Imagine a dish that combines the best parts of a cheeseburger, mac and cheese, and soup—without the hassle of washing a mountain of dishes. This one-pot macaroni cheeseburger soup is the ultimate comfort food hack. It’s creamy, cheesy, packed with savory beef, and ready in under 30 minutes.
Who needs a drive-thru when you can make something this good at home? Even better, it’s kid-approved and perfect for those nights when cooking feels like a chore. Let’s get to it.
Why This Recipe Slaps
This soup is the culinary equivalent of a warm hug.
It’s rich, filling, and stupidly easy to make. The combo of ground beef, tender macaroni, and melty cheese creates a flavor bomb that’s hard to resist. Plus, it’s a one-pot wonder—meaning fewer dishes and more time to binge your favorite show.
IMO, it’s the ultimate weeknight dinner for lazy geniuses.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for maximum flavor)
- 1 small onion, diced (or cry like a pro while chopping)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (because fresh is best, sorry jar lovers)
- 4 cups beef broth (low-sodium if you’re watching salt)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (don’t drain—juice adds flavor)
- 1 cup elbow macaroni (or any small pasta you have)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (pre-shredded works in a pinch)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or milk if you’re lightening it up)
- 1 tsp paprika (for a smoky kick)
- Salt and pepper (to taste, because you’re an adult)
How to Make It: Step-by-Step
- Brown the beef. In a large pot, cook the ground beef over medium heat until no pink remains. Drain excess grease if needed (but leave a little for flavor).
- Sauté the aromatics. Add the onion and garlic to the pot. Cook until soft, about 3 minutes.
Pro tip: Don’t burn the garlic unless you enjoy bitterness.
- Add liquids and pasta. Pour in the beef broth and diced tomatoes (with juice). Stir in the macaroni and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until pasta is tender.
- Cheese it up. Turn off the heat.
Stir in the shredded cheddar and heavy cream until the cheese melts into gooey perfection. Season with paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Serve immediately. Top with extra cheese, green onions, or crushed burger buns if you’re feeling fancy.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove with a splash of broth or milk to loosen the soup (it thickens when cold).
FYI, the pasta will soak up liquid, so don’t freak out if it looks more like mac and cheese the next day.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This soup is fast, filling, and customizable. It’s a crowd-pleaser for picky eaters, and the one-pot method means minimal cleanup. Plus, it’s budget-friendly—most ingredients are pantry staples.
Win-win.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the pasta. Simmer just until al dente—it’ll keep cooking in the hot soup.
- Using low-fat cheese. This isn’t the time for diet cheddar. Go full-fat for maximum creaminess.
- Skipping the heavy cream. Milk works, but the soup won’t be as luxe. Don’t blame us if it’s lackluster.
Swaps and Tweaks
No beef?
Use ground turkey or plant-based crumbles. Vegetarian? Skip the meat and add mushrooms or lentils.
Gluten-free? Swap the pasta for GF elbows. Want spice?
Add jalapeños or hot sauce. The world is your cheeseburger soup oyster.
FAQs
Can I freeze this soup?
Technically, yes—but the pasta may turn mushy when thawed. If you plan to freeze, undercook the pasta slightly and add extra broth when reheating.
What if I don’t have heavy cream?
Whole milk works, but the soup will be thinner.
For a richer texture, mix milk with a tablespoon of butter or cream cheese.
Can I add veggies?
Absolutely. Toss in diced carrots, celery, or spinach when sautéing the onions. Just don’t tell the kids.
Why is my soup too thick?
You likely overcooked the pasta or didn’t use enough broth.
Fix it by stirring in more broth or cream until it reaches your desired consistency.
Final Thoughts
This one-pot macaroni cheeseburger soup is the lazy cook’s dream. It’s fast, flavorful, and requires almost no effort. Whether you’re feeding a family or just yourself (no judgment), it’s a guaranteed hit.
Now go forth and conquer dinner like the kitchen warrior you are.