One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup – NO VELVEETA

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Introduction

This One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is a hearty, comforting meal that combines the classic flavors of a cheeseburger and macaroni in a creamy, cheesy broth—all without using Velveeta. It’s packed with ground beef, tender pasta, sharp cheddar cheese, and fresh vegetables, making it a family-friendly meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights. This dish is rich, creamy, and packed with flavor, making it a satisfying dinner option that can be made entirely in one pot. Serve it with some crusty bread for a complete, delicious meal.

Ingredients Quantity

  • Ground beef: 1 pound (lean or 80/20 mix)
  • Olive oil: 1 tablespoon
  • Onion: 1 large, diced
  • Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
  • Carrots: 2 large, diced
  • Celery: 2 stalks, diced
  • Red bell pepper: 1 large, diced
  • Beef broth: 4 cups
  • Diced tomatoes: 1 (14.5-ounce) can, with juice
  • Tomato paste: 2 tablespoons
  • Worcestershire sauce: 1 tablespoon
  • Dried oregano: 1 teaspoon
  • Dried basil: 1 teaspoon
  • Salt: 1 teaspoon, or to taste
  • Black pepper: ½ teaspoon
  • Elbow macaroni: 1 ½ cups, uncooked
  • Heavy cream: 1 cup
  • Sharp cheddar cheese: 2 cups, freshly grated
  • Parsley: For garnish, chopped

Optional Ingredients

  • Dijon mustard: 1 teaspoon, for a slight tangy flavor.
  • Paprika: ½ teaspoon, for a subtle smoky flavor.
  • Chopped pickles: For garnish, adding a true cheeseburger touch.
  • Hot sauce: A few dashes, for a spicy kick.

Instructions

  1. Cook the Beef: In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat, if necessary.
  2. Sauté the Vegetables: Add the diced onion, garlic, carrots, celery, and red bell pepper to the pot. Sauté for 5-6 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the onions are translucent.
  3. Add Seasonings and Tomato Paste: Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes to develop the flavors.
  4. Pour in the Liquids: Add the beef broth and diced tomatoes (with their juice). Bring the mixture to a simmer.
  5. Add the Macaroni: Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni. Cover the pot and let it cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender but not overcooked.
  6. Add the Cream and Cheese: Reduce the heat to low. Slowly stir in the heavy cream and grated cheddar cheese until the cheese is fully melted and the soup is creamy and smooth.
  7. Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. If you prefer a thicker consistency, simmer the soup for a few more minutes. If it’s too thick, add a splash of additional broth or water.
  8. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with chopped parsley (and optional toppings like pickles or hot sauce), and serve warm with crusty bread.

Tips for Success

  • Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Freshly grated cheese melts smoother and prevents clumping compared to pre-shredded cheese, which often contains anti-caking agents.
  • Avoid Overcooking the Pasta: Elbow macaroni cooks quickly, so keep an eye on it to prevent mushy pasta. Add a bit more broth if the soup thickens too much while the pasta cooks.
  • Customize the Veggies: Feel free to add or substitute vegetables like corn, peas, or mushrooms based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

Recommendations

  • Serving Suggestions: Serve this hearty soup with crusty garlic bread or a simple side salad for a complete meal. It’s also great topped with a dollop of sour cream, extra cheese, or a sprinkle of crispy bacon bits.
  • Storage: Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of broth or cream to restore the creamy consistency.
  • Freezing: This soup freezes well, but consider cooking the pasta separately and adding it when you’re ready to serve to avoid a mushy texture upon thawing.

Enjoy this comforting, cheesy One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup—perfect for a quick and easy dinner that’s packed with all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger without the need for processed cheese! 🍲🍔🧀

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