One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup (No Velveeta)

If you’re looking for the perfect comfort food that’s hearty, cheesy, and easy to make, look no further. This One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is the ultimate bowl of cozy goodness that combines the flavors of a classic cheeseburger with the creamy richness of a soup. And the best part? We’re skipping the Velveeta, so you get all the cheesy deliciousness without the processed ingredients. Trust me, this soup will make you feel all warm and satisfied, and it’s sure to become a family favorite!

Why You’ll Love One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

This soup is the definition of comfort food—rich, cheesy, and perfectly filling. Here’s why you’ll love it:

Simple & Easy: It’s a one-pot wonder! You don’t need a lot of prep time or tons of dishes to wash afterward. Just toss everything in one pot, let it simmer, and you’ve got a delicious meal.

Cheesy Goodness: The soup is loaded with cheese (without relying on Velveeta!). We’re talking about the gooey, melt-in-your-mouth kind of cheese that makes every spoonful extra comforting.

No Fancy Ingredients: You don’t need any obscure ingredients for this dish. Just everyday pantry staples come together to create a satisfying, cheesy soup that’s perfect for busy weeknights.

A Meal in a Bowl: The macaroni and ground beef make it a complete, hearty meal. It’s got protein, carbs, and plenty of cheesy flavor to fill you up and keep you coming back for more.

Crowd-Pleaser: This soup is perfect for feeding a crowd or your family. Kids will love it, and adults will appreciate the simple yet rich flavors. It’s the kind of soup everyone can agree on.

Ingredients

Let’s break down the simple ingredients that come together to make this comforting soup:

Ground Beef

The base of your cheeseburger flavor. You’ll want to use lean ground beef to keep things a little lighter without sacrificing flavor.

Onion

The aromatic companion to the beef. Chopped onion adds a savory depth of flavor and a bit of sweetness when sautéed.

Garlic

Because every good dish starts with garlic! It adds an extra layer of flavor to the soup base.

Carrots

Diced carrots bring a little natural sweetness and texture to the soup, balancing out the richness of the beef and cheese.

Celery

For crunch and freshness! Celery helps add a veggie element to the soup while providing a slight bite.

Beef Broth

This gives the soup its savory foundation. Use low-sodium beef broth to control the salt level in the soup.

Diced Tomatoes

A little acidity from the tomatoes helps cut through the richness of the cheese and beef. Plus, they bring a pop of color to the soup.

Macaroni

The pasta that makes this soup feel like a full meal! You’ll want to use elbow macaroni or any small pasta that cooks quickly.

Cheddar Cheese

Here’s where the cheesiness comes in! Sharp cheddar cheese adds a wonderful, tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the beef.

Milk

To make the soup creamy and smooth, milk is added in for that velvety texture.

Seasonings

A mix of salt, pepper, and dried herbs like thyme and oregano rounds out the flavors.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s get this cheesy soup started! Follow these simple steps to make your One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup.

Brown the Beef

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Stir it occasionally until it’s browned and fully cooked. Drain off any excess fat.

Sauté the Vegetables

Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery to the pot with the beef. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the veggies are softened and fragrant. This step builds the flavor foundation for the soup.

Add the Liquids

Pour in the beef broth and diced tomatoes, stirring everything together. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Cook the Macaroni

Add the uncooked macaroni to the pot. Stir it in, then cover and let the soup simmer for another 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and fully cooked. Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking.

Make it Creamy

Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the milk and grated cheddar cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy and smooth. Taste and adjust the seasonings with salt and pepper if needed.

Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. You can garnish it with extra shredded cheese or a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a little extra flavor and color.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 420

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

How to Serve One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

This soup is hearty enough to enjoy on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, here are a few serving suggestions:

Crusty Bread: Serve with a side of warm, crusty bread or garlic bread to dip into the cheesy goodness.

Fresh Salad: Pair it with a light salad of mixed greens to balance out the richness of the soup.

Pickles: A side of pickles or pickled vegetables adds a nice tang to cut through the soup’s richness.

Toppings: For extra cheeseburger vibes, top the soup with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of crispy bacon bits.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help make your One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup even better:

Add Some Heat: If you like a little spice, throw in some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to give it a kick.

Make it Vegetarian: For a meatless version, swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or extra veggies.

Storage: Leftovers will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container.

Freezing: This soup freezes great! Just let it cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat on the stove.

Make It Extra Cheesy: If you love cheese, feel free to add extra shredded cheese on top or mix in some cream cheese to make it even richer.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A1: Yes! You can use any cheese you like. Swiss, Monterey Jack, or even mozzarella would work well in this soup.

Q2: Can I make this soup in advance?
A2: Yes! This soup actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have time to meld. Just store it in the fridge and reheat when you’re ready to serve.

Q3: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A3: Absolutely! You can swap the macaroni for any small pasta like shells, rotini, or ditalini. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time depending on the pasta shape.

Q4: Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
A4: Yes, you can! Brown the beef and sauté the vegetables in a skillet, then transfer everything to your slow cooker. Add the liquids, cover, and cook on low for 4-6 hours. Add the pasta and cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Q5: How do I store leftovers?
A5: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Q6: Can I freeze this soup?
A6: Yes, this soup freezes really well! Let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Q7: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
A7: Yes, you can swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. The flavor will be slightly lighter, but it’s still delicious.

Q8: How can I make this soup spicier?
A8: Add some diced jalapeños, a sprinkle of cayenne pepper, or some hot sauce to give the soup a nice spicy kick.

Q9: Can I use a different broth?
A9: Absolutely! You can use chicken broth or vegetable broth for a different flavor profile, though beef broth is preferred for that cheeseburger vibe.

Q10: What can I serve this soup with?
A10: This soup pairs perfectly with a side of crusty bread, a fresh green salad, or even some crispy onion rings. You can’t go wrong!

Conclusion

One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is a cozy, cheesy, and hearty meal that will satisfy all your comfort food cravings. It’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and, most importantly, utterly delicious. So, grab a pot and get ready to dive into a bowl of this creamy, cheesy goodness that’ll have you and your family coming back for seconds. Enjoy!

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