The Coziest One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Recipe – No Velveeta

Comfort food takes an unexpected turn with this mouthwatering one-pot macaroni cheeseburger soup that packs incredible flavor without processed cheese.

Every spoonful delivers a nostalgic blend of classic burger elements simmered into a creamy, hearty soup.

Home cooks will adore how quickly this dish comes together in a single pan.

Lean ground beef mingles with tender pasta and a rich, cheesy broth that feels like a warm hug.

Sharp cheddar melts beautifully, creating depth and complexity beyond standard soup recipes.

Each bite promises a satisfying combination of familiar burger notes and comforting soup textures.

Cheeseburger Mac Soup Without Velveeta

• Quickly Devour a Comfort Meal: One-pot magic transforms classic cheeseburger flavors into a hearty soup with minimal cleanup and maximum satisfaction.
• Budget-Friendly Crowd Pleaser: Using simple, affordable ingredients like ground beef, macaroni, and cheese creates a filling dish that feeds multiple people without breaking the bank.
• Customize Your Culinary Experience: Easy to adapt with optional toppings like crispy bacon bits, green onions, or a dollop of sour cream, allowing each family member to personalize their bowl.

Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Ingredients Without Velveeta

• Ground Beef: Hearty meat providing rich flavor and protein for the soup's foundation.
• Onion: Aromatic base that adds depth and sweetness to the meat.

• Milk: Creamy liquid that helps create smooth soup texture.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheese that melts beautifully and provides classic cheeseburger flavor.

• Beef Broth: Savory liquid that builds soup's foundational taste.
• Diced Tomatoes: Fresh ingredient adding brightness and slight acidity.

• Elbow Macaroni: Classic pasta that absorbs flavors and adds hearty texture.
• Salt: Essential seasoning to enhance overall taste.
• Black Pepper: Warm spice that complements beef and adds subtle heat.

• Fresh Herbs: Optional green topping for added freshness and visual appeal.

Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup One-Pot Instructions

Step 1: Fire Up the Beef

Grab your favorite large pot and set it on medium heat.

Toss in ground beef and diced onions, letting them sizzle and dance together.

Break up the beef as it cooks, creating delicious browned bits.

Season with a sprinkle of salt and pepper to wake up the flavors.

Once the meat is fully cooked and onions are translucent, drain away any extra grease.

Step 2: Build the Soupy Base

Pour in diced tomatoes and beef broth, stirring to combine.

Let the mixture bubble and come to a full boil, creating a rich foundation for your soup.

Step 3: Introduce the Pasta

Tumble in the elbow macaroni, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer.

Let the pasta swim and cook for about 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent any noodles from sticking to the bottom.

You want the pasta to be tender but still have a slight bite.

Step 4: Create Creamy Magic

Turn the heat down to a low whisper.

Slowly pour in milk, then gradually sprinkle in the shredded cheddar cheese.

Stir constantly until the cheese melts completely, transforming the soup into a luxuriously creamy delight.

Step 5: Final Flourish

Take a quick taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Some extra salt or pepper can really make the flavors pop.

Ladle the steaming soup into bowls.

For an extra touch of freshness, scatter some chopped herbs on top.

Serve alongside a chunk of crusty bread or a crisp green salad for a complete meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Cheeseburger Soup: One-Pot Tips for a Hearty Bowl

• Pat ground beef dry before cooking to achieve a perfect golden-brown crust and enhance flavor development.
• Stir macaroni frequently while simmering to stop noodles from clumping and sticking to the pot's bottom.
• Remove pot from direct heat when adding cheese to prevent separation and maintain a smooth, creamy texture.
• Swap ground beef for lean ground turkey or plant-based crumbles to create a healthier version of this comfort dish.
• Replace milk and cheese with unsweetened almond milk and nutritional yeast for a lactose-free alternative that still delivers rich, satisfying taste.

Reheat Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup

• Cool soup completely before transferring to a sealed container, keeping fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving space for expansion, and store up to 2 months for later enjoyment.
• Warm soup on stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching and maintain creamy texture. Add splash of milk if soup seems too thick.
• If using microwave, heat in short 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly and preserve soup's smooth consistency.

