Let’s talk about serious comfort food: One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is that cozy, all-in-one dinner that brings everyone to the table with huge smiles. Imagine perfect spoonfuls of savory ground beef, tender macaroni, melty cheddar, and tangy tomatoes, all enveloped in a creamy, dreamy broth. It delivers those nostalgic cheeseburger flavors you crave, plus the bonus of easy cleanup thanks to its one-pot magic. In just over half an hour, you’ll have a pot brimming with cozy, kid-approved deliciousness—exactly the kind of meal that transforms chilly nights into something to look forward to!

One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of my favorite things about One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is how every ingredient truly counts. You get color, richness, comforting aromas, and layers of flavor—all from pantry basics and a few easy additions. Each one is a building block in creating a soup that’s both hearty and irresistibly cheesy.

Ground beef (1 lb): Brings that classic cheeseburger taste and rich, satisfying protein.
Onion, diced (1 small): Adds a sweet, savory base that makes the whole pot extra aromatic.
Garlic, minced (2 cloves): For warm, punchy depth that elevates every bite.
Salt (1 tsp): Brings all the flavors together and seasons every spoonful perfectly.
Black pepper (1/2 tsp): Adds just the right amount of gentle heat.
Smoked paprika (1/2 tsp): Infuses a subtle smokiness that hints at grilled burgers.
Beef broth (4 cups): The flavorful backbone of the soup, making the broth rich and savory.
Diced tomatoes, undrained (1 can, 14.5 oz): Bring acidity, color, and that juicy tomato flavor.
Milk (1 cup): Helps create a creamy texture and lightens the broth just enough.
Elbow macaroni, uncooked (2 cups): The pasta that bulks out the soup and makes every bite extra comforting.
Shredded cheddar cheese (2 cups): Melts into pools of cheesy goodness, delivering that classic cheeseburger element.
Shredded mozzarella cheese (1/2 cup): Gives extra stretch and a melty, creamy finish.
Worcestershire sauce (1 tbsp): Adds umami, depth, and a little complexity.
Ketchup (2 tbsp): Sweet and tangy, it channels those familiar burger flavors!
Heavy cream (1/2 cup): Makes the broth luscious and dreamy, with true comfort-food vibes.
Chopped parsley or green onions for garnish (optional): A fresh, zippy finish that looks beautiful on top.

How to Make One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Start by heating your large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and break it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. You want it browned and crumbly, which takes about 5–6 minutes. If you see a lot of excess grease, go ahead and drain most of it, but keep just enough to help sauté the aromatics next.

Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic

Add the diced onion and minced garlic straight into the pot with the browned beef. Sauté everything for 2–3 minutes—just until the onions soften and smell sweet. This step makes your kitchen smell incredible and forms the heart of the soup’s flavor.

Step 3: Season and Build Flavor

Sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Give everything a good stir so the spices coat the beef and veggies. You’ll notice the paprika lend a deep color and smoky aroma, making the base irresistibly savory.

Step 4: Add Liquids, Tomatoes, and Pasta

Now, pour in the beef broth, add the can of diced tomatoes (juice and all!), the cup of milk, elbow macaroni, Worcestershire sauce, and ketchup. Stir everything together to combine, scraping the bottom of the pot for any delicious browned bits. Bring the whole pot to a gentle boil.

Step 5: Simmer Until Pasta Is Tender

Once the soup is bubbling, reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover your pot and let it all simmer for 10–12 minutes, checking occasionally and giving it a gentle stir. The macaroni will plump up, soaking in all those flavors.

Step 6: Stir in Cheese and Cream

When the macaroni is perfectly tender, add the heavy cream, cheddar cheese, and mozzarella. Stir until the cheeses melt smoothly into the soup, turning the broth wonderfully thick and creamy. This is when One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup officially becomes a comfort food superstar!

Step 7: Let Rest and Garnish

Remove the pot from the heat and let it sit for a few minutes—the soup thickens up beautifully as it rests. Ladle into bowls, top with chopped parsley or green onions if you like, and serve while piping hot.

How to Serve One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

Garnishes

Fresh, bright garnishes make a big difference here! A little bit of chopped fresh parsley or green onions not only adds color but also a pleasant, herby bite to contrast all that creamy, cheesy goodness. If you want to really capture the cheeseburger spirit, a sprinkle of crispy bacon crumbles or a couple of sliced pickles takes this soup over the top.

Side Dishes

This soup is hearty enough to be center stage on its own, but it pairs so well with a basket of warm, buttery rolls or classic garlic bread for dunking. A crisp green salad dressed with a zesty vinaigrette also offers a lively contrast to the richness of One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup, making your meal feel balanced and extra special.

Creative Ways to Present

For a little fun, ladle the soup into individual mugs or wide soup bowls and set up a toppings bar—let everyone dress their own bowl with bacon, extra cheese, diced tomatoes, or crumbled potato chips, just like at a burger joint. You can also serve little slider buns on the side or even top each bowl with a mini burger patty for a show-stopping presentation!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Have leftovers? Lucky you! Store your cooled One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup in airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors will deepen and the soup thickens a bit, making it even cozier the next day.

Freezing

If you’d like to save some for another day, portion cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little room at the top for expansion. It freezes well for up to 2 months. Just know the pasta may soften slightly after thawing, but the soup will still be delicious!

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm the soup gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of beef broth or milk if it seems too thick. The microwave works well for smaller portions, just be sure to heat in short intervals and stir between bursts to keep it creamy and smooth.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Soup

Absolutely! Elbow macaroni is classic, but small shells, rotini, or any small, sturdy pasta will soak up the delicious broth. Just avoid long noodles, as they can get a bit tangled and mushy in a hearty soup like this.

How can I make this soup lighter?

You can make a lighter version of One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup by swapping ground turkey or chicken for the beef and using low-fat milk or even evaporated milk in place of heavy cream. It will still be flavorful and creamy, just a bit lighter on calories!

Is this soup spicy?

As written, it’s mild and totally kid-friendly. If you want to add a kick, stir in some red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño along with the onions and garlic.

Can I make it vegetarian?

For a vegetarian option, use your favorite plant-based ground meat substitute and swap in vegetable broth for the beef broth. The end result will still be “cheeseburger” rich and comforting!

Will the soup thicken as it sits?

Yes, it thickens up as it cools or sits in the fridge. If you prefer a looser soup, just stir in a splash more broth or milk when reheating until it’s just right for you.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a meal that makes you feel instantly at home, don’t wait another day to whip up this One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup. It’s easy, deeply comforting, and sure to please every single eater at your table. Grab your favorite pot and get ready to enjoy a big bowl of happiness—this recipe will become a family favorite in no time!

One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 15 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the comforting flavors of a cheeseburger in a warm, hearty soup with this One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup recipe. Perfect for a cozy night in or a family meal, this easy stovetop soup brings together classic cheeseburger ingredients in a delicious, creamy soup.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Soup:

1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
4 cups beef broth
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 cup milk
2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons ketchup
1/2 cup heavy cream

For Garnish:

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Chopped parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Cook Ground Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add diced onion and garlic, sauté until softened. Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
Add Ingredients: Pour in beef broth, diced tomatoes, milk, macaroni, Worcestershire sauce, and ketchup. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 10–12 minutes until pasta is tender.
Finish Soup: Stir in heavy cream, cheddar, and mozzarella cheese until melted and creamy. Let sit to thicken. Garnish with parsley or green onions before serving.