If you love the comforting flavors of a juicy cheeseburger but want something warm and cozy for dinner, you have to try this 4-Ingredient One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup! It’s the ultimate weeknight dinner—hearty, creamy, and ridiculously easy to throw together. I’m talking about a big, cheesy hug in a bowl with barely any effort.
This recipe was born out of one of those “What can I make with what I have?” moments. It was a chilly evening, and I was staring at my pantry, trying to avoid another takeout night. I had ground beef, macaroni, cheese, and a carton of broth. A few minutes later, my kitchen smelled like a diner, and I had the creamiest, most satisfying bowl of soup in front of me. My family devoured it, and now it’s a regular on our dinner rotation.
And the best part? One pot. Four ingredients. 20 minutes. You need this recipe in your life!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Super easy – Just four ingredients and one pot!
- Cheesy & comforting – Like your favorite cheeseburger, but in soup form.
- Quick to make – Ready in 20 minutes, perfect for busy nights.
- Kid-approved – My kids lick their bowls clean every time!
Can I Use a Different Type of Cheese?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar gives that classic cheeseburger flavor, you can mix things up with different cheeses to match your taste preference. Here are some great alternatives:
- Monterey Jack – Melts beautifully and adds a mild, creamy flavor. Great if you want something less tangy than cheddar.
- Colby – Slightly milder than cheddar but still gives that rich, cheesy goodness.
- American Cheese – If you want that ultra-creamy, melty texture (like a diner-style cheeseburger), adding a few slices of American cheese works wonders.
- Pepper Jack – Adds a little spice for a bolder, slightly zesty kick.
- Velveeta – If you want the smoothest, most velvety texture, a little Velveeta can help create a creamier consistency.
- Swiss Cheese – This will give your soup a slightly nutty and more gourmet twist.
- Gouda or Smoked Cheddar – For a smoky depth of flavor, these cheeses can take your soup to the next level.
- 👉 Pro Tip: No matter which cheese you use, try to shred it fresh rather than using pre-shredded cheese. Pre-packaged shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make your soup grainy instead of creamy.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound ground beef – Use lean for less grease, but any kind works!
- 4 cups beef broth – Adds that rich, savory depth of flavor.
- 1 cup elbow macaroni – The classic, but any small pasta works!
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese – Sharp cheddar melts beautifully!
Optional add-ins: Got an extra minute? Add a teaspoon of garlic powder, a splash of Worcestershire sauce, or a little diced onion for extra flavor!
Instructions:
- In a large heavy-bottomed pot, cook the ground beef over medium heat until it’s browned and no longer pink. If there’s excess grease, drain it.
- Pour in the beef broth and stir in the elbow macaroni. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes or until the pasta is tender.
- Once the pasta is fully cooked, turn off the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts into a creamy, dreamy consistency.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and get ready to devour! For a true cheeseburger experience, top it with crispy bacon bits, diced pickles, or a dollop of sour cream.
Pro Tips for the Best Soup:
- Use freshly shredded cheese – Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that make it harder to melt smoothly.
- Adjust the thickness – Want it creamier? Stir in a little heavy cream or an extra handful of cheese. Prefer it thinner? Add an extra splash of broth.
- Make it a full cheeseburger experience – Add a squirt of mustard or ketchup for that classic burger taste!
Storage & Reheating:
🍲 To store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
🔥 To reheat: Warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a little extra broth if it thickens too much.
❄️ To freeze: This soup can be frozen, but the pasta may soften a bit when reheated. If you plan to freeze, cook the pasta separately and add it fresh when serving!
Final Thoughts:
This 4-Ingredient One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is easy, satisfying, and insanely delicious. It’s one of those no-fuss meals that you’ll find yourself making over and over again. Whether it’s a busy weeknight, a cozy weekend, or a last-minute meal, this soup will always be a winner!
If you try this recipe, let me know in the comments! Did you add anything fun? I love hearing how you make it your own! 💛🍲
