One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

This One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is a delightful blend of cheesy goodness and comforting flavors, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. With everything cooked in just one pot, you’ll save time on cleanup while delighting your family with a dish that warms the soul. This soup is not only easy to make but also avoids processed ingredients like VELVEETA, ensuring a wholesome meal that everyone will enjoy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe takes only 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner.
• Family-Friendly: Packed with flavors and textures, this soup appeals to both kids and adults alike.
• Comfort in a Bowl: The creamy texture combined with hearty ingredients makes this dish a go-to comfort food.
• One Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup is required since everything is prepared in one pot.
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or spices to make it your own!

Tools and Preparation

To achieve the best results with your One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup, having the right tools makes all the difference.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Spatula
• Knife and cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Essential for cooking the soup evenly and allowing all ingredients to meld together perfectly.
• Baking sheet: Allows for even baking of the sesame seed bun croutons, making them crispy without burning.
• Spatula: Great for breaking up the ground beef while cooking, ensuring even browning.
• Knife and cutting board: Important for chopping vegetables efficiently, which saves time during prep.

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Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients to make your delicious One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup:

For the Soup Base

• 1 lb. ground beef
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano, divided
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme, divided
• 6 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup yellow onion, diced
• 1 cup sliced carrots
• 1 cup sliced celery
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 tablespoons flour

For Cooking the Soup

• 8 cups chicken broth
• 8 oz. uncooked elbow macaroni
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 8 oz. sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 teaspoon white balsamic vinegar
• Kosher salt
• Fresh cracked pepper

For Croutons and Garnish

• 4 sesame seed buns, diced into 1-inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Sliced green onion, for garnish
• Shredded cheddar cheese, for garnish

How to Make One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Heat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 2: Bake Croutons

• Place the diced sesame seed buns on the baking sheet in a single layer.
• Drizzle with olive oil and toss gently to coat.
• Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes or until they are crispy on the outside.

Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef

• In a large pot over medium heat, add the ground beef along with 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
• Cook until browned while crumbling with a spatula. Once cooked through, remove from heat and set aside.

Step 4: Sauté Vegetables

• Using the same pot without cleaning it out, melt 6 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
• Add diced onion, sliced carrots, sliced celery, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
• Cook while stirring occasionally for about 10 minutes until vegetables are tender.

Step 5: Add Garlic and Herbs

Reduce heat to medium; add minced garlic along with the remaining oregano and thyme. Cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 6: Incorporate Flour

Stir in flour to coat the vegetables well. Continue cooking for about one minute while stirring frequently.

Step 7: Deglaze Pot

Add a splash of chicken broth to deglaze the pot. Scrape any flavorful bits off the bottom as you do this.

Step 8: Simmer Soup

Stir in the remaining chicken broth along with uncooked macaroni noodles and another pinch of salt and pepper. Raise heat to medium-high until it reaches a simmer.

Step 9: Cook Pasta

Once simmering, reduce heat to low. Simmer for about 5–7 minutes or until pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 10: Add Cream and Cheese

Remove soup from heat then stir in heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese until melted.

Step 11: Final Touches

Add white balsamic vinegar followed by returning cooked ground beef back into the pot. Heat over medium until warmed through; season with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Step 12: Serve

Ladle into bowls topped with crispy sesame seed bun croutons and garnish with sliced green onions along with extra shredded cheddar cheese as desired. Enjoy!

How to Serve One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is a hearty meal that can be served in various delightful ways. Whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying a cozy night in, these serving suggestions will elevate your dining experience.

Top with Croutons

• Add crispy sesame seed bun croutons for extra texture and flavor. They bring a crunchy contrast to the creamy soup.

Garnish with Green Onions

• Sliced green onions add a fresh and vibrant touch. They enhance the color and provide a slight onion flavor that complements the soup perfectly.

Serve with Extra Cheese

• Offer shredded sharp cheddar cheese on the side. Guests can add as much as they like for a cheesy finish.

