One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup (No Velveeta)
Welcome to the ultimate comfort food recipe: One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup. This hearty and flavorful soup combines the classic flavors of a cheeseburger with the comfort of macaroni and cheese. And the best part? This recipe doesn’t use any processed cheese like Velveeta. So get ready to indulge in a bowl of cheesy goodness without any artificial ingredients!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is a game-changer when it comes to comfort food. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with this recipe:
1. Easy and Quick
This recipe is incredibly easy to make, requiring just one pot. You can have a delicious meal on the table in under 30 minutes. Perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something comforting and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.
2. Cheesy and Flavorful
The combination of ground beef, onions, garlic, and spices creates a rich and savory base for this soup. The addition of macaroni and cheese takes it to the next level, adding creaminess and a cheesy flavor that will make your taste buds dance with joy.
3. Customizable and Versatile
This recipe is highly customizable to suit your preferences. You can add your favorite burger toppings like pickles, tomatoes, or even bacon bits. Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese to create your own unique flavor combination.
4. Family-Friendly and Kid-Approved
If you’re looking for a family-friendly meal that even the pickiest eaters will enjoy, this One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is a winner. Kids love the cheesy goodness, and parents love that it’s packed with protein and veggies.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 2 cups macaroni pasta
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Note: Feel free to substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef if you prefer a leaner option. You can also use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version of this soup.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the diced onion, minced garlic, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, until the vegetables are slightly softened.
- Pour in the beef broth and diced tomatoes with their juice. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce and paprika. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Add the macaroni pasta to the pot and cook according to the package instructions, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Once the pasta is cooked, remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. If needed, add milk to achieve the desired consistency.
- Serve the One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Pro Tip: For an extra cheesy twist, sprinkle some additional shredded cheddar cheese on top of each bowl before serving.
Expert Tips for Success
Here are some expert tips to ensure your One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup turns out perfectly:
- Use lean ground beef to reduce the fat content without compromising flavor.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra color and nutrients.
- If you prefer a spicier soup, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
- To make the soup more indulgent, substitute half of the milk with heavy cream.
- Make sure to cook the pasta until al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly in the hot soup.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Variations and Substitutions
Feel free to get creative with this One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup recipe. Here are some variations and substitutions:
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the ground beef with vegetarian ground meat substitute or extra vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free macaroni pasta or substitute with gluten-free pasta of your choice.
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese like Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or Gouda for unique flavor profiles.
- Spice it Up: Add a dash of hot sauce, chili powder, or cumin for a spicier version of this soup.
Serving Suggestions
This One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is a complete meal on its own, but you can pair it with some delicious sides for a heartier feast. Here are a few serving suggestions:
- Garlic Bread: Serve the soup with a side of warm garlic bread for dipping.
- Side Salad: Accompany the soup with a fresh green salad dressed with your favorite vinaigrette.
- Crunchy Coleslaw: Enjoy a refreshing contrast by serving the soup alongside a tangy and crunchy coleslaw.
- French Fries: For a truly indulgent meal, serve the soup with a side of crispy French fries.
FAQs
Q: Can I freeze this soup?
A: Yes, you can freeze this One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers or freezer bags. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Q: Can I use different types of pasta?
A: Absolutely! While macaroni is the classic choice for this recipe, you can use any small pasta shape like penne, rotini, or shells.
Q: Can I make this soup in advance?
A: Yes, you can make the soup in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
Final Thoughts
One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is the perfect comfort food for any time of year. Its hearty and cheesy goodness will warm your soul and satisfy your cravings. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing dish for a gathering, this recipe has got you covered. So grab your ingredients, get cooking, and indulge in this delicious bowl of cheesy goodness!
Have you tried this One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup recipe? Let us know in the comments below!
One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup (No Velveeta)
Enjoy the ultimate comfort food with this One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup that combines the classic flavors of a cheeseburger with the creamy goodness of macaroni and cheese. This hearty and flavorful soup is easy to make and perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 2 cups macaroni pasta
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
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In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
-
Add the diced onion, minced garlic, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, until the vegetables are slightly softened.
-
Pour in the beef broth and diced tomatoes with their juice. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce and paprika. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
-
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
-
Add the macaroni pasta to the pot and cook according to the package instructions, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
-
Once the pasta is cooked, remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. If needed, add milk to achieve the desired consistency.
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Serve the One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
