Cozy One-Pot Cheeseburger Mac Soup 🍔🧀🥣
If you’re craving a bowl of comfort that tastes like a cheeseburger in soup form, this One-Pot Cheeseburger Mac Soup is exactly what you need. Creamy, cheesy, hearty, and packed with ground beef, pasta, and a rich broth—it’s everything you love about a burger and mac & cheese combined into one warm, cozy bowl.
This recipe is quick enough for weeknights, family-friendly, and made in just one pot (less cleanup!). It’s guaranteed to become a new go-to comfort food in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One-pot wonder – no juggling pans, just one pot for the whole meal. Rich and creamy – thanks to cheddar cheese and a touch of cream. Crowd-pleasing – kids love the cheeseburger flavors, adults love the heartiness. Customizable – easy to make spicy, lighter, or even gluten-free.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for lighter version)
1 tbsp olive oil or butter
1 medium onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 medium carrot, diced
1 celery stalk, diced
4 cups beef broth
1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes
1 cup elbow macaroni (uncooked)
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup whole milk or half-and-half
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for depth) Salt & black pepper, to taste Fresh parsley or green onions, for garnish
Instructions
1. Brown the Beef
Heat oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat if needed.
2. Build the Flavor
Add onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened. Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Simmer the Base
Pour in beef broth and diced tomatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Cook the Pasta
Add the uncooked elbow macaroni. Simmer for 8–10 minutes until pasta is tender. Stir occasionally so it doesn’t stick.
5. Make it Creamy
Reduce heat to low. Stir in milk (or half-and-half) and shredded cheddar until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning.
6. Serve & Enjoy
Ladle into bowls, garnish with parsley or green onions, and serve warm. Optional: top with crumbled bacon or a pickle slice for the ultimate cheeseburger vibe!
Serving Suggestions
Pair with warm garlic bread or buttery dinner rolls. Serve alongside a crisp garden salad. For fun: top with crushed potato chips or croutons for crunch.
Variations
Spicy Cheeseburger Soup: Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce.
Low-Carb Version: Swap pasta for cauliflower florets. Extra Cheesy: Mix in mozzarella or pepper jack cheese.
Storage & Make Ahead
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Warm gently on the stove with a splash of broth or milk.
Freeze: Best without pasta—freeze the soup base, then add fresh pasta when reheating.
Final Thoughts
This Cozy One-Pot Cheeseburger Mac Soup is comfort food at its best. It’s creamy, filling, and tastes like your favorite diner cheeseburger turned into a soul-warming soup. Whether you’re making it for a chilly night, a family dinner, or meal prep for the week, it’s sure to become a recipe you’ll make again and again.