Indulge in a bowl of savory One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup, blending the heartiness of ground beef with the comfort of elbow macaroni. This rich soup is simmered in a flavorful broth, enriched with sharp cheddar cheese. The combination of onions, carrots, celery, oregano, and thyme creates a perfect harmony in every bite, offering a warm and filling meal in just 30 minutes.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 lb. ground beef

• 2 teaspoons dried oregano

• 2 teaspoons dried thyme

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 1 cup finely diced yellow onion

• 1 cup thinly sliced carrots

• 1 cup thinly sliced celery

• 5 cloves garlic, finely minced

• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 8 cups chicken broth

• 8 oz. elbow macaroni (uncooked)

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 8 oz. sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

• 1 teaspoon white balsamic vinegar

• Kosher salt to taste

• Freshly cracked pepper to taste

For the Croutons:

• 4 sesame seed buns, diced into 1-inch pieces

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Garnish:

• Finely sliced green onion

• Additional shredded cheddar cheese

Directions

1. Make the croutons: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Spread the diced sesame seed buns in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with olive oil and bake for about 10 minutes until crispy.

2. Cook the ground beef: In a large pot over medium heat, brown the ground beef with 1 teaspoon each of oregano and thyme. Season with kosher salt and pepper. Once fully cooked, set aside.

3. Sauté the vegetables: In the same pot, melt the butter and sauté the diced onion, carrots, and celery for about 10 minutes, until softened.

4. Add garlic and seasonings: Add the minced garlic, remaining oregano, and thyme, and cook for 1 minute.

5. Thicken the soup: Stir in the flour, cooking for another minute to form a roux.

6. Simmer the soup: Gradually add the chicken broth, scraping up any bits from the bottom of the pot. Stir in the uncooked macaroni, then bring to a simmer. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the macaroni is al dente.

7. Finish the soup: Remove from heat and stir in the heavy cream, cheddar cheese, and white balsamic vinegar. Return the cooked ground beef to the pot, and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

8. Serve: Spoon the soup into bowls and top with croutons, green onions, and extra shredded cheddar cheese.

Nutrients

Each serving contains approximately:

• Calories: 487

• Carbohydrates: 35g

• Protein: 28g

• Fat: 30g

• Saturated Fat: 15g

• Cholesterol: 80mg

• Sodium: 930mg

• Potassium: 626mg

• Fiber: 3g

• Sugar: 5g

• Vitamin A: 1980IU

• Vitamin C: 19mg

• Calcium: 328mg

• Iron: 3mg

This creamy, hearty soup brings the comfort of a cheeseburger and macaroni in one delicious, easy-to-make dish!

The Comforting Appeal of Macaroni and Cheeseburger Flavors

The combination of macaroni and cheeseburger flavors creates a delightful contrast of textures and tastes that are both comforting and indulgent. The macaroni, cooked to al dente perfection, serves as the perfect base for the creamy, beef-filled broth. The richness of sharp cheddar cheese adds a satisfying layer of flavor, while the ground beef provides a hearty protein component that makes this soup both filling and flavorful.

The real magic of this dish lies in its ability to combine two beloved comfort foods—macaroni and cheese with a juicy cheeseburger—into a single dish. The herbs and seasonings, including oregano and thyme, bring a wonderful depth of flavor to the broth, while the garlic and vegetables like carrots and celery add freshness and balance. Together, these ingredients come together to create a soup that is both comforting and exciting.

Key Ingredients That Make One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Special

The ingredients in this recipe are what make it so unique and delicious. Here’s a breakdown of what makes each component essential:

• Ground Beef: The foundation of this soup, ground beef brings a rich, savory flavor to the dish. It provides the heartiness of a cheeseburger while ensuring the soup is filling and satisfying.

• Elbow Macaroni: These small, curved pasta shapes are the perfect choice for this soup. They soak up the creamy broth while maintaining their firm texture, creating a satisfying bite in every spoonful.

• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar is the perfect cheese for this dish, offering a tangy, rich flavor that complements the beef and macaroni. It melts beautifully into the soup, giving it a smooth and creamy texture.

• Heavy Cream: This adds a luscious creaminess to the soup, making it rich and velvety. The cream helps to balance the sharpness of the cheddar and enhances the overall depth of flavor.

• Herbs and Vegetables: The combination of oregano, thyme, garlic, onions, carrots, and celery creates a complex, well-rounded flavor profile. These ingredients add freshness, earthiness, and a slight sweetness, balancing out the richness of the meat and cheese.

• White Balsamic Vinegar: A touch of white balsamic vinegar adds a subtle tang and a layer of acidity to cut through the richness of the soup, ensuring that the flavors remain well-balanced and vibrant.

The Cooking Process: Simple and Delicious

Making One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is straightforward and quick, making it a perfect option for busy evenings. Here’s how it all comes together:

1. Make the Croutons: The sesame seed buns are diced and tossed in olive oil, then baked until crispy. These homemade croutons add a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy soup.

2. Cook the Ground Beef: The ground beef is browned with oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper, infusing the meat with rich flavors. Once cooked, it’s set aside to add back into the soup later.

3. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, onions, carrots, and celery are sautéed in butter until softened, creating the base for the soup. This step brings out the natural sweetness in the vegetables and infuses the broth with their flavors.

4. Add Garlic and Seasonings: Garlic, along with the remaining oregano and thyme, is added to the pot and cooked briefly, allowing the flavors to develop further.

5. Thicken the Soup: The flour is stirred in to create a roux, which thickens the soup and gives it a smooth, velvety texture.

6. Simmer the Soup: Chicken broth is gradually added to the pot, followed by the uncooked macaroni. The soup is simmered until the pasta is al dente and the flavors have melded together beautifully.

7. Finish the Soup: After removing the soup from the heat, heavy cream, cheddar cheese, and white balsamic vinegar are stirred in. The cooked ground beef is returned to the pot, and the soup is adjusted with salt and pepper to taste.

8. Serve: The soup is spooned into bowls, topped with crispy croutons, sliced green onions, and extra shredded cheddar cheese. The result is a hearty, flavorful soup that is perfect for any occasion.

Serving Suggestions

One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is a meal in itself, but it pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides:

• Green Salad: A fresh, crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette can help balance out the richness of the soup and add a light contrast to the meal.

• Garlic Bread: Serve alongside garlic bread or toasted baguette slices to soak up the creamy broth, adding an extra layer of indulgence.

• Roasted Vegetables: A side of roasted vegetables, such as broccoli or Brussels sprouts, provides a nutritious and flavorful contrast to the richness of the soup.

Why You’ll Love One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

This soup is a delightful combination of comforting flavors, quick preparation, and hearty ingredients. The beauty of One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup lies in its ability to deliver a filling, satisfying meal in just 30 minutes. The ground beef and macaroni create a hearty base, while the sharp cheddar cheese adds the signature cheeseburger flavor that everyone loves. The addition of fresh herbs, garlic, and vegetables makes the soup well-balanced and delicious, and the homemade croutons provide a delightful crunch.

Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or preparing a meal for a busy week, this soup is sure to please. It’s filling, flavorful, and can be easily adapted to suit different preferences by adjusting the level of seasoning or cheese.

Conclusion

One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is the ultimate comfort food that brings together the best of a cheeseburger and macaroni in a warm, creamy soup. With rich ground beef, tender macaroni, sharp cheddar cheese, and savory herbs, this soup is perfect for any occasion. The added crunch of homemade croutons and the garnish of green onions and extra cheese make it even more satisfying. Quick to prepare and full of flavor, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. Try it today and enjoy a warm, hearty meal that everyone will love!