Imagine your favorite cheeseburger, all melty and savory, mixed with the cozy vibes of macaroni and a rich soup base… and you’ve got this One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup. It’s the ultimate mashup of comfort food classics, and it all comes together in one single pot.
My twist on this came from watching my dad make cheeseburger pasta as a kid—but I added a soupier, creamier base that makes it even more satisfying. It’s everything you love in a burger, with the spoonable magic of a homemade soup. Let’s get cooking!
🌟 Why You’ll Love This Cheeseburger Soup
- All-in-one meal: Protein, pasta, and veggies in one pot.
- Ultra creamy: That cheesy soup base is pure comfort.
- Quick to make: On the table in under 45 minutes.
- Family-friendly: Even picky eaters devour it.
- Freezer-friendly: Great for make-ahead meals!
Table of Contents
🧀 Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1½ cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella (optional, for extra meltiness)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
- Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish
🔥 Instructions for One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup
Step 1: Brown the Beef
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
Step 2: Build the Flavor
- Add diced onion and garlic to the pot. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened.
- Stir in Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, paprika, mustard powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
Step 3: Add Liquids & Pasta
- Pour in diced tomatoes and beef broth. Bring to a simmer.
- Stir in macaroni. Cook uncovered for 10–12 minutes, until pasta is tender.
Step 4: Make It Cheesy
- Reduce heat to low. Stir in milk and cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
- Optional: For a thicker soup, mix cornstarch and water in a small bowl, then stir into the soup and simmer 2–3 more minutes.
Step 5: Serve It Up
- Spoon into bowls and top with shredded mozzarella, green onions, or a sprinkle of parsley.
🔁 Substitutions & Variations
- Make it leaner: Use ground turkey or chicken.
- Extra veggies: Add carrots, celery, or bell peppers with the onion.
- Spice it up: Toss in diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes.
- Low-carb twist: Swap pasta for cauliflower florets or zucchini noodles.
- Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free pasta.
🧊 Storage Tips
- Fridge: Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
- Reheat: Warm over medium heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the soup.
🍴 Perfect Pairings
- Sides: Garlic toast, a crisp green salad, or roasted veggies.
- Toppings: Crumbled bacon, pickles, or a swirl of ketchup for a true cheeseburger flavor.
- Drinks: A cold root beer or a malty amber ale.
One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 30
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup, One-Pot Meals, Comfort Food
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Warm up with this One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup—cheesy, hearty, and ready in minutes! Perfect for busy weeknights and picky eaters alike.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1½ cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella (optional, for extra meltiness)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
- Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Beef
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
Step 2: Build the Flavor
- Add diced onion and garlic to the pot. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened.
- Stir in Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, paprika, mustard powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
Step 3: Add Liquids & Pasta
- Pour in diced tomatoes and beef broth. Bring to a simmer.
- Stir in macaroni. Cook uncovered for 10–12 minutes, until pasta is tender.
Step 4: Make It Cheesy
- Reduce heat to low. Stir in milk and cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
- Optional: For a thicker soup, mix cornstarch and water in a small bowl, then stir into the soup and simmer 2–3 more minutes.
Step 5: Serve It Up
- Spoon into bowls and top with shredded mozzarella, green onions, or a sprinkle of parsley.
Notes
- Make it leaner: Use ground turkey or chicken.
- Extra veggies: Add carrots, celery, or bell peppers with the onion.
- Spice it up: Toss in diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes.
- Low-carb twist: Swap pasta for cauliflower florets or zucchini noodles.
- Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free pasta.
Keywords: cheeseburger soup, macaroni soup, one pot meals, creamy beef soup, cheesy hamburger soup, weeknight dinner, comfort food recipes, ground beef soup, kid friendly soup, cozy fall meals
❓ FAQ: One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup
Can I use a different cheese?
Yes! Cheddar is classic, but Monterey Jack, Colby, or even American cheese slices melt beautifully.
Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely. It reheats well—just don’t overcook the pasta or it’ll go soft.
How thick is this soup?
It’s creamy but pourable. Add the cornstarch if you want it thicker like a stew.
Can I skip the milk?
You can use half-and-half or even cream for a richer version, or just use extra broth for a dairy-light take.
