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One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup: The Ultimate Comfort Food

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This One Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is the ultimate comfort food — creamy, cheesy, and loaded with ground beef, tender pasta, and sautéed vegetables. Finished with crunchy sesame croutons and gooey cheddar, it tastes just like a cozy cheeseburger in soup form. An easy one-pot meal that’s hearty, satisfying, and perfect for chilly nights or busy weeknights.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 2 tsp dried oregano, divided
  • 2 tsp dried thyme, divided
  • 6 tbsp butter
  • 1 cup yellow onion, diced
  • 1 cup carrots, sliced
  • 1 cup celery, sliced
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 tbsp flour
  • 8 cups chicken broth
  • 8 oz uncooked elbow macaroni
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 tsp white balsamic vinegar
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Fresh cracked black pepper, to taste

For the Croutons:

  • 4 sesame seed buns, diced into 1-inch pieces
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Garnish:

  • Sliced green onions
  • Shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss diced sesame buns with olive oil on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes or until golden and crispy. Set aside.
  2. In a large pot, brown the ground beef with 1 tsp each of oregano and thyme. Season with salt and pepper. Once cooked through, transfer the beef to a bowl and set aside.
  3. In the same pot, melt the butter. Add onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 10 minutes until softened, seasoning lightly with salt.
  4. Stir in minced garlic, remaining oregano, and thyme. Cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
  5. Sprinkle in flour and stir constantly for 1 minute to create a roux. Deglaze with a splash of chicken broth, then add the remaining broth and elbow macaroni.
  6. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5–7 minutes, or until the macaroni is al dente.
  7. Remove the pot from heat. Stir in heavy cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and white balsamic vinegar. Mix until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy.
  8. Return the cooked beef to the pot and stir to combine. Serve hot, topped with sesame croutons, sliced green onions, and extra shredded cheddar.

Notes

  • Swap ground beef for turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter or vegetarian option.
  • Blend a portion of the soup before adding the beef back in for a creamier texture.
  • Add bacon crumbles or hot sauce for extra flavor and kick.
  • Use gluten-free pasta and flour for a gluten-free adaptation.

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