One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
There’s nothing quite like a warm, creamy bowl of One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup to light up a chilly evening or satisfy a family craving for comfort. This recipe weaves together all the flavors you love from a classic cheeseburger—juicy beef, sharp cheddar, tender pasta, and tomatoes—into a single, gloriously cheesy soup that comes together in just 30 minutes. It’s quick, hearty, and absolutely loaded with those irresistible, cozy vibes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a crowd-pleasing weekend supper. If you love quick and creamy comfort food, this soup is about to become your new go-to!

Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup so brilliant is how each ingredient pulls its weight—bringing richness, bright color, and satisfying texture to every spoonful. These are familiar, easy-to-find kitchen staples that unite to create something far more delightful than the sum of their parts.
- Olive oil: Adds a touch of flavor and helps brown the beef evenly for the perfect savory base.
- Ground beef: Provides heartiness and classic cheeseburger flavor; go for lean or substitute ground turkey for a lighter take.
- Onion: Gives sweetness and depth, building out the flavor of the broth.
- Garlic: Brings a fragrant punch that makes every bite pop.
- Beef broth: Deepens the soup’s umami notes, tying everything together with a rich, meaty backbone.
- Milk: Offers creamy body and balances the tang of tomatoes—it also helps that cheesy goodness meld beautifully!
- Diced tomatoes (with juice): Blends in acidity, brightness, and a touch of sweetness, plus extra color.
- Elbow macaroni: The classic noodle for cheeseburger soup, it cooks up to perfect tenderness and soaks up all those flavors.
- Worcestershire sauce: Adds that signature savory depth you’ll taste in every comforting spoonful.
- Smoked paprika: Lends a gentle smokiness and a golden hue that makes this dish even more inviting.
- Salt and pepper: Essential to bring the best out of every ingredient—go generous and taste as you go!
- Shredded cheddar cheese: The star! Melts into pure, gooey deliciousness and brings that cheddar cheeseburger nostalgia.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Adds extra creaminess and those dreamy cheese pulls everyone loves.
- Chopped parsley or green onions (optional garnish): Wake up the bowl with a pop of color and fresh flavor at the end.
How to Make One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup
Step 1: Brown the Beef
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the ground beef and break it up as it cooks—those little crumbles are what make for perfect, spoonable bites later! Cook until nicely browned; if there’s excess fat, you can drain it off for a lighter, less greasy soup base.
Step 2: Sauté Onion & Garlic
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to your browned beef. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes, just until everything turns soft and fragrant. This quick step will unlock an extra layer of flavor, making the base rich and aromatic before any liquid goes in.
Step 3: Add Liquids, Tomatoes, and Seasonings
Stir in the beef broth, milk, diced tomatoes with their juice, uncooked elbow macaroni, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, plus salt and plenty of freshly ground black pepper. Give everything a good stir—right now, your pot looks humble, but in minutes it’ll transform into thick, cheesy goodness!
Step 4: Simmer to Perfection
Bring the whole mixture to a gentle boil. Once it’s bubbling, lower the heat so the soup simmers. Cover the pot and let it all cook for about 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally to make sure the macaroni doesn’t stick. The pasta will plump up and get wonderfully tender, soaking in all the flavors.
Step 5: Stir in the Cheese
Now for the best part! Reduce the heat, then add in the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, stirring until both melt dreamily into the soup. Everything will turn ultra creamy in a flash—this is when your kitchen starts to smell like pure cheesy heaven. Remove from the heat and let the soup sit uncovered for 5 minutes to thicken up and cool just enough for a cozy, hearty bowl.
How to Serve One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

Garnishes
A finishing sprinkle makes a good soup great. Top your One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup with a handful of freshly chopped parsley or sliced green onions for brightness and color. If you’re in the mood for classic diner vibes, try a few crunchy pickle slices or a little extra shredded cheese for fun.
Side Dishes
This soup is seriously a meal in itself, but that shouldn’t stop you from pairing it with a crisp green salad or some warm, crusty bread. Garlic bread or even a soft dinner roll is absolutely perfect for dunking and scooping up all that gooey cheese sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Make it a party by serving your One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup in mini mugs for a fun appetizer, or ladle it into bread bowls for a hearty, extra-special presentation. You can even set up a topping bar so folks can sprinkle on their favorite cheeseburger fixings, like diced onions, bacon bits, or jalapeños.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (no guarantees!), let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup will keep well for up to 3 days. The flavors get even deeper and more delicious by day two!
Freezing
This soup can be frozen, but do expect the pasta to soften further after thawing. For best results, you might want to undercook the macaroni by a minute or two if you know you’ll be freezing part of the batch. Cool the soup fully, then store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm the soup gently over medium-low heat on the stove, stirring often to keep it creamy. Add a splash of milk or broth if it seems extra thick (macaroni tends to soak up liquid as it sits). You can also microwave individual servings, stirring every so often for even heating.
FAQs
Can I make this soup gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap the regular elbow macaroni for your favorite gluten-free pasta. Keep an eye on the cooking time, as gluten-free noodles often need a bit less time to cook—test for doneness so they don’t go mushy.
What’s the best way to make this soup extra creamy?
If you love things extra rich and creamy, stir in a splash of heavy cream at the very end, right after adding the cheese. This takes the silkiness up a notch without overpowering the other flavors.
Can I swap the ground beef for another protein?
Yes! This recipe is fantastic with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based ground for a meatless version. Just be sure to adjust seasonings as needed, since different proteins have different flavor profiles.
Is it possible to use a different type Soup
Definitely. While cheddar and mozzarella are classic for the ultimate melt and flavor, you could try Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a bit of pepper jack for a slight kick. Feel free to experiment based on your cheese drawer’s contents!
Can I add vegetables to the soup?
Of course! Diced carrots, bell peppers, or even a handful of spinach stirred in at the end would all add a delicious, nutrient-packed punch. Just throw them in with the onions if they need a bit of time to soften.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a crowd-pleasing, no-fuss dinner that everyone will be excited to see on the table, One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is your answer. It’s cozy, creamy, and irresistibly cheesy—what’s not to love? I hope you’ll give it a try soon, and that it brings a bit of warmth and joy to your kitchen!
Print
One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and hearty one-pot soup that combines the flavors of a cheeseburger with the coziness of macaroni, perfect for a satisfying meal on a chilly day.
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion (chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 cups milk
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 1 1/2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Chopped parsley or green onions (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a large pot, add ground beef, and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add chopped onion and minced garlic, cook until softened.
- Add Ingredients: Pour in beef broth, milk, diced tomatoes, macaroni, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 10–12 minutes.
- Melt Cheese: Stir in cheddar and mozzarella cheese until creamy.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from heat, let sit for 5 minutes, then garnish with parsley or green onions.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- For extra creaminess, stir in a splash of heavy cream at the end.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 85mg