If cheeseburgers and mac and cheese are both regulars on your family dinner table, this Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is about to become a new favorite. It combines everything you love about a juicy cheeseburger—savory beef, melty cheddar, and classic toppings—with the cozy, comforting feel of a one-pot soup. Ready in just 30 minutes, this hearty dish is perfect for busy weeknights, chilly evenings, or anytime you’re craving comfort food that’s both fun and filling.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish
- One-pot recipe with easy cleanup
- Family-friendly and kid-approved
- Rich, cheesy, and hearty comfort food
- Customizable with classic cheeseburger toppings
Ingredients
- Ground beef – Provides classic cheeseburger flavor and hearty protein
- Yellow onion – Adds sweetness and depth as the base of the soup
- Garlic – Brings savory aroma and flavor
- Beef broth – Creates a rich, savory soup base
- Diced tomatoes (with juice) – Add acidity and balance to the richness
- Water – Helps cook the pasta evenly
- Elbow macaroni – Gives the soup its mac-and-cheese feel
- Worcestershire sauce – Adds umami and classic burger-style depth
- Salt – Enhances all the flavors
- Black pepper – Adds gentle warmth
- Cheddar cheese – Melts into the soup for that signature cheesy flavor
- Sour cream or heavy cream – Makes the soup extra creamy and smooth
Optional Toppings
- Dill pickle slices
- Shredded lettuce
- Diced tomatoes
- Diced onions
How to Make Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup
Brown the Beef
Place the ground beef and diced onion in a large pot over medium-high heat. Cook for 7–9 minutes, breaking up the beef with a spoon, until it’s fully browned and the onion is soft. Drain off excess grease to keep the soup from becoming too oily.
Add the Garlic
Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn.
Build the Soup
Stir in the beef broth, diced tomatoes with their juice, water, uncooked macaroni, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Simmer
Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring every 3–4 minutes to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom. The soup is ready when the macaroni is tender.
Make It Creamy
Remove the pot from heat. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream (or heavy cream), mixing for about 2 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and the soup is creamy and smooth.
Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls and top with dill pickle slices, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, or onions for that full cheeseburger experience.
Tips for Success
- Use 80/20 ground beef for the best flavor
- Shred cheese from a block for smoother melting
- Stir frequently while simmering to avoid pasta sticking
- Add extra broth when reheating, as the pasta absorbs liquid
Equipment Needed
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
Recipe Variations
- Bacon Cheeseburger Soup: Add cooked, crumbled bacon on top
- Spicy Cheeseburger Soup: Stir in a pinch of cayenne or diced jalapeños
- Lighter Version: Use ground turkey and reduced-fat cheese
- Extra Cheesy: Add a second type of cheese like Monterey Jack or Colby
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup with crusty bread, garlic toast, or a simple green salad. For a fun twist, let everyone add their own toppings, just like building a burger.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken?
Yes, both work well as lighter alternatives to ground beef.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze this soup?
Freeze the soup base without the cheese and cream. Add fresh dairy when reheating.
Why is my soup thicker the next day?
The pasta absorbs liquid as it sits. Simply add more broth when reheating.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free macaroni and check labels on broth and Worcestershire sauce.
Final Thoughts
Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is the ultimate cozy, family-friendly meal that brings together two comfort food classics in one bowl. Creamy, hearty, and packed with familiar flavors, this easy one-pot soup is perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Try it once, and it’s sure to earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation.
Print
Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is hearty comfort food that combines all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger with creamy mac and cheese in one easy pot. Family-friendly and ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup sour cream or heavy cream
- Toppings: dill pickle slices, shredded lettuce, diced tomato, diced onion
Instructions
- Place ground beef and diced onion in a large pot over medium-high heat. Cook 7–9 minutes, breaking up beef, until browned and onion is softened. Drain excess grease.
- Add minced garlic and cook 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Stir in beef broth, diced tomatoes with juice, water, macaroni, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer 10–15 minutes until macaroni is tender, stirring every 3–4 minutes.
- Remove from heat. Stir in cheddar cheese and sour cream until fully melted and creamy.
- Ladle into bowls and add desired toppings.
Notes
- Use 80/20 ground beef for best flavor; ground turkey or chicken also works.
- Freshly shredded cheese melts smoother than pre-shredded.
- Pasta absorbs liquid as it sits—add extra broth when reheating.
- For freezing, freeze soup without cheese and cream, then add fresh dairy when reheating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American