Welcome to Sweet Emily, where we make baking simple! Today, get ready for a truly cozy, family-friendly meal: One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup. This amazing recipe delivers incredible flavor with the ultimate convenience, all made in a single pot. You’ll love how quickly you can create a wholesome, nutritious meal using simple ingredients. This satisfying soup promises to be a new family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup
This comforting macaroni cheeseburger soup offers so much to love, especially for busy parents and beginner cooks.
- Quick and Easy One-Pot Meal: Everything cooks in one pot, saving you time on cooking and cleanup.
- Creamy, Cheesy, and Savory Flavors: Indulge in rich, cheesy goodness combined with savory ground turkey and hearty pasta.
- Nutritious, High-Protein Alternative: Lean ground turkey and protein-enriched pasta make this a satisfying meal that keeps you full.
- Packed with Hidden Vegetables: Enjoy essential vitamins and minerals from diced onions, carrots, and celery.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Prepare a big batch to enjoy throughout the week for quick and easy lunches or dinners.
- Crowd-Pleaser for All Ages: Even picky eaters will ask for seconds of this delicious and approachable cheeseburger soup.
Essential Ingredients
Creating this delicious One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup starts with fresh, quality ingredients. Here’s what you need to gather to bring this comforting meal to life.
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 2 large carrots, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp flour
- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni, Barilla Protein Plus for extra protein
- 1.5 cups milk, 2% or whole
- 8 oz sharp white cheddar cheese, cubed or shredded from a block
- Crumbled bacon, green onions and extra shredded cheese for topping
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
You can easily adapt this one-pot soup to fit your preferences. For a more classic flavor, swap the lean ground turkey for lean ground beef. If you desire an even richer, creamier soup, consider using heavy cream instead of 2% milk. Any type of cheddar cheese works wonderfully here; use what you have on hand. For a gluten-free option, substitute regular elbow macaroni with your favorite gluten-free pasta. Feel free to add more vegetables like a handful of frozen peas or corn during the last few minutes of simmering for extra goodness.
Equipment Needed
Making this hearty One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is wonderfully simple and requires just a few basic kitchen tools.
- A large soup pot or Dutch oven is essential for cooking everything in one vessel.
- A whisk helps ensure a smooth, lump-free soup base.
- You’ll need a cutting board and a sharp knife for preparing vegetables.
- Finally, measuring cups and spoons guarantee accurate ingredient amounts for perfect results every time.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your delightful One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup. This process is designed for beginners, ensuring success from start to finish.
- Heat oil in your large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook it thoroughly, breaking it apart with a spoon, until no longer pink, about 10 minutes.
- Drain any excess fat from the pot if necessary, then return the cooked turkey to the pot.
- Add diced onion, minced garlic, diced carrots, and diced celery to the pot with the turkey. Sauté these vegetables for 5-6 minutes until they begin to soften and become fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Prepare the flour slurry: In a small bowl, scoop out about ¾ cup of hot broth from the soup pot. Add the 2 tablespoons of flour to this broth and whisk vigorously until it’s completely smooth with no lumps.
- Thicken the soup: Slowly pour the flour slurry into the simmering soup, stirring constantly until it is fully combined. This will help thicken your macaroni cheeseburger soup to a perfect consistency.
- Add the macaroni noodles to the pot. Continue simmering the soup, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente, which usually takes about 10 minutes. Check the package directions for exact cooking times.
- Gradually stir in the milk, adding it slowly to prevent curdling. Keep stirring gently until the milk is fully incorporated and warmed through.
- Slowly add the shredded cheddar cheese to the pot, a handful at a time. Continue stirring constantly until all the cheese is completely melted and smoothly integrated into the soup.
- Serve immediately while hot, garnished with your favorite toppings like crumbled bacon, fresh green onions, or extra shredded cheese.
Pro Tips for the Best One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup
Achieve the best flavor and texture with these simple tips for your cheeseburger soup.
- Brown turkey well for a richer, deeper flavor profile in your soup. Don’t rush this step!
- Don’t boil the soup after adding the milk and cheese. Gentle simmering is key to a creamy texture.
- Stir constantly when adding dairy products like milk and cheese to prevent clumping and ensure a smooth consistency.
- Grate cheese from a block yourself. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly.
- Adjust seasoning to taste throughout the cooking process. A little extra salt or pepper can enhance the flavors significantly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the pasta: Keep an eye on the macaroni to prevent it from becoming mushy. It should be al dente.
- Adding cold milk too quickly: This can cause the milk to curdle. Always add milk slowly and ensure it’s at room temperature if possible.