Sides That Match Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup

• Savor Complementary Flavor Combinations
• Craft a zesty garden salad with tangy vinaigrette to cut through the soup's richness and provide fresh, crisp contrast.
• Recommend pairing with a cold craft beer like amber ale or hoppy IPA that matches the soup's hearty beef and cheese profile.
• Select robust red wine such as cabernet sauvignon or merlot to enhance the meaty, cheesy depth of the one-pot meal.
• Serve with warm, crusty sourdough bread to soak up the creamy soup and add delightful textural crunch.

Cheeseburger Mac Soup with One-Pot Fixes

• Gluten-Free Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup: Replace regular elbow macaroni with gluten-free pasta and use gluten-free beef broth for a celiac-friendly version.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap milk and cheddar cheese with unsweetened almond milk and dairy-free cheese alternatives made from nuts or soy.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute ground beef with plant-based ground meat or crumbled extra-firm tofu to create a meat-free protein-packed soup.
• Low-Carb Option: Replace macaroni with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining the classic cheeseburger soup flavor profile.

FAQs

• Is this soup healthy?

The soup offers protein from beef and calcium from cheese, but it’s relatively high in calories and fat. Consider using lean ground beef and reducing cheese quantity for a lighter version.

• Can I make this soup gluten-free?

Yes, substitute regular elbow macaroni with gluten-free pasta alternatives like chickpea or rice pasta. Ensure your beef broth is also gluten-free.

• What type of cheese works best?

Sharp cheddar provides the most robust flavor, but you can also use mild cheddar, monterey jack, or a blend of cheeses for varied taste profiles.

• How can I add more vegetables?

Consider adding diced bell peppers, carrots, or frozen mixed vegetables during the beef browning stage to increase nutritional value and add more texture to the soup.

One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup (No Velveeta) Recipe

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4.5 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty macaroni cheeseburger soup blends comfort food classics into one satisfying pot without processed cheese. Rich beef and pasta mingle with creamy broth, delivering a mouthwatering meal you’ll crave on chilly evenings.

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Ingredients

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Meat and Protein:

• 1 pound ground beef (lean or substitute with ground turkey)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or mild)

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup frozen peas or carrots

Base and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 2 cups beef broth (low-sodium preferred)
• 2 cups elbow macaroni (or small pasta shapes)
• 1 cup milk (whole, 2%, or skim)
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Garnish:

• Fresh herbs (parsley or chives)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the meat foundation by sizzling ground beef with diced onions in a spacious cooking vessel over moderate heat, breaking down the proteins and caramelizing the aromatics until golden brown, approximately 7-8 minutes.
2. Season the meat mixture with salt and black pepper, then carefully eliminate excess rendering fat to ensure a clean, robust flavor profile.
3. Introduce diced tomatoes into the meat base, creating a vibrant, tangy undertone that complements the richness of the protein.
4. Stream beef broth into the pot, elevating the liquid component and creating a robust cooking environment for the pasta.
5. Gently cascade elbow macaroni into the simmering liquid, allowing the pasta to absorb the savory essence while cooking until perfectly tender, stirring periodically to prevent adhesion.
6. Transition the heat to a gentle setting and incorporate milk, creating a silky foundation for the cheese integration.
7. Gradually fold shredded cheddar into the soup, whisking methodically to ensure complete dissolution and a luxuriously smooth consistency.
8. Perform a final seasoning assessment, adjusting salt and pepper to harmonize the soup’s flavor dimensions.
9. Transfer the steaming cheeseburger soup into serving vessels, optionally garnishing with fresh herb sprinkles for an elegant presentation.
10. Accompany the soup with crusty artisan bread or a crisp green salad to complete the dining experience.

Notes

• Choose lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10) to minimize excess grease and create a cleaner, more flavorful soup base.
• Grate cheese fresh from a block for smoother melting and richer flavor compared to pre-shredded options with anti-caking agents.
• Swap cow’s milk with unsweetened almond or oat milk and use dairy-free cheese alternatives for a lactose-intolerant friendly version.
• Replace regular elbow macaroni with gluten-free pasta or cauliflower rice to make the recipe celiac and low-carb friendly.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 390
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg