Name: One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound 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 ounces uncooked elbow macaroni; 1 cup heavy cream; 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded; 1 teaspoon white balsamic vinegar; Kosher salt, to taste; Fresh cracked black pepper, to taste; 4 sesame seed buns, diced into 1-inch pieces; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Sliced green onion; Shredded cheddar cheese

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 85 reviews

If you are craving a comforting, hearty meal that hits all the right notes, then this One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Recipe is going to be your new go-to. Imagine the savory goodness of a cheeseburger transformed into a creamy, cheesy soup filled with tender elbow macaroni, savory ground beef, and vibrant vegetables, all cooked together in just one pot. It’s indulgent yet approachable, perfect for feeding a crowd or cozying up on a chilly night with a big bowl of soul-satisfying yum. This recipe effortlessly blends classic burger flavors with the warmth and coziness of a homemade soup, creating a dish that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This image shows an overhead view of various cooking ingredients arranged on a white marbled surface. In the top left, there is a clear glass measuring cup filled with milk, next to a small white bowl holding a rectangular block of yellow butter. Beside that is another small white bowl filled with white flour. To the right, a large white bowl is packed with shredded orange cheese. Below it, another large white bowl contains dry elbow macaroni pasta. Towards the bottom left, a large white bowl is filled with three layers of diced vegetables: green celery at the base, white diced onions in the middle, and orange carrot slices on top. To the left, a white plate holds a thick square piece of raw ground beef that is red with a marbled fatty texture. In the bottom right corner is a clear glass measuring cup filled with yellow broth. A small white bowl with a mix of minced garlic, dried herbs, and black pepper is near the center. All the items are neatly placed and well lit, creating a clear, high-resolution photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Recipe keeps things simple yet seriously flavorful. Each ingredient plays an important role, whether it’s building layers of savory depth, adding a touch of creaminess, or contributing a satisfying crunch. Let’s dive into what you’ll need to bring this delicious soup to life.

1 pound ground beef: Provides the rich, meaty base that makes this soup taste like a true cheeseburger.
2 teaspoons dried oregano, divided: Adds a subtle, aromatic earthiness to the soup.
2 teaspoons dried thyme, divided: Brings a gentle herbal note that complements the beef perfectly.
6 tablespoons butter: Essential for sautéing the veggies and giving the soup a luscious mouthfeel.
1 cup yellow onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth of flavor when cooked down.
1 cup sliced carrots: Offers a slight natural sweetness and lovely color contrast.
1 cup sliced celery: Provides crunch and fresh earthiness to balance creaminess.
5 cloves garlic, minced: Gives that irresistible savory punch that elevates every spoonful.
4 tablespoons flour: Works as a thickening agent for that creamy, velvety texture.
8 cups chicken broth: The flavorful liquid base that ties everything together.
8 ounces uncooked elbow macaroni: Classic pasta that soaks up all the comforting flavors.
1 cup heavy cream: Adds richness and smoothness for the perfect creamy finish.
8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded: Melts in beautifully for that classic cheeseburger taste.
1 teaspoon white balsamic vinegar: A surprising little zing that brightens the overall flavor.
Kosher salt & fresh cracked pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance every ingredient.
4 sesame seed buns, diced: Transformed into crispy croutons to add texture and tie back to the cheeseburger vibe.
2 tablespoons olive oil: Used to crisp up the bun pieces into irresistible croutons.
Sliced green onion, for garnish: Adds a fresh, slightly sharp finish on top.
Shredded cheddar cheese, for garnish: Because you can never have too much cheesy goodness.

How to Make One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

Step 1: Make Hamburger Bun Croutons

This little detail might just become your favorite part. Start by heating your oven to 400 degrees and lining a baking sheet with parchment. Toss the diced sesame seed buns in olive oil until every cube is glistening, then spread them out in a single layer. Bake for about 10 minutes until crispy on the outside with tender chew inside. These croutons bring that iconic burger bun crunch to every spoonful.

Step 2: Cook the Beef

Heat a large pot over medium and add your ground beef along with half of your dried oregano and thyme, plus a good pinch of salt and pepper. Brown the beef, breaking it apart with a spatula until fully cooked and beautifully browned. Then, remove the beef and set it aside while you build the soup base in the same pot.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

In the same pot, melt 6 tablespoons of butter without rinsing out that delicious beef flavor. Add diced onion, sliced carrots, celery, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook over medium-high heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until veggies soften and mingle into a fragrant bouquet of flavor.

Step 4: Add Herbs and Garlic

Reduce the heat to medium and toss in the minced garlic along with the remaining oregano and thyme. Let everything cook together for just about a minute until those garlic cloves become wonderfully fragrant without burning.

