One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup - Gluten Free Cooking Guide

This One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is the ultimate comfort food that comes together in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings, this hearty soup combines the classic flavors of a cheeseburger with the creamy goodness of macaroni. The best part? It’s all made in one pot, making cleanup a breeze!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This recipe takes only 30 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for busy evenings.
One-Pot Wonder: Less mess is guaranteed as everything cooks in a single pot.
Family-Friendly: Rich, cheesy flavors appeal to both kids and adults, ensuring everyone will enjoy their bowl.
Customizable: You can easily adjust ingredients or add veggies to suit your family’s tastes.
Comforting Goodness: This soup is packed with warmth and flavor, perfect for chilly nights.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare this delicious soup, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment not only makes cooking easier but also enhances your experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Large pot
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Spatula
Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

Large pot: Essential for cooking the soup evenly while combining all ingredients.
Baking sheet: Used to create crispy croutons from sesame seed buns, adding texture to your soup.

Ingredients

For the Soup Base

1 lb. ground beef
2 teaspoons dried oregano, divided
2 teaspoons dried thyme, divided
6 tablespoons butter
1 cup yellow onion, diced
1 cup sliced carrots
1 cup sliced celery
5 cloves garlic, minced

For Creaminess and Flavor

4 tablespoons flour
8 cups chicken broth
8 oz. uncooked elbow macaroni
1 cup heavy cream
8 oz. sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 teaspoon white balsamic vinegar

For Garnish and Crunch

Kosher salt
Fresh cracked pepper
4 sesame seed buns, diced into 1-inch pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
Sliced green onion, for garnish
Shredded cheddar cheese, for garnish

How to Make One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Prepare Croutons

Place sesame seed bun cubes in a single layer on the baking sheet.
Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat evenly.
Bake for 10 minutes until crispy on the outside.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

In a large pot over medium heat:
1. Add ground beef along with 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, and pinches of salt and pepper.
2. Cook until browned, crumbling it with a spatula as it cooks.
3. Remove cooked beef from the pot and set aside.

Step 4: Sauté Vegetables

In the same pot:
1. Melt 6 tablespoons of butter over medium heat (no need to wipe it out).
2. Add diced onion, sliced carrots, sliced celery, and a large pinch of salt and pepper.
3. Cook for about 10 minutes while stirring occasionally.

Step 5: Add Garlic and Herbs

Reduce heat to medium:
* Add minced garlic along with the remaining oregano and thyme.
* Cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 6: Thicken Base

Add flour:
* Stir well to coat the vegetables.
* Cook for an additional minute while stirring frequently.

Step 7: Deglaze Pot

Pour in a splash of chicken broth:
* Scrape any bits stuck on the bottom of the pot for added flavor.

Step 8: Simmer Pasta

Add remaining chicken broth and uncooked macaroni noodles:
1. Season with more salt and pepper.
2. Turn heat to medium-high and bring to a simmer.

Step 9: Cook Pasta

Once at a simmer:
* Reduce heat to low and let it cook for about 5-7 minutes or until pasta is al dente while stirring occasionally.

Step 10: Incorporate Cream & Cheese

Remove from heat:
* Stir in heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese until melted.

Step 11: Final Touches

Mix in white balsamic vinegar:
* Return cooked ground beef to the pot.
* Heat through over medium heat for a few minutes; season with salt and pepper as desired.

Step 12: Serve

Ladle soup into bowls topped with crispy sesame seed bun croutons. Garnish with sliced green onion and additional shredded cheddar cheese before enjoying!

How to Serve One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

This hearty One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is a delightful dish that can be served in various ways. Here are some suggestions to enhance your dining experience.

With Croutons

Homemade Sesame Seed Croutons: Toss diced sesame seed buns in olive oil and bake for a crispy finish. They add a delightful crunch to the creamy soup.

With Fresh Herbs

Garnish with Green Onions: Sliced green onions provide a fresh and mild onion flavor, brightening the rich taste of the soup.

Accompanied by Cheese

Extra Shredded Cheddar: Add more shredded cheddar cheese on top for an extra cheesy bite that complements the soup perfectly.

With Salad

Side Salad: A simple garden salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers offers a refreshing contrast to the rich soup.

In Bread Bowls

Serve in Edible Bowls: Use bread bowls to serve the soup, making for an interactive and fun eating experience while soaking up every last drop of flavor.

How to Perfect One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

Perfecting this cozy soup is all about attention to detail. Here are some tips to elevate your dish.

Bold Seasoning: Ensure you season your ground beef well before browning it. This adds depth of flavor right from the start.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh vegetables when possible; they enhance the overall taste and nutrition of your soup.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Keep an eye on your macaroni and only cook until al dente. This ensures it stays firm and holds up in the soup.
Stir Frequently: Stirring occasionally while simmering prevents sticking and ensures even cooking of the pasta.
Adjust Creaminess: Feel free to adjust the amount of heavy cream based on your preference for richness.
Taste Before Serving: Always taste your soup before serving, adjusting salt and pepper as needed for optimal flavor.

Best Side Dishes for One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

Pairing side dishes with your One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup can enhance your meal. Here are some great options:

Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread adds a flavorful crunch that complements the creamy texture of the soup.
Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed broccoli or green beans provide a healthy contrast and colorful addition to your meal.
Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs create a satisfying side that pairs well with the cheeseburger flavors.
Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw brings a refreshing crunch that balances out the richness of the soup.
Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins offer a delightful sweetness that enhances each spoonful of savory soup.
Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad adds a refreshing touch, helping cleanse your palate between bites of rich cheeseburger goodness.
Pickles or Pickled Vegetables: The acidity from pickles contrasts beautifully with the creamy soup, adding an extra layer of flavor.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Caramelized Brussels sprouts contribute earthy notes that pair wonderfully with this comforting dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking can be tricky, and even the best recipes can go awry if you’re not careful. Here are some common mistakes to watch for when making your One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup.

Using the wrong meat: Opting for a lean cut of beef may seem healthier, but it can lead to a less flavorful soup. Use ground beef with some fat content for that rich cheeseburger taste.
Skipping the seasoning: Failing to season at each step will result in bland soup. Remember to add salt and pepper generously while cooking the vegetables and meat for maximum flavor.
Overcooking the pasta: Cooking the macaroni too long can lead to mushy noodles. Aim for al dente, as it will continue cooking in the soup after you remove it from heat.
Ignoring the deglazing step: If you skip deglazing, you’ll miss out on those delicious bits stuck to the pot. Always add a splash of broth after sautéing ingredients to scrape up those flavors.
Not letting it simmer: Rushing through the simmering process means flavors won’t meld well. Allow enough time for all ingredients to come together beautifully.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover soup in an airtight container.
It will stay fresh for about 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

Allow the soup to cool completely before freezing.
Use freezer-safe containers or bags; soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake until heated through, stirring occasionally.
Microwave: Place soup in a microwave-safe bowl and cover loosely; heat on high in intervals of 1 minute, stirring between until warm.
Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries.

Can I use turkey instead of beef in One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup?

Yes! Ground turkey is a great alternative that will still provide flavor without being too heavy.

How long does it take to make One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup?

This delicious recipe takes just 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy nights!

Can I add vegetables to One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup?

Absolutely! Feel free to toss in your favorite veggies like bell peppers or spinach for added nutrition.

What type of cheese works best in this soup?

While sharp cheddar cheese is recommended, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or Gouda for different flavor profiles.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes! This soup stores well and tastes even better after a day or two in the fridge, making it ideal for meal prepping.

Final Thoughts

One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is an easy and comforting dish that’s sure to please everyone at your table. With its rich flavors and creamy texture, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. Plus, feel free to customize it with your favorite toppings or additional veggies!