One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup 🍔🧀

Transform your favorite cheeseburger flavors into a warm, comforting soup that’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender pasta and seasoned beef. This one-pot meal is ready in under an hour and perfect for busy weeknights!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ One-pot wonder – Less cleanup, more flavor!
✔️ Quick & hearty – Ready in just 40 minutes with minimal effort.
✔️ Kid-approved – Tastes like a cheeseburger in a bowl!
✔️ Easily customizable – Add toppings like bacon, pickles, or jalapeños.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Soup Base
- 1 lb ground beef (85/15 for the best balance of flavor and texture)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, shredded
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 6 cups beef broth
- 8 oz small shell pasta (or elbow macaroni)
For the Creamy Element
- 2 cups whole milk (for a silky texture, or sub part heavy cream)
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
- 2 slices American cheese, diced (for extra creaminess)
Seasonings & Extras
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp mustard powder
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
How to Make Cheeseburger Soup
1️⃣ Brown the Beef & Aromatics
🍳 In a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat, cook ground beef until browned. Season with onion powder, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
🧅 Add diced onion and shredded carrots. Cook 3-4 minutes until softened.
🧄 Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
2️⃣ Build the Soup Base
🥄 Sprinkle flour over the beef mixture and stir for 1 minute to cook off the raw flour taste.
🥣 Gradually pour in beef broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
🍝 Add pasta, bring to a simmer, and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3️⃣ Make It Creamy
🔥 Reduce heat to low. Stir in whole milk (don’t boil).
🧀 Gradually add cheeses, stirring until fully melted.
🧂 Taste and season with salt & pepper. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Pro Tips for the Best Cheeseburger Soup
✔️ Avoid boiling after adding dairy – This keeps the soup smooth.
✔️ Use freshly grated cheese – It melts better than pre-shredded.
✔️ Watch the pasta – It cooks faster in soup than in boiling water.
Make It Your Own
Topping Ideas 🍔
✔️ Crispy bacon bits
✔️ Diced tomatoes
✔️ Green onions
✔️ Extra shredded cheese
✔️ Fried onions
✔️ Diced pickles
✔️ Toasted burger bun croutons
Flavor Variations 🎭
🔥 Spicy Kick – Add jalapeños & pepper jack cheese.
🍄 Mushroom Swiss – Stir in sautéed mushrooms & swap cheddar for Swiss.
🥓 Bacon Ranch – Add crispy bacon & a touch of ranch seasoning.
Storage & Reheating
🧊 Store: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
🔥 Reheat: Add a splash of milk or broth before warming on the stovetop or microwave.
🚫 Not recommended for freezing – Dairy-based soups tend to separate.
Frequently Asked Questions
🔹 Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! The pasta absorbs liquid over time, so add extra broth when reheating.
🔹 What’s a good substitute for American cheese?
Use all cheddar or swap with Velveeta or cream cheese for smoothness.
🔹 Can I use a different pasta?
Yes! Try elbow macaroni, rotini, or small penne.
Nutrition Info (Per Serving, 1/6 Recipe)
- Calories: 485
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 26g
- Carbs: 38g
- Sodium: 890mg
This One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is guaranteed to be a hit! Try it and let me know your favorite toppings! 😋 Drop a comment if you want more cozy meal ideas! 👇✨