One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

Start by cooking the ground beef, which forms the base of this savory soup.

1. Heat the pot: Place a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat and add the olive oil.
2. Cook the ground beef: Once the oil is hot, add the ground beef to the pot. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart as it cooks. Stir occasionally to ensure it cooks evenly. This will take about 5-7 minutes.
3. Season the beef: Add a pinch of salt and pepper while cooking to enhance the beef’s flavor.
4. Drain excess fat: If there’s any excess fat in the pot after the beef has browned, drain it off, leaving a small amount to flavor the soup.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Next, we’ll add some classic soup vegetables to build the flavor of the broth.

1. Add the onion and garlic: To the cooked ground beef, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic becomes fragrant.
2. Add the carrots and celery: Stir in the diced carrots and celery. These vegetables will provide texture and balance to the soup. Sauté the mixture for another 3-4 minutes.

Step 3: Build the Soup Base

Now we’ll create the base for our creamy, cheesy broth.

1. Add the flour: If you want a thicker soup, sprinkle 1 tablespoon of flour over the beef and vegetable mixture. Stir for about 1 minute to cook off the raw flour taste. This step is optional, but it will help create a creamier consistency.
2. Add the broth: Pour in the beef broth and stir, scraping up any bits of beef or vegetables that may have stuck to the bottom of the pot. This will help create a richer flavor.
3. Add the milk: Pour in the milk, then stir to combine. This will give your soup that creamy texture that is key to its comforting flavor.

Step 4: Cook the Macaroni

Now, we’ll add the macaroni, which will absorb all the flavors and help thicken the soup.

1. Bring to a simmer: Bring the soup to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Once it starts to bubble, add the macaroni to the pot. Stir the soup occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom.
2. Cook the pasta: Let the soup simmer for 8-10 minutes, or until the macaroni is tender. The pasta will soak up the flavors of the broth, and the soup will begin to thicken as it cooks.

Step 5: Add the Cheeses

This is where the magic happens! The cheese makes the soup rich, melty, and delicious.

1. Stir in the cheese: Once the macaroni is cooked, reduce the heat to low. Add the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese, stirring until the cheese melts completely into the soup, creating a smooth, creamy texture.
2. Season to taste: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning. Add salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard (if using) to elevate the flavor. The Worcestershire sauce adds a slight umami depth, while the mustard can give the soup a bit of tanginess.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Now that your One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is ready, it’s time to serve up this hearty meal.

1. Serve hot: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley for a touch of color and freshness.
2. Optional topping: You can also add a sprinkle of extra shredded cheese or crispy bacon bits for an extra indulgent touch.

Tips for Perfecting Your Soup:

• Customize the cheese: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like gouda, provolone, or even cream cheese for a tangy, creamy twist.
• Make it spicier: If you like a bit of heat, add some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the soup.
• Use ground turkey or chicken: For a lighter version, swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. You can also use a plant-based meat alternative if you’re looking for a vegetarian option.
• Add more vegetables: To make the soup even heartier, consider adding other vegetables such as peas, bell peppers, or corn.
• Leftovers: This soup stores well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days and can be easily reheated on the stove. If the soup thickens too much upon reheating, simply add a splash of milk to loosen it up.

Conclusion

This One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is a simple yet comforting meal that brings together the classic flavors of a cheeseburger in soup form. With its creamy base, tender macaroni, and deliciously cheesy broth, this soup is perfect for a chilly day or a quick weeknight dinner. Best of all, it only requires one pot, making cleanup a breeze. Enjoy this hearty, satisfying meal with your loved ones, and watch it become a family favorite!