Pair with a Side Salad

• A light salad can balance the richness of the soup. Consider a simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing for freshness.

Enjoy with Breadsticks

• Soft, warm breadsticks or garlic knots are perfect for dipping. They soak up the delicious broth while adding more carbs to your meal.

Use Bowls for Individual Servings

• Consider serving in individual bowls instead of one large pot. This makes it feel more special and allows for personal customization of toppings.

How to Perfect One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

To make your One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup even better, keep these tips in mind:

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables enhance the flavor and texture of your soup. Opt for fresh carrots, celery, and onions whenever possible.

• Cook Pasta Al Dente: Be careful not to overcook the macaroni. Cooking it al dente ensures that it remains firm and doesn’t become mushy in the soup.

• Adjust Seasoning: Always taste before serving. Adjust salt, pepper, or herbs according to your preference to ensure a well-balanced flavor profile.

• Experiment with Cheese: While sharp cheddar is recommended, feel free to mix in other cheeses like Monterey Jack or Gouda for unique flavors.

• Make It Ahead: This soup stores well! Prepare it a day ahead, allowing flavors to meld together even more overnight.

• Add Vegetables: For added nutrition, consider tossing in some spinach or peas just before serving. These veggies cook quickly and add color to your dish.

Best Side Dishes for One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

A hearty bowl of One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup pairs beautifully with various side dishes. Here are some great ideas:

1. Garlic Bread: Perfectly toasted garlic bread complements the creamy soup while adding an aromatic touch.

2. Classic Caesar Salad: The crisp romaine lettuce and creamy dressing offer a refreshing contrast to the richness of the soup.

3. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and acidity, balancing out the flavors perfectly with its refreshing taste.

4. Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn pairs well with cheeseburger flavors; grill or boil it for an easy side that’s always a hit.

5. Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs provide an excellent finger food option that kids will love!

6. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad offers a sweet end note to your meal while cleansing your palate between bites of rich soup.

7. Pickles or Pickled Vegetables: The acidity from pickles provides a nice contrast, enhancing flavors while adding crunchiness to each bite.

8. Stuffed Peppers: Stuffed bell peppers filled with rice and vegetables make a filling accompaniment that complements the flavors of cheeseburger soup beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing your One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup, there are some common errors that can detract from the dish’s flavor and texture. Here are a few mistakes to watch out for:

• Skipping the Browning Step: Failing to brown the ground beef properly can lead to a less flavorful soup. Make sure to cook it until it’s nicely browned before adding other ingredients.

• Not Measuring Ingredients: Estimating ingredient quantities can lead to an imbalanced flavor. Always measure your spices, broth, and cream for the best results.

• Ignoring Cooking Times: Overcooking the macaroni can result in mushy pasta. Keep an eye on cooking times and check for al dente texture.

• Using Low-Quality Cheese: Using low-quality cheese might not melt well and can affect the soup’s creaminess. Opt for sharp cheddar cheese for better taste and texture.

• Not Deglazing the Pot: Skipping the deglazing step means missing out on rich flavors stuck at the bottom of the pot. Always add a splash of broth to scrape those tasty bits up.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Let it cool completely before refrigerating.

Freezing One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Leave space at the top of the container as the soup will expand when frozen.

Reheating One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F, transfer soup to an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Place soup in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat in a saucepan, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup:

Can I customize my One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup?

You can definitely customize this soup! Add different vegetables or spices based on your preference.

What can I substitute for heavy cream in the recipe?

You can use half-and-half or coconut cream for a lighter option while still keeping it creamy.

How do I store leftover One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze them for longer storage.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes! This recipe is perfect for meal prep as it keeps well in both the refrigerator and freezer.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Final Thoughts

One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup combines ease with delicious flavors, making it a perfect weeknight meal option. The versatility allows you to adjust ingredients based on your family’s preferences or dietary needs. Don’t hesitate to try different veggies or cheeses to make this soup uniquely yours!