Step 5: Add Flour for Thickening

Sprinkle the flour evenly over the veggies, stirring constantly to coat everything and cook off the raw flour taste. This step is key to achieving that creamy, stick-to-your-spoon texture we’re after.

Step 6: Deglaze the Pot

Pour a splash of chicken broth into the pot and scrape up all the flavorful brown bits stuck to the bottom. This step enhances the soup’s depth, making sure no deliciousness goes to waste.

Step 7: Add Remaining Ingredients and Simmer

Pour in the rest of the chicken broth and add the uncooked elbow macaroni noodles along with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture up to a simmer on medium-high heat, then lower to a gentle simmer and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until the pasta is perfectly al dente. Stir occasionally to keep things moving and prevent sticking.

Step 8: Make It Creamy and Cheesy

Remove the pot from heat and stir in the heavy cream and shredded sharp cheddar cheese. This creamy combo transforms the soup into a rich, velvety masterpiece.

Step 9: Finish with Vinegar and Beef

Stir in the white balsamic vinegar for a subtle bright note, then add the cooked ground beef back to the pot. Heat the soup over medium for a few minutes until the beef is warmed through. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper for perfection.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy!

Ladle the soup into bowls, sprinkle generously with your crunchy sesame seed bun croutons, sliced green onions, and extra shredded cheddar if desired. Dive in and enjoy the glorious marriage of cheeseburger flavors and creamy soup coziness.

How to Serve One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

A white pot filled with a creamy soup made of small curved pasta, ground meat, and visible herbs in the broth. On top, there are three main toppings: shredded orange cheese, chopped green onions, and small chunks of pretzel bread with sesame seeds. A wooden spoon rests inside the pot, partly submerged in the soup. Surrounding the pot are two small white bowls, one containing more chopped green onions, the other with more pretzel bread chunks. The pot is placed on a black and white patterned cloth, all set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding garnishes to your One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Recipe really elevates the experience. Fresh sliced green onions add a crisp, mild oniony bite that brightens each spoonful. A sprinkle of extra shredded sharp cheddar cheese on top creates an irresistible melty finish that cheeseburger lovers crave. Finally, those homemade sesame seed bun croutons provide a delightful crunch that contrasts perfectly with the creamy texture of the soup.

Side Dishes

This soup is a meal on its own, but you can round things out with light, fresh side dishes. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette brings refreshing balance. Steamed or roasted seasonal veggies provide a subtle earthiness to complement the richness. If you want more comfort food vibes, serve the soup alongside classic pickles or coleslaw for a touch of acidity and snap.

Creative Ways to Present

Feeling fancy or feeding a crowd? Serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls for a fun, rustic presentation. Layer it in clear mugs or mini crocks topped with croutons for individual servings at parties. For a dippable twist, offer a side of toasted garlic breadsticks—or turn those sesame seed bun croutons into small skewers to scoop and dunk along with the soup!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness and keep the macaroni from over-softening too quickly.

Freezing

This soup freezes well, making it a great option for meal prep. Let the soup cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags. It will keep nicely for up to 2 months. Note that pasta texture may soften slightly after freezing but remains delicious.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the soup gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can add a splash of broth or cream if the soup seems too thick after chilling. Avoid microwave reheating without stirring frequently to keep it from separating.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! While sharp cheddar is classic for this One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Recipe, you can experiment with cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a blend for varied flavor and meltiness.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Simply swap out the ground beef for plant-based ground meat alternatives and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a delicious vegetarian version.

Can I make this soup gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free flour or cornstarch for thickening and ensure your broth and other ingredients are certified gluten-free. Substitute gluten-free pasta as well.

How thick should the soup be?

It should be creamy and moderately thick, enough to coat the macaroni and hold the toppings without being too runny. Adjust thickness by adding more broth to loosen or cooking a bit longer to reduce.

What if I don’t have white balsamic vinegar?

White balsamic vinegar adds a mild tang that brightens the soup. If you don’t have it, apple cider vinegar or a splash of lemon juice can be a great substitute.

Final Thoughts

I cannot recommend this One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Recipe enough. It’s comforting, fun, and endlessly satisfying with layers of flavor that feel like a warm hug on a cold day. Whether you’re cooking for family, meal prepping for the week, or just treating yourself to a cozy night in, this soup delivers every time. Trust me, once you’ve tasted that blend of creamy cheese, savory beef, and tender macaroni, it will become a cherished staple in your recipe collection. So grab your pot, gather your ingredients, and get ready to make one unforgettable meal!