If you love hearty meals that warm your soul and fill your belly, this One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is the recipe you’ve been waiting for. It’s everything you adore about a cheeseburger—beefy, cheesy, savory goodness—transformed into a cozy, creamy soup loaded with elbow macaroni and topped with crispy croutons.
Whether you’re meal prepping, feeding picky kids, or just need a one-pot wonder on a busy weeknight, this recipe delivers big time.
If you enjoy rich, hearty meals like this, you’ll probably also love our ultra-comforting Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup, another family-favorite that brings the best of burgers and potatoes together in a cozy bowl.
And for something with a bit of cheesy crunch and burger vibes, try the Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs—a fun handheld recipe that pairs perfectly with today’s soup.
One of the best parts? It’s freezer-friendly too! Learn how to freeze soup safely so you can store leftovers for lazy days ahead.
And if you’ve got leftover cooked beef in your fridge, this is one of many creative ways to use leftover ground beef—no boring meals here!
🍔 What Is Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup?
Think of this as a mashup between classic cheeseburgers and macaroni and cheese, simmered into a rich, creamy soup. It’s a perfect blend of:
- Ground beef
- Mirepoix (onions, carrots, and celery)
- Creamy cheddar broth
- Tender elbow macaroni
- Warm spices and herbs
All cooked in one pot—for a flavorful, easy-cleanup dinner.
🧅 Ingredient Breakdown and Substitutions
Crafting the perfect One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup starts with understanding each ingredient’s role—and how to adapt them based on what you have in your kitchen. This soup is forgiving and flexible, which makes it ideal for quick weeknight dinners.
🥩 Ground Beef
The star of the dish, ground beef brings the savory “cheeseburger” flavor to life.
- Use: 80/20 ground beef for a good fat-to-flavor balance.
- Substitute with:
- Ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option
- Plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian twist
- Black beans or lentils (for protein and fiber)
🧅 Mirepoix (Onion, Carrot, Celery)
This classic trio adds aromatic flavor and a nutritional boost.
- Use: Diced yellow onion, sliced carrots, and chopped celery.
- Substitute with:
- Pre-chopped mirepoix (store-bought)
- Add bell peppers or mushrooms for extra depth
- Skip carrots for a lower-carb version
🧄 Garlic
Essential for that deep, savory backbone.
- Use: Fresh minced garlic cloves.
- Substitute with:
- Garlic powder (½ tsp per clove)
- Roasted garlic for a sweeter, mellow flavor
🌿 Herbs and Seasoning
Oregano and thyme complement the beef and cheese beautifully.
- Use: Dried oregano and thyme.
- Substitute with:
- Italian seasoning
- A pinch of paprika or cayenne for heat
- Fresh herbs (double the amount)
🍝 Elbow Macaroni
Gives the soup its comforting mac & cheese feel.
- Use: Classic elbow noodles.
- Substitute with:
- Shells, ditalini, or rotini
- Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta
- Diced potatoes or cauliflower for a low-carb option
🧀 Cheddar Cheese
Melted cheese creates that creamy, luscious texture.
- Use: Sharp cheddar for bold flavor.
- Substitute with:
- Mild cheddar or Colby Jack
- Monterey Jack or pepper jack (for spice)
- Vegan cheese shreds if dairy-free
🥛 Heavy Cream & Broth
Together, these create the creamy base of the soup.
- Use: Heavy cream + chicken broth.
- Substitute with:
- Half-and-half (lighter texture)
- Beef or vegetable broth
- Coconut milk for dairy-free creaminess
💡 Pro Tip: This recipe is built to be flexible. Don’t be afraid to experiment with swaps—it’ll still be cheesy, cozy, and delicious.
Want to know why sharp cheddar is the best choice here? Check out the nutritional benefits of cheddar cheese to feel even better about it!
You can make it even more indulgent by adding chopped bacon or topping with shredded cheddar and green onions. Or go wild and serve it alongside our Garlic Butter Bacon Cheeseburger Rollups for the ultimate burger-themed dinner spread.
🔪 How to Make One-Pot Cheeseburger Soup
Making One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is as easy as it is satisfying. With simple ingredients and just one pot, you can have a creamy, cheesy, beefy dinner on the table in under 40 minutes—perfect for a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend meal.
Here’s a step-by-step breakdown to get it just right:
🥩 Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add 1 pound of ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon.
- Season with salt, pepper, dried oregano, and thyme.
- Cook until fully browned (about 6–8 minutes).
- Remove the beef from the pot and set it aside on a plate.
✅ Tip: Drain excess grease for a lighter soup, or keep a tablespoon for added flavor.
🧅 Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
- In the same pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter.
- Add 1 diced onion, 2 diced carrots, and 2 celery stalks, chopped.
- Cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften.
Then, stir in:
- 3 cloves of minced garlic, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
🌾 Step 3: Make the Roux
- Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of flour over the veggies.