- Using pre-shredded cheese: As mentioned, it can clump and lead to a grainy texture. Freshly grated cheese melts much better. This is because pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents like potato starch or powdered cellulose, which can hinder smooth melting. For a deeper understanding of how these agents affect cheese, consider this information on why pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as well.
- Not thickening the soup enough: If your soup seems too thin after adding the slurry, you can make a small additional slurry with equal parts flour and water, adding it slowly until desired thickness.
Serving Suggestions, Storage, and Variations
Make this One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup even more versatile and enjoyable with these ideas.
Serving Suggestions
- Top your bowl of comforting soup with crispy bacon bits for added crunch and flavor.
- Garnish with fresh green onions or chives to add a touch of color and a mild oniony bite.
- Sprinkle extra shredded cheese on top right before serving for an irresistible gooey finish.
- Serve with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt to add a creamy tang.
- Pair this hearty soup with some crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping.
- Enjoy a classic diner-inspired meal by serving it alongside french fries or onion rings.
Storage Instructions
- Allow the macaroni cheeseburger soup to cool completely before storing it.
- Transfer the cooled soup to an airtight container.
- Refrigerate it for up to 4 days, ensuring it stays fresh and delicious.
- To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or milk if it’s too thick.
Delicious Variations
- Use lean ground beef for a richer, more traditional cheeseburger flavor profile in your soup.
- Incorporate diced potatoes instead of pasta for a different hearty texture.
- Stir in small cauliflower or broccoli florets during the last 10 minutes of cooking for extra vegetables.
- Add a splash of heavy cream along with the milk for an even more decadent and rich soup.
- Include diced pickles or relish to the pot at the end for a tangy, authentic cheeseburger taste.
- Spice up your one-pot macaroni cheeseburger soup with a dash of cayenne pepper, green chiles, or diced jalapeños for a kick.
Nutritional Information
This macaroni cheeseburger soup offers a well-rounded meal. It provides a good balance of macronutrients to fuel your day. Each serving offers a healthy dose of protein, essential for muscle health, alongside carbohydrates for energy. You also get beneficial fiber, vitamins, and minerals from the vegetables.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 345 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 29 g |
| Protein | 29 g |
| Fat | 14 g |
| Saturated Fat | 6 g |
| Trans Fat | 0.01 g |
| Cholesterol | 66 mg |
| Sodium | 1438 mg |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
| Unsaturated Fat | 5 g |
Please Note: Nutritional information is an estimate based on the ingredients and preparation methods specified. Actual values may vary depending on specific brands, serving sizes, and any modifications made to the recipe.
Hearty One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat, then add ground turkey and cook until no longer pink, about 10 minutes.
- Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery to the pot and sauté for 5-6 minutes until softened.
- Stir in chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper; bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
- In a small bowl, whisk about ¾ cup of hot broth from the soup pot with 2 tbsp flour until smooth. Slowly add this mixture to the simmering soup, stirring constantly until fully combined.
- Add the elbow macaroni and continue to simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente.
- Very slowly incorporate the milk into the soup, stirring constantly to ensure it blends smoothly.
- Finally, add the sharp white cheddar cheese gradually, stirring continuously until the cheese is completely melted and the soup is creamy.
Notes
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use ground beef instead of turkey for this One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup?
Absolutely! Lean ground beef works wonderfully and provides a richer, more classic cheeseburger flavor. Just be sure to drain any excess fat after browning.
How can I make the soup thicker or thinner?
To thicken, whisk 1 tablespoon of flour with a little cold water to create a slurry and stir it into the simmering soup until desired consistency. To thin, simply add a splash more chicken broth or milk until it reaches your preferred consistency.
Does this soup freeze well?
While you can freeze this macaroni cheeseburger soup, the pasta might become a bit soft upon reheating. For best results, freeze the soup without the pasta, then cook fresh pasta when reheating.
Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Yes, you can adapt it! Use a dairy-free milk alternative and a plant-based shredded cheese that melts well. The texture might vary slightly.
What kind of macaroni noodles are best?
Any small elbow macaroni will work. Using a protein-enriched pasta like Barilla Protein Plus helps boost the protein content, making the soup even more satisfying.
Conclusion
This One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup truly delivers on comfort, ease, and incredible flavor. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights, offering a hearty, healthy meal that the whole family will adore, all made with minimal cleanup. We hope you feel inspired to create this warm and inviting dish in your own kitchen. Give this recipe a try and experience the joy of simple, delicious cooking. If you make this fantastic soup, please share your thoughts, rate the recipe, or leave a comment below!
