If you love comforting, hearty dinners that taste like a cheeseburger in cozy soup form, this One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is a recipe you need to try. It is rich, cheesy, savory, and filling, with tender macaroni, seasoned ground beef, and a creamy broth that makes it perfect for family dinners, cold nights, or easy weeknight meals.
Instead of making burgers and a separate side, everything comes together in one pot for a simple meal that is warm, satisfying, and easy to clean up after. It has all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger, but in a creamy soup everyone will want seconds of.
Why You’ll Love This One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup
All the comforting flavor of a cheeseburger in soup form
Easy one-pot dinner
Rich, cheesy, creamy, and hearty
Family-friendly and filling
Great for weeknight meals and leftovers
Ingredients You’ll Need
1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 cups beef broth
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 cup elbow macaroni, uncooked
2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup milk
2 tablespoons flour
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
Ingredient Notes
Ground beef gives this soup its cheeseburger-inspired flavor and makes it hearty and satisfying. Onion and garlic add savory depth, while beef broth and diced tomatoes create the flavorful base. Worcestershire sauce adds richness, and Italian seasoning gives a little extra flavor to the broth.
The elbow macaroni makes this soup filling and comforting, while the milk and flour mixture helps create a smooth, slightly thickened texture. Cheddar cheese is what brings everything together and gives the soup its creamy, cheesy finish.
How to Make One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup
Step 1: Cook the Beef
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if needed.
Step 2: Add the Onion and Garlic
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Cook for a few minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent.
Step 3: Build the Soup Base
Stir in the beef broth, diced tomatoes with their juices, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Bring everything to a boil.
Step 4: Cook the Macaroni
Add the uncooked elbow macaroni to the pot. Reduce the heat to medium and let it cook for about 10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.
Step 5: Thicken the Soup
In a small bowl, whisk together the milk and flour until smooth. Pour the mixture into the soup and stir well. Let it cook for another 5 minutes until the soup thickens slightly.
Step 6: Add the Cheese
Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until completely melted and smooth.
Step 7: Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls and top with extra shredded cheese if desired. Serve warm.
Tips for the Best One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup
Do not overcook the macaroni, or it may become too soft in the soup
Use freshly shredded cheese for a smoother melt and better texture
Whisk the milk and flour well so the soup thickens without lumps
Season at the end if needed, especially after adding the cheese
Serve hot for the creamiest texture and best flavor
Variations & Substitutions
Use ground turkey or ground chicken instead of beef for a lighter version
Swap cheddar cheese for Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a cheese blend
Add cooked bacon pieces for a bacon cheeseburger flavor
Stir in a little cream cheese for an even richer texture
Add chopped pickles on top for a fun cheeseburger-style twist
Use gluten-free pasta if needed, but watch the cooking time carefully
What to Serve with One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup
This soup pairs well with:
Crusty bread
Garlic toast
Simple green salad
Roasted vegetables
Crackers
Grilled cheese sandwiches
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake is overcooking the pasta, which can make the soup too thick and the macaroni too soft. Another is adding the cheese while the soup is boiling, which can affect the texture and make it less smooth.
Not whisking the milk and flour mixture properly can also leave lumps in the soup, so make sure it is smooth before adding it. Using pre-shredded cheese may also change the texture slightly, since it often contains anti-caking ingredients.
Storage Tips
Store leftover One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Refrigerator: Up to 3 to 4 days
Reheating: Warm on the stove or in the microwave, stirring well
Do not freeze if possible: The pasta and cheese texture may change after thawing
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different meat in this recipe?
Yes, ground turkey or ground chicken work well as substitutes for ground beef.
Can I add more cheese?
Yes, you can easily add extra cheese if you want the soup even cheesier.
How long does this soup last in the fridge?
It stays good for about 3 to 4 days when stored properly in the refrigerator.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, but the pasta may absorb more liquid as it sits, so you may need to add a little broth or milk when reheating.
What type of cheese works best?
Cheddar is the classic choice, but you can also use mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a cheese blend.
Can I make it thicker?
Yes, you can use a little more flour in the milk mixture or let it simmer a bit longer.
Can I make it spicy?
Yes, add red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños for a little heat.
Conclusion
This One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is creamy, cheesy, hearty, and packed with comforting flavor. It is everything you love about a cheeseburger and macaroni dinner combined in one warm, satisfying bowl. Easy to make and perfect for busy nights, this is a family-friendly recipe you will want to keep on repeat.
Recipe Details
Recipe Name: One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup
Recipe Type: Main Dish / Soup
Cuisine: American
Skill Level: Easy
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4 to 6