When the calendar fills up and time in the kitchen feels like a luxury, the one-pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup swoops in like a culinary superhero. It’s the kind of cozy bowl that wraps you up in comfort from the very first spoonful, delivering that classic blend of juicy beef, tangy tomatoes, and ooey-gooey cheddar in every mouthful. There’s something so satisfying about fresh elbow macaroni swimming in a savory broth, all topped off with a hint of sweetness from frozen corn. This soup is more than just dinner—it’s a warm hug on a chilly evening, a family favorite that never fails to bring smiles around the table.
Beyond its irresistible flavor, this recipe shines in its simplicity. With just one pot to wash up afterward, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you crave that down-home cheeseburger taste without all the fuss of grilling. I still remember serving this at my last get-together—neighbors came running for seconds, and someone even whispered, “Can I bottle this up and take it home?” It truly is that good. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or hosting friends who appreciate a hearty bowl, this Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup delivers all the rich, creamy goodness you love in a fraction of the time.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN ONE-POT MACARONI CHEESEBURGER SOUP
Every ingredient in this soup plays a star role, coming together in one pot to create a harmonious melody of flavors. From the savory base to the creamy finish, each component brings its own magic—no special skills or fancy gadgets required.
- Olive oil: Provides a smooth, fruity base for sautéing and helps prevent sticking when browning the meat.
- Ground beef: Delivers that classic cheeseburger flavor and hearty texture, making the soup feel indulgent and meaty.
- Onion: Adds natural sweetness and depth when softened, balancing the richness of the beef and cheese.
- Garlic: Infuses the broth with a warm, aromatic kick that complements every savory bite.
- Diced tomatoes: Bring acidity and a touch of brightness, cutting through the creaminess to keep each spoonful lively.
- Beef broth: Forms the savory backbone of the soup, enriching it with deep, meaty notes.
- Water: Extends the broth and ensures the pasta cooks perfectly without overpowering the flavors.
- Elbow macaroni: Offers the perfect bite-size pasta shape, absorbing flavors and providing tender, comforting bites.
- Frozen corn: Injects little pops of sweetness and color, creating delightful contrasts in texture and taste.
- Italian seasoning: Blends herbs like oregano and basil to season the soup with an herby, aromatic profile.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for enhancing all the other flavors and achieving perfect seasoning.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: Melts into a luscious, velvety swirl, delivering that quintessential cheeseburger sensation.
- Heavy cream: Rounds out the soup with a silky richness and smooth mouthfeel.
- Fresh parsley: Offers a fresh, herbal garnish that brightens each bowl and adds a pop of green.
HOW TO MAKE ONE-POT MACARONI CHEESEBURGER SOUP
Transforming everyday ingredients into a crowd-pleasing, creamy soup couldn’t be easier. Follow these steps carefully, and you’ll have a hot, comforting meal on the table in about 35 minutes, from start to finish.
1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, about 5–7 minutes.
2. Add the diced onion and minced garlic; cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent, about 3–4 minutes.
3. Carefully drain any excess fat from the pot, leaving just enough oil to coat the bottom.
4. Add the diced tomatoes, beef broth, water, elbow macaroni, frozen corn, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir everything together until well combined.
5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and cook for 10–12 minutes, or until the macaroni is tender.
6. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and heavy cream until the cheese is completely melted and the soup is luxuriously creamy.
7. Taste and adjust seasonings with more salt and pepper if needed to suit your preference.
8. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired, and enjoy every comforting spoonful.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR ONE-POT MACARONI CHEESEBURGER SOUP
When it comes to serving this soul-soothing soup, creativity is key. Whether you’re aiming for family-friendly fun or a satisfying dinner for two, these ideas will elevate your bowl of comfort to the next level.
- Crusty bread for dipping: Slice a warm baguette or tear off pieces of a rustic loaf. The chewy exterior and soft interior are perfect for soaking up every last drop of cheesy broth.
- Extra cheddar topping: Sprinkle additional shredded cheddar on top while the soup is still hot so that it melts into gooey ribbons—an indulgent treat for cheese lovers.
- Sour cream dollop: Add a spoonful of sour cream on each serving. It adds a tangy contrast and creamy richness that pairs beautifully with the savory broth.
- Fresh green salad: Keep things balanced with a crisp side salad of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette. The bright flavors and crunch offset the soup’s creaminess.
HOW TO STORE ONE-POT MACARONI CHEESEBURGER SOUP
Proper storage ensures your delicious leftovers stay just as mouthwatering when reheated. With a few simple steps, you can enjoy this soup throughout the week without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Making and storing soups is one of life’s little conveniences, and this Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is no exception. Whether you’re meal-prepping for busy days ahead or simply love having a shortcut dinner ready to go, storing this cheesy delight correctly will keep it tasting fresh and satisfying. Pay attention to temperature and air exposure to preserve both the pasta’s texture and the soup’s rich flavor, and you’ll find yourself reaching for this bowl of comfort time and time again.
- Store in airtight containers: After the soup cools slightly (no more than 30 minutes), transfer it to airtight containers. Seal tightly to prevent air from drying out the pasta and cheese.
- Refrigerate up to 3 days: Keep the containers on the middle shelf of your fridge, where temperatures remain consistent. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it’s too thick.
- Freeze for longer storage: If you plan to freeze, cool the soup completely and portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Lay flat in the freezer for even chilling and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Portion before freezing: Divide the soup into single-serve packages so you can thaw only what you need. This helps maintain the best texture and flavor with minimal waste.
CONCLUSION
This One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup delivers everything you crave in a comforting bowl—rich beefy flavor, tender pasta, sweet bursts of corn, and a luxurious swirl of cheddar cream, all cooked together in one pot for easy cleanup. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or a seasoned home cook looking for a soul-warming weeknight meal, this recipe has you covered. With just 10 minutes of prep time and around 25 minutes of cooking, you’ll be savoring each cheesy spoonful in no time. The soup clocks in at approximately 540 calories per serving, making it satisfyingly hearty without being overly indulgent. Feel free to customize by adding red pepper flakes for heat, swapping in ground turkey for a lighter twist, or topping each bowl with a dollop of sour cream for extra creaminess.
Go ahead and print this article to save in your recipe binder or kitchen drawer—you never know when that craving for rich, comforting flavors will strike. You can also find a FAQ below, where I’ll answer common questions about substitutions, reheating tricks, and more. If you try out this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out: leave a comment, share your own twists, or ask any questions if you need help along the way. Your feedback and experiences are what make this little corner of the culinary world feel like a warm chat with a friend—so don’t be shy!
One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup
Description
This One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is a hearty blend of rich flavors, melty cheese, and tender macaroni, all cooked together for an easy weeknight meal. Enjoy every warm, savory spoonful!
Ingredients
Instructions
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Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
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Add the diced onion and minced garlic; cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
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Carefully drain any excess fat from the pot.
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Add the diced tomatoes, beef broth, water, elbow macaroni, frozen corn, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir to combine.
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Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the macaroni is tender.
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Stir in the cheddar cheese and heavy cream until the cheese is completely melted and the soup is creamy.
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Taste and adjust seasonings with more salt and pepper if needed.
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Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Note
- For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeno.
- This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; just reheat gently before serving.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- For added richness, consider adding a dollop of sour cream when serving.
- This dish pairs excellently with crusty bread for dipping.
