A one-pot, ultra-creamy soup that combines all the nostalgic flavors of a classic cheeseburger and mac ‘n cheese—comfort food at its finest.
📋 Recipe Card
👨🍳 Servings: 6–8
⏱ Prep Time: 10 minutes
🔥 Cook Time: 30 minutes
🕒 Total Time: 40 minutes
🏷️ Tags: One-Pot | Weeknight Dinner | Kid-Friendly | Comfort Food
🍽 Dietary Info: Contains dairy and gluten
🛒 Ingredients Checklist
Base Ingredients
1 tbsp olive oil
2 lbs lean ground beef
1 large yellow onion, diced
1 tbsp chopped garlic
½ cup all-purpose flour
Liquid & Seasonings
4 cups chicken broth
2 cups heavy cream
1½ tsp salt
1½ tsp black pepper
1 tbsp onion powder
1 tbsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp paprika
Vegetables, Pasta & Cheese
1 cup matchstick carrots
1½ cups uncooked macaroni noodles
3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
⅓ cup shredded parmesan cheese
👩🍳 Instructions
Brown the Beef
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high. Add ground beef and diced onion. Cook until beef is browned and onions are softened.
Add Garlic & Flour
Stir in chopped garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add flour and stir continuously for about 3 minutes to cook off the raw flavor.
Add Liquids
Gradually pour in chicken broth, stirring well to thicken. Add the heavy cream and stir until fully incorporated.
Season
Mix in salt, pepper, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Stir to combine.
Add Veggies & Pasta
Add carrots and uncooked macaroni. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Melt in the Cheese
Remove the lid and stir. Add cheddar and parmesan cheese, mixing until completely melted and creamy. Serve hot.
💡 Quick Notes
Stir occasionally while simmering to prevent noodles from sticking.
Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melting texture.
Leftovers reheat well and taste even better the next day!
🥄 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This soup is everything you love about cheeseburgers and mac ‘n cheese, all wrapped up in a creamy, cozy bowl. It’s easy, kid-approved, and ultra-satisfying.
📸 Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
1. Brown the Meat
Get a good sear on the beef for flavor. Don’t skip softening the onions—they add sweetness.
2. Build the Roux
The flour creates a thick, creamy base. Cook it fully to avoid a floury taste.
3. Add Broth & Cream
You’ll see the soup thicken as it heats. Add your spices here to deepen the flavor.
4. Simmer with Pasta
The noodles cook right in the soup—no need to boil separately. Stir occasionally!
5. Finish with Cheese
Add cheese at the end for maximum melt and creaminess.
🔄 Ingredient Swaps & Tips
Meat Alternatives: Use ground turkey or plant-based crumbles.
Lighter Version: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk (note: it won’t be as rich).
Extra Veggies: Add peas, corn, or diced bell peppers for extra nutrients.
Spice it Up: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
🍽 Serving Ideas
Serve with crusty garlic bread or buttery biscuits.
Garnish with extra shredded cheese or chopped pickles for that “burger” flair.
Add a dollop of sour cream or mustard for a tangy twist.
🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator:
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer:
Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheat:
Warm on the stovetop over medium heat or microwave in short bursts, stirring often.
❓ FAQ
Q: Can I use pre-cooked pasta?
A: You can, but reduce the broth by about ½ cup and add the pasta in the last 5 minutes of cooking to avoid mushiness.
Q: Is it too salty with both cheese and broth?
A: Use low-sodium chicken broth and adjust salt to taste at the end.
Q: Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
A: Yes, but freshly shredded cheese melts better and gives a smoother texture.
🧡 Final Thoughts
This Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup is the kind of meal you crave when the weather turns cool or your day’s been long. It’s cozy, filling, and totally satisfying. Bonus? It all comes together in one pot. 🧄🧀🍲
📣 Tried it?
Snap a photo and tag @YourBlogHandle or use #OnePotComfort! We’d love to see how you make it your own—spicy, veggie-packed, or straight-up classic.
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