Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Made in one pot, so cleanup is a breeze.
- Perfect comfort food for cooler weather.
- Ready in under an hour, making it ideal for weeknights.
- Family-friendly and easy to customize with your favorite toppings or ingredients.
- Combines the best of cheeseburgers and mac and cheese into a cozy soup.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice
- 1 cup uncooked macaroni
Directions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess grease.
- Add the diced onion and garlic to the pot, sautéing until softened and fragrant, about 3 minutes.
- Pour in the beef broth and diced tomatoes with their juice. Stir to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then add the uncooked macaroni. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Optionally, garnish with shredded cheese, green onions, or a dollop of sour cream before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Cheesier Option: Add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese during the last 5 minutes of cooking, stirring until melted.
- Vegetable Boost: Include diced carrots, celery, or peas for added nutrition.
- Spicy Twist: Stir in a pinch of chili powder or cayenne for a bit of heat.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
- Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute cauliflower florets for the macaroni.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a splash of broth or water to thin the soup as it reheats.
- Freezing: Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
1. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, this soup can be made in advance and reheated. The flavors may even improve after resting for a day.
2. What type of ground beef is best?
Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease. If using a fattier cut, drain the grease after browning.
3. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, small pasta shapes like shells or rotini work well. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
4. Is this soup freezer-friendly?
Absolutely. Allow the soup to cool completely before freezing in an airtight container.
5. How can I make it creamier?
Add a splash of heavy cream or a handful of shredded cheese toward the end of cooking.
6. What toppings go well with this soup?
Try shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, or crumbled bacon for extra flavor.
7. Can I use chicken broth instead of beef broth?
Yes, chicken broth works as a substitute, but the flavor will differ slightly.
8. How do I avoid mushy pasta?
Cook the pasta just until al dente, as it will continue to soften in the soup.
9. Can I make this vegetarian?
Substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
10. How long does this soup last in the fridge?
It will keep for up to 3 days when stored properly in an airtight container.
Conclusion
One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is a crowd-pleasing recipe that delivers the comforting flavors of a cheeseburger in a hearty soup. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, it’s a fantastic go-to meal for busy nights. Customize it to suit your preferences and enjoy a delicious bowl of warmth and flavor!
One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This hearty and easy One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup combines the savory flavors of ground beef, tender macaroni, and creamy cheese in a comforting dish perfect for busy weeknights. Ready in just 40 minutes, it’s a family-friendly recipe with minimal cleanup that delivers ultimate comfort food vibes.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 1 cup uncooked macaroni
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain excess grease.
- Add diced onion and garlic to the pot; sauté for 3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Stir in beef broth and diced tomatoes with their juice. Bring to a boil.
- Add macaroni and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve with optional toppings like shredded cheese, green onions, or sour cream.
Notes
- For extra creaminess, stir in shredded cheddar cheese or a splash of heavy cream during the last few minutes of cooking.
- To make it gluten-free, substitute macaroni with gluten-free pasta.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: One-Pot Cooking
- Cuisine: American