Description

This One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Recipe is a comforting, hearty dish that combines the classic flavors of ground beef, creamy cheddar cheese sauce, and tender elbow macaroni—all cooked together in a single pot for easy preparation and cleanup. Perfect for busy weeknights, this soup delivers rich, cheesy goodness with minimal effort, making it an ideal meal to share with family and friends during any season.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

1 lb ground beef (lean or regular)
2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups beef broth (preferably low-sodium)
1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Sauté Onions and Garlic: Heat a large pot over medium heat and add one tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, add the chopped onions and sauté until translucent, about five minutes. Add the minced garlic last and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning and develop aromatic flavor.
Brown Ground Beef: Increase the heat slightly and add the ground beef to the pot. Break it up with a spatula or wooden spoon and cook until no pink remains and the internal temperature reaches 160°F, about 7-10 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary, leaving a bit for richness.
Combine Ingredients: Reduce the heat to medium and add the four cups of beef broth along with two cups of uncooked elbow macaroni directly to the pot. Stir well to ensure the noodles are submerged. Cover with a lid and cook for approximately eight minutes until the macaroni is tender but still al dente.
Add Dairy Elements: Carefully remove the lid and pour in one cup of milk followed by two cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir thoroughly until the cheese is melted and the soup has a creamy, cohesive texture.
Final Seasoning & Serving Prep: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning as needed with salt and pepper. Allow to simmer for an additional two minutes to blend flavors. Serve hot with optional garnishes like fresh parsley, chives, or crumbled bacon for added texture and flavor.

Notes

Use good quality, sharp cheddar cheese for the best melting and flavor results.
Avoid overcooking the macaroni to maintain a pleasant al dente bite.
Season gradually and taste often during cooking for optimal balance.
Preparing and chopping ingredients ahead of time streamlines the cooking process.
Add toppings like crispy bacon or fresh herbs to enhance texture contrasts.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Keywords: One-Pot Soup, Macaroni and Cheese Soup, Cheeseburger Soup, Easy Dinner, Comfort Food, Ground Beef Soup, Creamy Soup