Name: One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 2 cups macaroni pasta; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 4 cups beef broth; 2 cups milk; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; Optional: pickles, bacon bits, ketchup, mustard

When comfort food calls, there’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup. It blends the nostalgic flavor of a cheeseburger with creamy macaroni soup, all cooked in one pot for ultimate ease. Each spoonful is a cozy bite of savory beef, tender pasta, and gooey cheese that warms you from the inside out.

Perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a meal that satisfies the whole family, this soup is a guaranteed hit. It’s hearty, kid-approved, and easy to customize with your favorite cheeseburger toppings. Whether it’s a chilly fall evening or you just crave something indulgent, this dish brings everyone to the table fast.

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

This soup is the definition of comfort made easy. It’s a full meal in one pot, saving you from extra dishes without sacrificing any flavor. The beef gives it a rich base, while macaroni makes it filling, and the cheese ties everything together with its melty goodness. If you love cheeseburgers and creamy pasta, this recipe will become a staple.

Plus, it’s incredibly flexible. Toss in diced pickles for tang, stir in a swirl of ketchup or mustard for a true burger vibe, or sprinkle on crispy bacon at the end for that diner-style finish. Leftovers taste just as good, if not better, the next day.

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?

Macaroni is the classic choice here because it holds its shape and cooks quickly, blending beautifully with the beef and cheese. However, feel free to swap in other small pasta like ditalini, shells, or rotini if that’s what you have on hand. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly based on your pasta of choice to avoid overcooking.

Ingredients for the One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

This soup is all about pantry-friendly ingredients that create something magical together. Everything goes into one pot, making it an easy weeknight meal with minimal cleanup.

Ground beef: Provides that signature savory flavor and heartiness of a cheeseburger.
Macaroni pasta: Soaks up the cheesy broth and adds the perfect chewy bite.
Onion: Adds aromatic depth and balances the richness of the cheese.
Garlic: Brings out the savoriness in every spoonful.
Tomato paste: Adds a slight tang and color that mimics classic burger condiments.
Beef broth: Deepens the flavor and acts as the soup base.
Milk: Makes the soup creamy and smooth.
Cheddar cheese: Melts into the broth for that irresistible cheesy finish.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
Optional toppings: Pickles, bacon bits, or a swirl of mustard and ketchup for fun burger flair.

How To Make the One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Break it up with a wooden spoon and cook until no longer pink. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until softened and fragrant.

Step 2: Build the Base

Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes to deepen its flavor. Pour in the beef broth and milk, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 3: Add the Pasta

Toss in the macaroni and stir well. Let it cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the soup thickens slightly (about 10-12 minutes).

Step 4: Finish with Cheese

Turn off the heat and stir in the cheddar cheese until fully melted and smooth. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Ladle into bowls and top with your favorite burger-inspired garnishes like chopped pickles, bacon crumbles, or a drizzle of mustard. Serve hot and enjoy that cozy cheeseburger-in-a-bowl magic.

How to Serve and Store One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

This soup is hearty enough to stand on its own, making it the perfect all-in-one meal. It feeds about 6 people generously, with each bowl delivering a warm hug of cheeseburger flavor. Serve it piping hot, topped with a sprinkle of extra shredded cheese or crispy bacon if you’re feeling indulgent.

To store, let the soup cool completely and transfer it to an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it up, as the pasta will absorb more liquid over time. It can also be frozen for up to 2 months, though the texture of the pasta may change slightly upon thawing.

What to Serve With One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup?

Garlic Bread

A classic pairing, garlic bread is ideal for soaking up every cheesy drop left in the bowl.

Simple Side Salad

Keep it crisp and light with a green salad dressed in vinaigrette to balance out the richness.

Dill Pickles

Serve a few spears on the side for a punch of tang that complements the cheeseburger flavor.

Sweet Potato Fries

Baked or fried, their sweetness adds a fun twist to the meal.

Cornbread Muffins

Soft and slightly sweet, they’re a cozy side that pairs beautifully with the savory soup.

Roasted Broccoli

Oven-roasted broccoli with a touch of lemon adds freshness and crunch.

Coleslaw

Creamy or vinegar-based, coleslaw adds a cool, crisp contrast that makes every bite better.

Apple Slices

For a sweet, refreshing finish, apple slices make a family-friendly side dish that cleanses the palate.

Want More Soup Ideas That Feel Like a Meal?

If this One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup won you over, you might love these other comforting bowls too:

Cajun Potato Soup if you like a smoky, spicy spin on creamy soups.
Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef when you want something hearty and wholesome.
Crockpot Thai Coconut Chicken Soup for a flavorful and exotic twist.
Unstuffed Pepper Skillet if you’re craving bold flavors with simple steps.
Loaded Cheddar Ranch Beef and Sweet Corn Rotini Bake for a cheesier, bake-style comfort dish.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you toss in some jalapeños? Go extra cheesy? Maybe swapped the beef for turkey?

I love hearing how others bring their own twist to the table. Your questions are welcome too—let’s help each other make dinnertime even better.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks and hearty comfort meals on Zoe Recipes on Pinterest and discover your next kitchen favorite!

Conclusion

One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is that rare kind of recipe that checks all the boxes: quick, comforting, satisfying, and kid-approved. It’s ideal for chilly nights, lazy weekends, or any moment when you want a warm bowl of something familiar but fun. With just one pot and a handful of ingredients, you can bring the joy of cheeseburgers to your spoon in under 30 minutes.