Name: One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter; 1 small yellow onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 pound ground beef; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes; 4 cups beef broth; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 2 cups elbow macaroni; 1 cup heavy cream; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Cozy, creamy, and packed with nostalgic flavor, this One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is the ultimate comfort meal for any night of the week. Picture the rich, cheesy taste of a classic cheeseburger, swirled into a creamy broth with tender elbow macaroni and hearty ground beef—all made in one pot. It’s a family favorite that checks all the boxes: easy, satisfying, and absolutely delicious.

This soup delivers big on flavor with minimal cleanup, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you want something warm and comforting without a mountain of dishes. Whether you’re a fan of cheeseburgers, creamy soups, or one-pot wonders, this recipe wraps all three into a satisfying bowl that both kids and adults will love.

Why You’ll Love This One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

One-Pot Simplicity: Less mess, less fuss—everything cooks together for easy prep and cleanup.
Cheeseburger Comfort: Classic American flavors of beef, cheese, and tomato in a new, spoonable form.
Family-Friendly: A hit with picky eaters and perfect for making ahead for busy nights.
Creamy and Filling: Velvety broth loaded with protein, carbs, and cheese.
Customizable: Add veggies like bell pepper or swap in ground turkey for a lighter spin.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into this one-pot wonder, having the right tools makes the whole process smoother and more enjoyable:

Large Dutch Oven or Heavy-Bottomed Pot: Essential for evenly cooking everything in one pot without scorching the bottom.
Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: Great for stirring the beef and scraping up those flavorful bits from the bottom of the pan.
Box Grater: If you’re shredding your own cheese (recommended!), this tool helps ensure a melty, creamy finish.
Ladle: Makes serving the soup easy and mess-free.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: To ensure flavor consistency and balance in the seasoning and liquids.

These tools are your kitchen MVPs for this dish, ensuring you cook efficiently and serve up a perfect bowl every time.

Ingredients for the One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

Ground Beef: The hearty, protein-packed base that gives this soup its cheeseburger identity.
Elbow Macaroni: Classic pasta shape that cooks perfectly in the broth and absorbs all the cheesy, savory flavors.
Cheddar Cheese (shredded): Delivers that unmistakable cheeseburger taste with a creamy, melty finish.
Beef Broth: Adds depth and savory richness to the soup base.
Diced Tomatoes: Brings acidity and brightness, mimicking the tomato element of a burger.
Heavy Cream: Creates a luscious, creamy texture that ties everything together.
Yellow Onion: Adds subtle sweetness and aromatic flavor.
Garlic (minced): Boosts the savory base with classic aromatic notes.
Worcestershire Sauce: Gives a boost of umami, enhancing the cheeseburger profile.
Salt and Black Pepper: For balanced seasoning.
Olive Oil or Butter: Used to sauté the aromatics and brown the beef.

How To Make the One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat olive oil or butter in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Add the ground beef to the pot, breaking it up with your spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess grease if needed.

Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Broth

Pour in the diced tomatoes and beef broth. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Bring everything to a gentle simmer.

Step 4: Cook the Macaroni

Add the elbow macaroni directly into the pot. Simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes or until the pasta is tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Stir in Cream and Cheese

Reduce the heat to low. Slowly stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese is fully melted and the soup turns rich and creamy.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Ladle into bowls and top with extra shredded cheese and a sprinkle of chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Serving and Storing This Cheeseburger Soup

This soup is best served hot, ladled straight into bowls with a sprinkle of extra shredded cheddar on top for that gooey, cheesy finish. A slice of crusty bread or garlic toast on the side makes it an ultra-satisfying meal.

If you have leftovers, allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it into airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, gently warm it on the stove over medium-low heat or in the microwave in short bursts, stirring in between. Add a splash of broth or cream if the soup thickens too much. Note that the pasta may continue to absorb liquid over time, so the texture might be thicker the next day—still just as tasty!

For freezing, portion the soup without the pasta (if possible) into freezer-safe containers. Add freshly cooked pasta upon reheating for the best texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of cheese is best for this soup?

Sharp cheddar is classic for its bold flavor and meltability. You can also use a blend of cheeses like Colby Jack or Monterey Jack for a smoother finish.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Shells, rotini, or even ditalini work well—just keep an eye on cooking times, as smaller shapes cook faster.

Is this soup spicy?

Not at all! But if you want a kick, try adding diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or even a splash of hot sauce.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes, just substitute with gluten-free pasta and double-check that your broth and Worcestershire sauce are gluten-free.

How can I make this soup lighter?

Swap out heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk, and use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. It’ll still be creamy and comforting.

Can I add vegetables?

Definitely! Bell peppers, corn, spinach, or even finely chopped carrots all pair wonderfully and boost the nutrition factor.

Want More Soup Ideas That Hit the Spot?

If you love this One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup, you’re in for a treat with these hearty, flavor-packed soup recipes from my kitchen:

Try the cozy and satisfying Hearty Italian Sausage Soup if you’re craving bold flavors and rustic comfort.
Warm up with the rich and creamy Easy Thai Red Curry Dumpling Soup, perfect for a spicy twist on tradition.
Need something indulgent? The Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque is creamy, luxurious, and loaded with seafood goodness.
For a Tex-Mex kick, check out this fan favorite: Spicy Ranch Taco Dip — it’s not soup, but it’s soul-soothing all the same.
And don’t miss out on Simple Chili Con Carne — a one-pot wonder full of hearty beans and beef.

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest soup board so you can come back to it any time:
https://www.pinterest.com/Americanrecipesbyheart/

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add a little spice? Maybe tried turkey instead of beef? I’d love to hear what twists you gave it!

Have any questions or tips to share? Drop them below and let’s help each other make every bowl better.