup