Comforting One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Recipe (No Velveeta)

Comfort meets creativity in this hearty one-pot macaroni cheeseburger soup that breaks away from traditional cheese sauce expectations.

Kraft products take a backseat to real, wholesome ingredients bursting with flavor.

Meat lovers and soup enthusiasts will appreciate the rich, satisfying blend of ground beef and pasta swimming in a creamy broth.

Cheesy goodness combines with classic burger elements for a meal that feels both familiar and exciting.

Weeknight dinner solutions rarely come this delicious and simple to prepare.

A single pot means minimal cleanup and maximum enjoyment.

Dive into this crowd-pleasing recipe that promises to become a new family favorite.

Cheeseburger Mac Soup In One Easy Pot

• Quickly Satisfy Hunger: This one-pot macaroni cheeseburger soup delivers a complete meal in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when time is short and hunger strikes fast.
• Family-Friendly Comfort: Kids and adults will love the familiar flavors of cheeseburger combined with hearty soup, making it a crowd-pleasing dish that appeals to all ages with its creamy, cheesy goodness.
• Minimal Cleanup Magic: Using just one pot means less dishwashing and more relaxing, allowing home cooks to enjoy a delicious meal without dreading the post-cooking kitchen mess.
• Budget-Friendly Feast: Utilizing affordable ingredients like ground beef, elbow macaroni, and basic pantry staples keeps this recipe economical while still providing a satisfying and filling dinner option.

Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup in One Pot Ingredients

• Ground Beef: Fresh, lean beef provides hearty base and rich flavor for the soup.
• Onion: Aromatic vegetable adds depth and sweetness to the meat base.

• Beef Broth: Rich, savory liquid creates foundation for soup's depth.
• Milk: Creamy dairy component helps create smooth, velvety texture.
• Diced Tomatoes: Adds bright, tangy element and slight acidity to the soup.

• Elbow Macaroni: Classic pasta shape that captures soup's creamy consistency.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp, melty cheese provides signature cheeseburger flavor.

• Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile.
• Black Pepper: Adds mild heat and complements beef's richness.
• Fresh Herbs (Optional): Garnish that brings color and fresh note to final dish.

Cheeseburger Soup in One Pot – No Velveeta Needed

Step 1: Sizzle the Ground Beef

In a large pot, warm up the cooking surface over medium heat.

Toss in ground beef and diced onions, letting them dance and brown together.

Smoosh and stir the meat until it’s beautifully caramelized and the onions turn soft and translucent.

Sprinkle in a pinch of salt and pepper to wake up the flavors.

Once cooked, drain away any excess grease to keep the soup light and delicious.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Foundation

Tumble in the diced tomatoes, bringing a burst of tangy brightness to the pot.

Pour in rich beef broth, creating a liquid base that’ll make your taste buds sing.

Crank up the heat and let everything bubble and boil, creating a robust foundation for your soup.

Step 3: Introduce the Pasta

Cascade the elbow macaroni into the bubbling mixture.

Drop the heat to a gentle simmer and let the pasta cook until it’s perfectly tender but still has a slight bite.

Keep an eye on the pot, stirring occasionally to prevent any sneaky noodles from sticking to the bottom.

Step 4: Create Creamy Magic

Turn the heat down to a soft whisper.

Slowly stream in milk, creating a silky base.

Shower the shredded cheddar cheese over the top, stirring constantly until it melts into a luxurious, creamy embrace.

Watch as the soup transforms into a velvety wonderland of flavor.

Step 5: Final Flourish and Serve

Take a moment to taste and adjust the seasoning.

Let your taste buds guide you with a extra pinch of salt or pepper if needed.

Ladle the steaming soup into waiting bowls.

For an extra touch of freshness, sprinkle some chopped herbs on top.

Serve alongside a chunk of crusty bread or a crisp green salad for a complete meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Cheeseburger Soup Tips for a Velveeta-Free Comfort Bowl

Remove excess grease from ground beef to prevent an oily soup and ensure a cleaner, more appetizing flavor profile.

Select sharp cheddar cheese for a more robust taste and optimal melting consistency in the soup.

Watch macaroni carefully during simmering to maintain an al dente texture and avoid mushy noodles.

Adjust milk quantity to achieve desired soup consistency – add more for a thinner soup or less for a heartier version.

Sprinkle in dried herbs like oregano or thyme to enhance the overall taste and add depth to the cheeseburger soup.

Reheat Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

• Transfer leftover soup to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion, and freeze for 2-3 months.
• Warm soup over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Add a splash of milk or broth to restore creamy consistency if needed.
• Heat in microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until soup is thoroughly heated and steaming.

Cheeseburger Soup Ideal Sides

• Crisp Pickle Salad: Chop fresh cucumbers, dill, and red onions with a tangy vinegar dressing to mirror the zesty cheeseburger flavors and cut through the richness of the soup.
• Hoppy Craft Beer Companion: Select an amber ale or light IPA with malty undertones that complement the beef and cheese, providing a refreshing contrast to the hearty soup.
• Buttery Garlic Croutons Topping: Cube day-old bread, toss with garlic, butter, and herbs, then toast until golden brown to add crunchy texture and enhance the cheeseburger-style profile.
• Bright Coleslaw Side: Whip up a creamy coleslaw with cabbage, carrots, and a light mayo dressing to introduce a cool, crisp element that balances the soup's warmth and richness.

Cheeseburger Soup in One-Pot Style Options

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace milk and cheddar cheese with unsweetened almond milk and dairy-free cheese shreds. Use nutritional yeast for extra cheesy flavor and creaminess.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap elbow macaroni with gluten-free pasta like brown rice or chickpea pasta. Ensure beef broth is certified gluten-free.
• Vegetarian Makeover: Substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles or finely chopped mushrooms. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a hearty meat-free version.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Replace macaroni with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. Reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining the rich, comforting soup texture.

FAQs

• What makes this soup different from traditional mac and cheese?

This soup combines the flavors of a cheeseburger and mac and cheese in one comforting dish, using ground beef, cheese, and pasta in a single pot for easy preparation and cleanup.

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute elbow macaroni with other short pasta shapes like shells, rotini, or penne that hold the sauce well and cook quickly in the broth.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

No, the recipe contains regular pasta. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free macaroni and ensure your beef broth is gluten-free certified.

• How can I make the soup more protein-rich?

Add extra protein by including diced bacon, increasing the ground beef amount, or stirring in some cooked diced chicken at the end of cooking.

One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup (No Velveeta) Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Hearty “one-pot macaroni cheeseburger soup” blends classic burger flavors with creamy comfort in a single skillet. Savory ground beef, tender pasta, and rich cheese create a satisfying meal you’ll crave on chilly evenings.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Protein:

• 1 pound ground beef (lean or ground turkey)

VEGETABLES AND AROMATICS:

• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
• 1 cup frozen peas or carrots

DAIRY, PASTA, AND SEASONINGS:

• 2 cups elbow macaroni (or small pasta shapes)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or mild)
• 1 cup milk (whole, 2%, or skim)
• 2 cups beef broth (low-sodium preferred)
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt & pepper to taste

OPTIONAL GARNISH:

• Fresh herbs (parsley or chives)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Initiate the culinary process by searing ground beef and diced onions in a spacious pot over medium heat, creating a flavorful foundation. Allow the meat to caramelize and onions to become translucent, ensuring thorough cooking and releasing rich aromatics.
2. Incorporate diced tomatoes into the meat mixture, creating a robust base. Introduce beef broth and elevate the temperature to a rolling boil, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify.
3. Gently cascade elbow macaroni into the bubbling liquid, reducing heat to a gentle simmer. Periodically stir the contents to prevent pasta from adhering to the pot’s bottom, cooking until the pasta reaches a tender yet firm consistency.
4. Transition the heat to a lower setting and stream milk into the mixture, creating a silky liquid base. Gradually fold shredded cheddar cheese into the soup, stirring consistently until the cheese dissolves completely, transforming the liquid into a luxurious, creamy texture.
5. Conduct a comprehensive taste assessment, adjusting seasoning with salt and pepper to elevate the flavor profile. Transfer the steaming soup into serving vessels, optionally embellishing with fresh herbs for an aromatic finishing touch. Complement the dish with rustic bread or a crisp green salad for a satisfying meal.

Notes

• Choose ground beef with lower fat content to reduce excess grease and create a healthier soup without compromising rich flavor.
• Rinse macaroni under cold water after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent overcooking, maintaining ideal texture in the soup.
• Remove the pot from direct heat when adding cheese to prevent separation and ensure smooth, creamy consistency.
• Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles for vegetarian version or use ground turkey for a lighter protein option.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg