Pin it
You know those nights when your kids are begging for both cheeseburgers and mac and cheese? This One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup saved my sanity. I created it one busy evening and now it's our favorite comfort meal. The best part? It's made with real cheese no processed stuff and comes together in just 30 minutes.
The Ultimate Comfort Bowl
Picture your favorite cheeseburger transformed into the creamiest soup you've ever tasted. Every spoonful brings you that amazing burger flavor along with tender pasta and fresh veggies. My family literally scrapes the pot clean whenever I make this.
Everything You Need
- Ground Beef: Go for 80/20 grass-fed it makes such a difference in flavor.
- Onion Carrot Celery: This trio makes the perfect flavor base.
- Garlic: Fresh cloves minced up smell amazing.
- Oregano and Thyme: These herbs make everything taste special.
- All-Purpose Flour: Just enough to make it thick and creamy.
- Chicken Broth: Creates our flavorful base.
- Elbow Macaroni: The perfect shape for scooping up all that goodness.
- Heavy Cream: Makes everything silky smooth.
- Sharp Cheddar: Freshly grated is a must.
- Hamburger Bun Croutons: Trust me these make it extra fun.
Let's Cook Together
- Get That Beef Going:
- Brown your beef with herbs and seasonings in a big pot then set it aside.
- Start The Base:
- Melt some butter and cook those veggies until they're soft and fragrant.
- Make It Creamy:
- Stir in flour then splash in some broth to get all those tasty bits off the bottom.
- Add The Good Stuff:
- Pour in your broth and pasta let it bubble away until the pasta's just right.
- Time For Cheese:
- Turn down the heat stir in cream and cheese until everything's melty then add back your beef.
- Dig In:
- Top with those crispy bun croutons extra cheese and green onions if you like.
My Kitchen Secrets
Always grate your own cheese those bags of pre-shredded just don't melt the same. If you're making this ahead cook your pasta separately so it stays perfect. When you reheat add a splash of cream it brings the soup right back to life.
Pin it
Why This Soup Is Special
This soup brings together everyone's favorites in one pot. It's quick easy and made with real ingredients you can feel good about. Plus there's something magical about turning a cheeseburger into a cozy bowl of soup that makes everyone happy.
Make It Your Way
- Add Some Bacon: Crumble some on top it's absolutely incredible.
- Spice It Up: My husband loves when I add jalapeños.
- Watch The Carbs: Try it with cauliflower instead of pasta.
- Skip The Meat: Black beans work great for a vegetarian version.
Perfect Pairings
We love this with warm crusty bread for dunking or a simple salad on the side. Sometimes I add pickle chips on top or a dollop of sour cream it takes it to a whole new level.
Save Some For Later
Pack up any leftovers they'll keep nicely in the fridge for about 3 days. When you're ready to eat just warm it up slowly on the stove with a splash of cream. If you want to freeze it leave out the pasta and add fresh cooked noodles when you reheat.
Pin it
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why should I shred my own cheese for this soup?
Fresh-shredded cheese melts better and creates a smoother texture. Pre-shredded cheese contains cellulose coating that prevents proper melting and affects the final texture.
- → Can I make this soup ahead of time?
You can make it ahead, but the soup thickens as it cools. When reheating, add extra broth or cream to reach your desired consistency.
- → What can I use instead of white balsamic vinegar?
Regular balsamic vinegar or apple cider vinegar work well. The vinegar adds brightness and balances the rich flavors of the soup.
- → How do I store leftovers?
Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The pasta will absorb liquid, so add broth when reheating to thin the soup.
- → Can I skip the homemade croutons?
While the burger bun croutons add authentic flavor, regular croutons work too. You could also top with crispy bacon or extra cheese instead.
Conclusion
This hearty cheeseburger mac soup brings together the classic flavors of a cheeseburger and mac & cheese in a single comforting dish. Perfect for busy weeknights, this one-pot meal combines ground beef, pasta, and vegetables into a creamy, satisfying soup that the whole family will love.