Creamy One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Recipe (Print Version)
Hearty One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is pure comfort! Creamy, savory, and so easy. My family's favorite for a quick, satisfying weeknight meal.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 25 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American Comfort
Dietary: Contains Dairy, Gluten, Meat
# Ingredients:
→ Main Ingredients
01 -
1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 recommended)
02 -
2 cups (480ml) chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
03 -
2 cups (450g) elbow macaroni
→ Flavor Foundations
04 -
1 small yellow onion, chopped
05 -
2 cloves garlic, minced
06 -
1 (14.5 oz / 411g) can diced tomatoes, drained
07 -
2 tbsp ketchup
08 -
1 tbsp yellow mustard
09 -
Salt and black pepper to taste
→ Dairy & Cheese
10 -
4 oz (113g) cream cheese, softened
11 -
2 cups (226g) sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
→ Finishing Touches
12 -
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
13 -
Extra shredded cheddar or crushed potato chips (for topping, optional)
# Instructions:
01 -
Okay, first things first, grab your biggest pot – a Dutch oven works wonders here. Heat a tiny bit of oil over medium-high heat, then toss in your ground beef. Break it up with a spoon, you know the drill. Brown it until it's no longer pink, then drain off any excess fat. Don't skip that! Then, add your chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them until they're soft and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes. The smell, oh my goodness, that’s when the kitchen starts to feel like a real kitchen!
02 -
Now for the fun part! Stir in your diced tomatoes (drained, remember?), ketchup, and mustard right into the pot with the beef and onions. Give it a good stir, letting those flavors mingle for a minute or two. You'll see the beef take on a lovely reddish hue from the ketchup. This is where we’re building that signature cheeseburger taste, so take a moment to really get everything coated. It's truly starting to smell amazing at this stage!
03 -
Pour in your chicken broth and bring everything to a gentle simmer. This step is where the magic really starts for our soup. Make sure you scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot; that's pure flavor! Let it simmer for about 5 minutes, just to warm everything through and let those delicious flavors deepen. I often give it a little taste here to check the seasoning, adding a pinch of salt and pepper if it needs it.
04 -
Time for the pasta! Add your elbow macaroni directly into the simmering broth. Stir it well to make sure all the pasta is submerged and nothing is sticking to the bottom. Cover the pot and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it cook according to the package directions, usually around 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This is where I always forget to stir once and find a few stuck noodles, oops! Just keep an eye on it, okay?
05 -
Once the macaroni is tender, but still has a little bite (al dente, as they say!), turn off the heat. Stir in your cream cheese until it's completely melted and smooth. This is the moment our soup transforms into that luxurious, creamy texture we're after. Next, gradually add your grated cheddar cheese, stirring constantly until it's fully incorporated and melted. Don't dump it all in at once, or you might end up with clumps!
06 -
Give the soup a final taste and adjust the seasonings. You might need a little more salt or pepper, depending on your broth and cheese. This is your chance to make it *perfect* for your taste buds. Ladle your glorious soup into bowls. I love to top mine with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, maybe some extra cheddar, or even a few crushed potato chips for a fun crunch. It should be thick, creamy, and so inviting!
# Notes:
01 -
Personal cooking tip: Don't overcook the pasta; it'll continue to absorb liquid and get mushy, trust me.
02 -
Storage advice: Add a splash of broth when reheating leftovers to maintain creaminess.
03 -
Substitution: Ground turkey works for a lighter version, but beef gives that classic richness.
04 -
Serving tip: A side of crusty bread for dipping is an absolute must!
# Equipment Needed:
01 -
Large Dutch Oven or heavy-bottomed pot
02 -
Wooden Spoon
# Nutrition (Per Serving):
Calories: 550
Total Fat: 30g
Total Carbohydrate: 45g
Protein: 30g