One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup (No Velveeta) 🍲

Craving something hearty, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying? Look no further than this One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup! Think of it as your favorite cheeseburger in a bowl, complete with tender elbow macaroni and a creamy cheddar broth—but no Velveeta required. Perfect for busy weeknights, this one-pot wonder is as easy to make as it is to love.

Let’s dive in! Don’t forget to subscribe to my blog for more comforting, quick recipes sent directly to your inbox.

Why You’ll Love This Cheeseburger Soup

Comfort in a Bowl: Combines the flavors of a classic cheeseburger with the coziness of soup.
No Velveeta Needed: Made with real cheddar for an authentic, rich taste.
One-Pot Meal: Minimal prep, fewer dishes, and maximum flavor!
Customizable: Add veggies, spices, or toppings to make it your own.

What Does It Taste Like?

Every bite is a perfect blend of cheesy richness, savory beef, and tender pasta. It’s like your favorite mac and cheese crossed paths with a hearty burger, resulting in a soul-warming, crave-worthy dish.

Ingredients for One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

1 lb. ground beef
1 medium onion, diced
2 cups beef broth
2 cups elbow macaroni
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup milk
Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Add-Ins:

1 teaspoon garlic powder or paprika
1 cup diced tomatoes or tomato sauce for a cheeseburger twist
½ cup diced pickles for a tangy kick
Toppings: Crumbled bacon, green onions, or an extra sprinkle of cheese

Tools You’ll Need

Large pot or Dutch oven
Wooden spoon for stirring
Ladle for serving

How to Make One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess grease if necessary.

Step 2: Sauté the Onion

Add the diced onion to the beef and cook until softened (about 3-4 minutes). Season with salt and pepper.

Step 3: Add Broth and Macaroni

Pour in the beef broth and stir in the elbow macaroni. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook uncovered for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.

Step 4: Stir in the Milk and Cheese

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the milk. Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until it melts into a creamy, cheesy broth.

Step 5: Taste and Adjust

Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings like extra cheese, green onions, or crumbled bacon. Serve warm and enjoy!

What to Serve with Cheeseburger Soup

This soup is a meal on its own, but here are a few pairing ideas:

Crusty Bread: Perfect for dipping into the creamy broth.
Side Salad: A light green salad balances the richness.
French Fries: Lean into the cheeseburger theme with a side of crispy fries.

Tips for the Perfect Cheeseburger Soup

Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese may not melt as smoothly.
Control the Thickness: For a thicker soup, reduce the milk slightly or simmer longer. For a thinner soup, add more broth or milk.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Keep an eye on the macaroni to prevent it from becoming mushy.

Storing and Reheating

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of broth or milk to restore creaminess.
Freeze: Avoid freezing, as the pasta and dairy can become grainy when reheated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use a Different Pasta?

Yes! Shells, rotini, or any small pasta shape works well.

Can I Make This Gluten-Free?

Swap the elbow macaroni for gluten-free pasta and ensure your broth is gluten-free.

Can I Add Vegetables?

Absolutely! Diced carrots, celery, or even peas make great additions.

Wrapping It Up

This One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is the ultimate cozy meal, bringing together the best of mac and cheese, burgers, and soup in one comforting dish. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or whipping up a quick dinner for yourself, this recipe delivers big on flavor with minimal effort.

Tried this recipe? Let me know how you liked it! Share your photos on Pinterest or leave a comment below. If you love this soup, check out these other comfort food favorites:

Classic Loaded Potato Soup
Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake
Hearty Beef and Barley Soup

Nutritional Information (per serving):
Calories: ~410 | Protein: 23g | Carbs: 28g | Fat: 24g

Grab your spoon and get ready to dig into a bowl of cheesy, beefy goodness—this soup will have you going back for seconds! 🍲🧀