Name: One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 2 teaspoons dried oregano, divided; 2 teaspoons dried thyme, divided; 6 tablespoons butter; 1 cup yellow onion, diced; 1 cup sliced carrots; 1 cup sliced celery; 5 cloves garlic, minced; 4 tablespoons flour; 8 cups chicken broth; 8 ounces uncooked elbow macaroni; 1 cup heavy cream; 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded; 1 teaspoon white balsamic vinegar; Kosher salt; Fresh cracked pepper; 4 sesame seed buns, diced into 1-inch pieces; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Sliced green onion; Shredded cheddar cheese

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 20 reviews

If you’re craving comfort food that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, this One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. Rich, cheesy, and packed with the savory goodness of ground beef, fresh veggies, and tender macaroni, it takes everything you love about a classic cheeseburger and transforms it into a creamy, slurpable soup that’s easy to make and perfect for feeding a crowd. Plus, it all comes together in just one pot, making cleanup a breeze and the flavors meld beautifully to create a truly satisfying meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A top view of several white bowls and plates arranged on a white marbled surface, each holding different ingredients: one bowl has bright orange sliced carrots, light green celery, and white chopped onions; a white plate contains a block of raw ground meat with red and white marbling; another bowl is filled with dry elbow pasta that is pale yellow; a large bowl holds a heap of shredded cheddar cheese in bright orange; a smaller bowl contains garlic and dried herbs divided evenly; a white bowl with flour is also present; a slab of yellow butter rests in a small bowl; two glass measuring jugs stand on the surface, one filled with milk and the other with yellow broth. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Don’t let the simplicity of these ingredients fool you — each one plays an important role in building the layers of flavor and texture in this soup. From the fresh vegetables adding crunch and sweetness, to the sharp cheddar that melts perfectly creamy, these pantry staples come together to create something magical.

Ground beef (1 pound): The heart of the soup, providing hearty, savory flavor and protein.
Dried oregano and thyme (2 teaspoons each, divided): These herbs add a subtle earthy aroma that lifts the beef and vegetables.
Butter (6 tablespoons): Helps sauté the vegetables and adds rich depth to the soup base.
Yellow onion, diced (1 cup): Brings sweetness and a gentle bite when cooked down.
Carrots, sliced (1 cup): Adds a natural sweetness and bright color.
Celery, sliced (1 cup): Provides a fresh, slightly peppery crunch.
Garlic, minced (5 cloves): Packs in fragrant depth and warmth.
Flour (4 tablespoons): Acts as a thickening agent to give the soup its creamy texture.
Chicken broth (8 cups): The flavorful liquid base that ties everything together.
Uncooked elbow macaroni (8 ounces): The pasta that adds fun, familiar bites throughout.
Heavy cream (1 cup): Brings decadence and silkiness to the soup.
Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (8 ounces): Melts into cheesy goodness with a bold tang.
White balsamic vinegar (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle brightness to balance richness.
Kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper: Essential seasonings for enhancing every flavor in the pot.
Sesame seed buns (4), diced into 1-inch pieces: Turned into crispy croutons for a fun textural contrast.
Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Used for toasting the bun cubes golden and crunchy.
Sliced green onion and shredded cheddar cheese: Garnishes that add a fresh pop and extra cheesiness.

How to Make One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

Step 1: Make Hamburger Bun Croutons

Start by prepping your croutons, because crunch is a must with this soup. Toss those diced sesame seed buns with olive oil, then bake until golden and crispy. These croutons add a delightful texture that contrasts beautifully with the creamy soup.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

Brown the ground beef in a large pot over medium heat with half of the oregano and thyme along with salt and pepper. Crumble it up as it cooks so that every spoonful has just the right amount of meaty goodness. Once cooked through, set the beef aside – don’t clean out the pot just yet!

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

In the same pot, melt the butter and toss in the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Season lightly and cook over medium-high heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the veggies soften and start to release their natural sweetness — this is where the soup’s cozy flavor really builds.

Step 4: Add Herbs and Garlic

Lower the heat to medium and sprinkle in the minced garlic, remaining oregano, and thyme. Cook for just a minute to allow the herbaceous aroma to bloom without burning the garlic.

Step 5: Add Flour and Deglaze

Sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly to coat the veggies evenly. This step thickens the soup, giving it that luscious consistency we all crave. Next, pour in a splash of chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the pot to lift all those flavorful browned bits – this is pure gold for your soup’s base.

Step 6: Simmer Macaroni in Broth

Pour in the rest of the chicken broth and add the uncooked elbow macaroni along with a pinch of salt and pepper. Bring everything to a gentle simmer over medium-high heat. Once simmering, reduce the heat and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally so the pasta cooks perfectly al dente without sticking.

Step 7: Make It Creamy and Cheesy

Remove the pot from heat and stir in the heavy cream followed by the shredded cheddar cheese—watch the cheese melt into a silky, indulgent sauce. Then, fold the browned beef back into the pot and warm it through for a couple of minutes.

Step 8: Finish and Season

Finish the soup by stirring in the white balsamic vinegar — this little touch brightens up the richness wonderfully. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, making sure every spoonful sings with balanced flavor.

How to Serve One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

A large white pot filled with creamy soup that has small elbow macaroni, ground meat, and tiny orange carrot pieces evenly mixed inside. The soup is light yellow with green herbs visible throughout. On top, there are slices of bright yellow cheese arranged in a small stack, golden brown sesame-crusted bread chunks, and pieces of chopped green onion. A wooden spoon rests inside the pot, partially submerged. Nearby, a small white bowl holds extra sesame bread pieces, and a smaller white bowl contains more chopped green onions. The pot sits on a black and white patterned cloth on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Top your bowls generously with those crunchy sesame seed bun croutons, a sprinkle of sliced green onions, and an extra handful of shredded cheddar. These garnishes add vibrant color, texture, and that extra hit of cheesiness you’ll love.

Side Dishes

This soup is a complete meal on its own, but if you want to round it out, a simple mixed greens salad with a light vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables offer fresh contrast without stealing the spotlight.

Creative Ways to Present

For an inviting presentation, serve this soup in rustic bowls with crusty bread on the side for dipping. You could also customize by stirring in some cooked bacon bits or a dash of hot sauce to jazz up the flavors. A drizzle of truffle oil over the top makes for an extra special twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover soup keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors meld even more overnight, making it a great next-day meal.

Freezing

You can freeze this soup, but because of the cream and pasta, texture may change slightly upon thawing. Pour it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some headspace, and freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently over medium-low heat on the stove, stirring often to prevent sticking. Add a splash of broth or cream if the soup feels too thick. Avoid high heat as it may cause the dairy to separate.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! While sharp cheddar is classic for this soup, you can experiment with Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or even a mix of cheeses to suit your taste preferences.

Is this soup good for meal prep?

Yes! This One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Recipe makes a great meal prep option since it stores well and tastes even better the next day.

Can I make this vegetarian?

To adapt this recipe for vegetarians, substitute the ground beef with hearty mushrooms or a plant-based ground meat alternative, and use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

If you want to lighten it up, you can swap heavy cream with half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free option. Just be mindful this may slightly change the texture.

Can I use different pasta shapes?

Of course! While elbow macaroni is traditional, small pasta shapes like shells, mini penne, or ditalini will work just as well and add a fun twist.

Final Thoughts

This One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Recipe is a total game-changer when it comes to cozy weeknight dinners. It brings all the nostalgia of a cheeseburger with the comforting warmth of soup—a combo that’s impossible not to love. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and dive into this bowl of gooey, savory happiness. I promise it will become one of your favorite go-to recipes!