Looking for a comforting and hearty meal that’s easy to make and perfect for nights? Dive into the delightful flavors of One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup, a rich and cheesy soup that combines the essence of a cheeseburger with the warmth of a soup, all cooked conveniently in a single pot.
Picture yourself coming home to the aroma of seasoned beef, melty cheese, tender pasta, and a creamy broth simmering on your stovetop. This soup is not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings comfort and satisfaction in every spoonful.
Why You’ll Love This Cheeseburger Soup
– Complete Meal: Experience all the favorite burger elements in one bowl – seasoned beef, cheesy goodness, and even crispy croutons reminiscent of burger buns.
– Convenient Comfort: Perfect for busy evenings, this one-pot wonder minimizes cleanup while maximizing flavor by layering ingredients seamlessly.
– Kid-Friendly and Customizable: Let everyone customize their bowl with extra cheese, crispy bacon bits, or any other burger toppings they love.
Ingredients
For the Soup Base
– Ground Beef: Opt for 85/15 ground beef for a perfect balance of flavor and texture.
– Shell Pasta: These noodles cradle the creamy sauce beautifully. Feel free to swap them with elbow macaroni or any short pasta of your choice.
– Aromatics: Diced onion, shredded carrots, and minced garlic form a flavorful foundation.
The Creamy Element
– Whole Milk: Provides a silky base without overwhelming heaviness; combine with heavy cream for added richness.
– Sharp Cheddar and American Cheese: Freshly grated sharp cheddar and diced American cheese impart classic and smooth textures, respectively.
Seasonings
– Burger Seasoning Blend: A blend of garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and mustard powder to echo traditional burger flavors.
– Fresh Parsley: Adds color and a fresh touch to balance the richness of the soup.
How To Make One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Aromatics
– Heat a large Dutch oven and brown the ground beef with specified seasonings, then add in onions, carrots, and garlic until ingredients are flavorful and tender.
Step 2: Create the Base
– Sprinkle flour over the beef mixture, then gradually add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard powder before bringing the mixture to a simmer with shell pasta.
Step 3: Make It Creamy
– Lower the heat and stir in milk without boiling. Gradually add cheddar and American cheese, ensuring complete melting. Season with salt and pepper.
Storage Options
Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, adjust the liquid consistency by adding a splash of milk or broth as the pasta continues to absorb liquid.
Variations and Substitutions
– Spicy: Add diced jalapeños and pepper jack cheese for a kick.
– Mushroom Swiss: Incorporate sautéed mushrooms and Swiss cheese for a earthy twist.
– Bacon Ranch: Mix in cooked bacon and a hint of ranch seasoning for added flavor.
What to Serve With One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup
– Crispy bacon bits
– Diced tomatoes
– Sliced green onions
– Extra shredded cheese
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead ?
While best served fresh, you can prepare it ahead but adjust the liquid when reheating due to pasta absorption.
Can I freeze this soup ?
It’s not recommended as dairy-based soups might separate upon thawing.
What can I substitute for American cheese ?
While cheddar works, Velveeta or cream cheese can mimic the smoothness of American cheese.
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes! Elbow macaroni, rotini, or small penne can be substituted for shell pasta.
After making One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup, you can look forward to a hearty, flavorful dish that offers a cozy combination of cheeseburger essence turned into a comforting soup. Each spoonful will warm you up and leave you craving more with its layers of seasoned beef, creamy cheese, and tender pasta dancing in harmony.
One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup
Equipment
- Dutch Oven
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 1 lb 85/15 ground beef
- 2 cups shell pasta
- 1 cup onion diced
- 1 cup carrots shredded
- 2 cloves garlic minced
Creamy Element
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese grated
- 1 cup American cheese diced
Seasonings
- burger seasoning blend
- fresh parsley
Instructions
- Heat a large Dutch oven and brown the ground beef with specified seasonings, then add in onions, carrots, and garlic until ingredients are flavorful and tender.
- Sprinkle flour over the beef mixture, then gradually add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard powder before bringing the mixture to a simmer with shell pasta.
- Lower the heat and stir in milk without boiling. Gradually add cheddar and American cheese, ensuring complete melting. Season with salt and pepper.