One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is the ultimate comfort food that delights the senses. This creamy, cheesy, and flavorful dish combines savory ground beef with tender pasta in an aromatic broth, making it a meal that warms the heart and fills the belly. The infusion of mozzarella and cheddar cheese creates a rich, delectable experience that is both nostalgic and satisfying. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners, this soup is not only easy to prepare but also offers a hearty meal in a single pot, allowing you to enjoy more time with loved ones and less time in the kitchen. Dive into this step-by-step recipe and discover why it’s a must-try!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You will love One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup for many reasons. First and foremost, its simplicity makes it a go-to recipe for busy households. With only one pot to clean up afterwards, you’re free to enjoy family time without the hassle of extensive dishwashing. Additionally, the meal comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for rushed weekdays. It’s also a crowd-pleaser; both kids and adults will savor its rich flavor and scrumptious texture. With minimal ingredients and easy preparation, this recipe is a winning way to satisfy your appetite while fostering family connections.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef: This juicy meat serves as the heart of the soup, providing a rich, savory flavor.
• 1 medium onion, diced: The sweet and aromatic nature of onion adds depth to the dish, creating a comforting vibe.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic brings warmth to the recipe with its fragrant, flavorful essence.
• 4 cups beef broth: A robust base that enhances the savoriness, perfect for complementing the other ingredients.
• 1 cup milk: This creamy addition enriches the soup, creating a luscious and decadent mouthfeel.
• 2 cups elbow macaroni: These tender pasta pieces soak up the delicious broth and provide satisfying bites.
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melty and creamy, this cheese not only elevates the flavor but also adds a comforting texture.
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: This ingredient brings a hint of umami flavor, amplifying the overall taste experience.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that enhances the flavor profile with aromatic notes.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing the flavors, bringing out the best in each ingredient.

Optional toppings:

• Diced tomatoes: A refreshing touch that adds brightness and texture.
• Pickles: For those who enjoy a tangy crunch that contrasts with the creamy soup.
• Extra cheese: Because who doesn’t love more cheese?
• Green onions: These aromatic garnishes provide a burst of flavor and visual appeal.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Brown the Beef: In a large pot, over medium heat, brown the ground beef until it’s fully cooked, breaking it apart as it cooks to ensure even texture. Drain any excess fat from the pot to make the soup lighter and healthier.

2. Sauté Onions and Garlic: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot with the beef, stirring occasionally. Sauté until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes, allowing the rich scents to waft through your kitchen.

3. Add Broth and Boil: Pour in the four cups of beef broth and bring the mixture to a boil. This step will create a warm, inviting aroma that anticipates the hearty meal ahead.

4. Stir in Macaroni and Seasonings: Once boiling, stir in the elbow macaroni, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Ensure the macaroni is well coated in the broth and seasonings.

5. Simmer: Reduce the heat to a simmer and let the soup cook until the macaroni is tender, about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking together.

6. Finish with Milk and Cheese: Once the macaroni is cooked, stir in the milk and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until the cheese melts and the soup becomes creamy and luscious.

7. Serve: Dish out the soup hot in bowls, garnishing with any of your chosen optional toppings based on personal preference.

Tips & Tricks

To elevate the flavor of your One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup, consider browning the ground beef with some added seasonings—like smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce—for an extra kick. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as gouda or Monterey Jack, to create variations in flavor. If you have any leftover vegetables, like bell peppers or carrots, toss those in during the sautéing step for added nutrition and taste. Lastly, for a thicker soup, reduce the amount of broth slightly, or let it simmer longer to allow the liquid to evaporate.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is versatile enough to be served on its own, but consider pairing it with some crusty bread for a side of crunch or a fresh garden salad. This soup is great for gatherings and family meals, making it a perfect choice for casual weekend evenings or game-day gatherings. Accompany your soup with some biscuits or garlic bread to dip and soak up that delicious cheesy broth. If you’re feeling adventurous, serve it alongside a light, zesty coleslaw, complementing the richness of the soup perfectly.

Nutritional Information

One serving of One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup typically contains approximately 400 calories. It’s essential to have a balanced diet, so enjoy this hearty soup knowing that it’s rich in protein from the beef and cheese, as well as carbohydrates from the macaroni. It’s a comforting meal perfect for refueling after a long day. Keep in mind that variations in ingredients may slightly alter the nutritional values, so adjusting servings may be necessary based on dietary needs.

Storing Tips & Variations

Store any leftover One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing the soup. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers. When reheating, you may want to add a splash of milk to restore creaminess. Variations can include swapping out the beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option, or adding various vegetables like spinach or corn for an extra nutritional boost. You can also try different pasta shapes, such as shells or bowties, to mix up the texture.

Conclusion

Try making this delicious One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup today! The rich flavors and creamy texture will win over your taste buds and create lasting memories with family and friends around the dinner table. Don’t forget to share your experiences and variations on this recipe. Your feedback might inspire others to create this comforting dish in their own kitchens!

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of meat?

   • Absolutely! While ground beef is traditional, you can easily swap it for ground turkey, chicken, or even a meat alternative for a vegetarian version.

2. Can this soup be made ahead of time?

   • Yes! This soup reheats well and can be made a day in advance. Just store it in the fridge, and warm it gently on the stove or microwave.

3. What can I use instead of beef broth?

   • Vegetable broth is a great substitute if you want a lighter version. Ensure it’s low-sodium if you’re watching salt intake.

4. Is there a way to make this soup gluten-free?

   • You can use gluten-free pasta and check the broths and sauces used to ensure they fit into a gluten-free diet.

5. How can I adjust the spice level?

   • If you prefer heat, consider adding red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños while sautéing the onion and garlic to customize the spice level to your liking.

One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

A creamy and cheesy dish combining savory ground beef and tender pasta in an aromatic broth, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Main Course, Soup

Cuisine: American

Calories: 400

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef Juicy beef providing rich flavor.
• 1 medium onion, diced Adds depth and comfort to the dish.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced Brings warmth and fragrance.
• 4 cups beef broth Robust base enhancing savoriness.
• 1 cup milk Creates a creamy texture.
• 2 cups elbow macaroni Soaks up broth and provides satisfying bites.
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Elevates flavor and texture.
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce Adds umami flavor.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning Enhances flavor with aromatic notes.
• Salt and pepper to taste Essential for balancing flavors.

Optional Toppings

• Diced tomatoes Adds brightness and texture.
• Pickles For tangy crunch.
• Extra cheese For more cheesy goodness.
• Green onions Provides flavor and visual appeal.

Method

 

Preparation

1. In a large pot over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat.
2. Add diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

Cooking

1. Pour in the beef broth and bring to a boil.
2. Stir in elbow macaroni, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Reduce to a simmer and cook until macaroni is tender, about 8-10 minutes.
4. Stir in milk and shredded cheddar cheese until the cheese melts and the soup is creamy.
5. Serve hot in bowls, garnishing with chosen optional toppings.

Notes

For additional flavor, consider browning beef with smoked paprika or try different cheeses. Leftover vegetables can be added during the sautéing step. For a thicker soup, reduce broth or simmer longer.