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Mac Cheeseburger Soup

Featured in Dinner Ideas That Actually Work.

Bring mac & cheese and cheeseburger flavors into one pot. Made with ground beef, noodles, veggies, and topped with crispy bun croutons for a classic touch.

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Clare Recipes
Updated on Fri, 21 Mar 2025 03:09:35 GMT
A steaming bowl of soup with pasta, ground beef, carrots, sprinkled parsley, and a crisp slice of toast nearby. Pin it
A steaming bowl of soup with pasta, ground beef, carrots, sprinkled parsley, and a crisp slice of toast nearby. | lilicooks.com

Ever had those evenings when your kiddos want cheeseburgers AND mac and cheese at the same time? This One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup totally saved my evening chaos. I whipped it up during a hectic night, and now we can't get enough of this comforting dish. The cool thing? It's made with actual cheese—no fake stuff—and you'll have it ready in just half an hour.

A Dreamy Comfort Dish

Imagine your go-to cheeseburger turned into the richest soup you've tried. Each bite delivers that wonderful burger taste with soft pasta and crisp vegetables. My crew literally wipes the pot clean whenever this shows up for dinner.

Your Ingredient Lineup

  • Ground Beef: Aim for 80/20 grass-fed beef for that extra rich taste.
  • Celery Onion Carrot: This combo creates our flavor foundation.
  • Garlic: Freshly chopped cloves give an awesome aroma.
  • Thyme and Oregano: These simple herbs make everything taste fancy.
  • All-Purpose Flour: Just a bit makes our soup wonderfully thick.
  • Chicken Broth: The tasty liquid that ties it all together.
  • Elbow Macaroni: Its curved shape catches all the yummy sauce.
  • Heavy Cream: Adds that smooth, velvety texture.
  • Sharp Cheddar: Hand-grated works so much better.
  • Hamburger Bun Croutons: They're surprisingly fun on top.

Step-By-Step Guide

Cook Your Meat:
Fry up your beef with seasonings and herbs in a large pot, then put it aside.
Build Flavor:
Drop in some butter and cook your veggies until they're tender and smell great.
Thicken It Up:
Mix in flour, then add a bit of broth to scrape up all the tasty bits from the bottom.
Simmer Away:
Add your broth and pasta, letting it bubble until the pasta feels just right.
Get Cheesy:
Lower the heat, stir in your cream and cheese until all melty, then mix your beef back in.
Serve It Up:
Sprinkle with those crunchy bun pieces, extra cheese, and maybe some green onions.

Pro Tips

Don't use bagged shredded cheese, it never melts properly. If you're making this beforehand, cook your noodles on the side so they stay just right. When warming leftovers, a tiny splash of cream brings everything back to its creamy glory.

A bowl of macaroni soup containing ground beef, carrots, and celery, garnished with a sprig of parsley and served with shredded cheese nearby. Pin it
A bowl of macaroni soup containing ground beef, carrots, and celery, garnished with a sprig of parsley and served with shredded cheese nearby. | lilicooks.com

What Makes This Bowl Amazing

This soup combines everyone's faves in a single pot. It's simple, fast, and uses real stuff you can trust. There's something truly special about turning a regular cheeseburger into a warm, cozy soup that puts smiles on faces.

Tasty Twists

  • Toss In Bacon: Sprinkle some crispy bits on top for mind-blowing flavor.
  • Heat It Up: My guy loves when I throw in some jalapeños.
  • Cut The Carbs: Switch pasta for cauliflower if you want something lighter.
  • Go Meatless: Swap in black beans for a tasty veggie option.

Serve It With

This soup tastes awesome with some warm crusty bread for dipping or a basic green salad alongside. Try adding pickle slices on top or a small spoonful of sour cream for an extra flavor kick.

Store For Tomorrow

Any extra soup keeps well in your fridge for about 3 days. Just warm it slowly on the stove with a tiny bit of cream when you want more. If you plan to freeze some, leave the pasta out and add freshly cooked noodles when you heat it up again.

A creamy bowl of macaroni soup featuring ground beef, carrots, and garnished with parsley, alongside slices of bread. Pin it
A creamy bowl of macaroni soup featuring ground beef, carrots, and garnished with parsley, alongside slices of bread. | lilicooks.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why is it better to shred your own cheese?

Fresh cheese melts smoother without the additives found in pre-shredded versions. The coating on pre-shredded cheese can affect how it blends and looks in the soup.

→ Can I prep this soup in advance?

Yes! Just keep in mind it thickens as it sits. When you reheat, add broth or cream to thin it to your liking.

→ What’s a good swap for white balsamic vinegar?

You can try regular balsamic vinegar or apple cider vinegar. They brighten up the soup and balance its richness.

→ What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Pop it in the fridge inside an airtight container for up to 3 days. Add a splash of broth during reheating since the pasta will soak up extra liquid.

→ Do I need to make the croutons?

Not necessarily! Regular store-bought croutons work fine. Or, try bacon or extra melted cheese on top instead.

Conclusion

Warm and filling, this mac cheeseburger soup blends the best of two favorites: cheeseburgers and macaroni. Quick to prepare in one pot, it's creamy and tasty, making it a hit for busy families.

Mac Cheeseburger Soup

This easy one-pot dish fuses the flavors of mac & cheese with a cheeseburger, all served as a comforting, creamy soup. Ready in half an hour.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes
By: Lily Chen

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 8 Servings (8 bowls)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

01 1 lb ground beef.
02 2 tsp dried thyme.
03 2 tsp dried oregano.
04 6 tbsp unsalted butter.
05 1 diced yellow onion.
06 2 stalks of celery, sliced.
07 2 medium carrots, chopped.
08 5 minced garlic cloves.
09 4 tbsp plain flour.
10 8 cups of chicken stock.
11 1 cup heavy cream.
12 8 oz elbow noodles.
13 8 oz sharp cheddar, shredded fresh.
14 1 tsp white balsamic vinegar.
15 Salt and pepper (to taste).
16 4 buns with sesame seeds.
17 2 tbsp olive oil.
18 Extra shredded cheddar for garnish.
19 Chopped green onions for garnish.

Instructions

Step 01

Slice the buns into cubes (1-inch). Lay them on parchment paper, drizzle some oil, then bake at 400°F for 10 minutes or until crispy.

Step 02

In a pot, cook the meat with 1 tsp each of oregano and thyme. Season with some salt and pepper. Once done, remove the beef and set it aside.

Step 03

Using the same pot, melt the butter. Toss in the onion, celery, and carrots. Let them cook for roughly 10 minutes at medium-high heat.

Step 04

Throw in the minced garlic along with the rest of the herbs. Stir and cook for a minute until you can smell the aroma.

Step 05

Sprinkle in the flour, stirring constantly, and cook for a minute. Pour in a bit of broth to scrape up any stuck bits.

Step 06

Pour in the rest of the stock and add the noodles. Simmer for about 5-7 minutes until they’re nice and tender.

Step 07

Take the pot off the heat. Mix in the cream, shredded cheese, vinegar, and the cooked beef. Stir and heat gently before seasoning as needed.

Step 08

Dish out the soup, topping it with crispy croutons, cheddar shavings, and green onions.

Notes

  1. Shredding your own cheese makes it melt better.
  2. If the soup thickens too much, just splash in some more liquid.

Tools You'll Need

  • A big cooking pot.
  • A pan for baking.
  • Parchment sheet.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy.
  • Made with wheat.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 465
  • Total Fat: 26.3 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 31.3 g
  • Protein: 25.7 g