- Stir continuously for 1–2 minutes to coat everything evenly.
- This forms the base that will thicken your soup later.
🍲 Step 4: Add Broth and Pasta
- Slowly pour in 4 cups of chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
- Stir in 1½ cups of uncooked elbow macaroni.
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 7–9 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.
🧀 Step 5: Add Cream and Cheese
- Lower the heat to avoid curdling.
- Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and 2 cups of freshly shredded cheddar cheese.
- Add 1 tablespoon of white balsamic vinegar for brightness.
- Return the cooked beef to the pot and stir everything together until warm and creamy.
🍽 Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Ladle into bowls and top with more cheese, chopped pickles, croutons, or green onions.
💡 Pro Tip: The soup thickens as it sits. Add a splash of broth or cream when reheating!
🥖 Make It Fun: Hamburger Bun Croutons
Take your One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup to the next level with a playful twist—hamburger bun croutons! These crunchy, golden bites add a fun nod to the classic burger and elevate every spoonful with texture and flavor.
Instead of tossing leftover buns, turn them into crispy soup toppers with just a few pantry staples.
🔪 How to Make Hamburger Bun Croutons
Ingredients:
- 2 hamburger buns (sesame seed preferred)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Slice the buns into 1-inch cubes.
- Toss the cubes with olive oil, garlic powder, parsley, and salt until well coated.
- Spread evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes, turning halfway, until golden brown and crispy.
🧡 Why They Work
- Adds a crunchy texture to the creamy soup
- Echoes the classic cheeseburger bun flavor
- A great way to use up leftover bread
Top your bowl with a handful and enjoy the full cheeseburger-in-a-bowl experience!
🧠 Expert Tips for Success
- Shred your own cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents and doesn’t melt as smoothly.
- Don’t overcook the noodles: Pull them while still slightly firm—they’ll continue cooking off the heat.
- Add cheese off the heat: Prevents grainy texture and ensures smoothness.
- Soup too thick? Add a splash of broth or cream to loosen.
- Looking for something similar but bolder? Try the Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta—it’s full of garlic, cheese, and bold flavor.
🧊 Make-Ahead, Storage & Freezing Tips
✅ Make-Ahead:
- Cook pasta separately and store separately to avoid mushy texture.
- Combine just before serving for best consistency.
✅ Storing Leftovers:
- Fridge: Store up to 3 days in airtight containers.
- Freezer: Cool completely and store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
Learn how to freeze soup safely to make your next mealtime a breeze.
✅ Reheating Tips:
- Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat.
- Add extra broth or cream to restore consistency.
Want to freeze? Cool completely, then transfer to containers. Learn how to freeze soup safely for best texture and freshness
🧑🍳 Variations & Customizations
One of the best things about One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is how easily you can make it your own. Whether you’re looking for a healthier option, a vegetarian twist, or just want to spice things up, there’s a version for everyone.
🍔 Flavor Variations
- Bacon Cheeseburger Soup:
Add crispy chopped bacon during the final step or sprinkle on top for smoky flavor. - Spicy Kick:
Mix in diced jalapeños, pepper jack cheese, or a dash of hot sauce. - Deluxe Cheeseburger Style:
Stir in diced pickles, tomatoes, or shredded lettuce just before serving. - Double Cheese:
Use a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack or smoked gouda for added richness.
🥦 Healthy and Dietary Options
- Low-Carb/Keto:
Replace pasta with cauliflower florets or zucchini noodles. - Vegetarian:
Use plant-based ground meat and vegetable broth instead of beef. - Gluten-Free:
Use gluten-free elbow macaroni and substitute flour with a gluten-free thickener like cornstarch.
💡 This soup is endlessly adaptable—just adjust ingredients to fit your taste and dietary needs without losing the cheeseburger charm!
🍽 Perfect Pairings
Pair this soup with:
- Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs
- Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage
- French Onion Meatloaf for a hearty meat-and-cheese combo night
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is cheeseburger soup made of?
It combines ground beef, veggies, cheese, cream, and pasta in a savory broth.
Can I use a different cheese?
Yes! Try Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a smoky gouda.
How do I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free elbow pasta and swap all-purpose flour with a GF thickener like rice flour or cornstarch.
Can I make it in advance?
Yes, but store the pasta and soup separately to prevent over-absorption and soggy noodles.
Can I add pickles or tomatoes?
Absolutely! Add chopped dill pickles or diced fresh tomatoes for that true cheeseburger flavor.
📝 Final Thoughts
One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s creamy, cheesy, hearty, and packed with nostalgic flavor—all made in a single pot. Perfect for chilly nights, busy weeknights, or any time you need a bowl of comfort.
Try it tonight, and don’t forget to freeze a few portions for a future quick meal.
Want more cozy recipes like this? Let me know and I’ll send you more one-pot favorites!
For more comforting soup ideas, don’t miss our Rotisserie Chicken Mushroom Soup, another reader favorite for easy one-pot goodness.