One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup Recipe**
**This One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup is a rich, creamy, and satisfying meal that combines the flavors of a cheeseburger with macaroni and a savory broth. Made in one pot for easy cleanup, this soup is perfect for busy nights!**
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### **Ingredients:**
#### For the Soup:
– 1 pound ground beef (85% lean works best)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil (or butter)
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 large carrot, peeled and diced
– 3 cups beef broth (or chicken broth for a lighter flavor)
– 1 1/2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
– 1 cup frozen peas (optional, for added vegetables)
– 1 1/2 cups whole milk (or half-and-half for a creamier texture)
– 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (plus more for garnish)
– 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
– 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (adjust to taste)
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, for a slight tang)
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (for extra flavor)
#### Optional Toppings:
– Crispy bacon, crumbled
– Fresh parsley or chives, chopped
– Additional shredded cheddar cheese
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### **Instructions:**
#### 1. **Brown the Ground Beef:**
– In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
– Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces with a wooden spoon. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
– Drain any excess fat from the beef, if necessary.
#### 2. **Sauté the Vegetables:**
– Add the diced onion, garlic, and carrot to the pot with the ground beef. Sauté for about 4-5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
#### 3. **Add the Broth and Macaroni:**
– Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once it’s boiling, stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni. Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer, uncovered, for about 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.
#### 4. **Add the Milk and Seasonings:**
– Once the macaroni is cooked, stir in the whole milk (or half-and-half), shredded cheddar cheese, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir until the cheese has melted and the soup is creamy and well combined.
#### 5. **Add the Peas (Optional):**
– Stir in the frozen peas (if using) and cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the peas are heated through.
#### 6. **Serve and Garnish:**
– Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with extra shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and fresh parsley or chives for added flavor and color.
#### 7. **Enjoy:**
– Serve your One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup hot with a side of crusty bread or crackers for dipping!
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### **Tips for the Best One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup:**
– **Ground Meat Variations:** Feel free to use ground turkey, chicken, or pork if you prefer a leaner option. Ground beef provides the best flavor for this soup, but any meat will work.
– **Cheese Variations:** Cheddar cheese is the classic choice, but feel free to use a blend of cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack for extra flavor.
– **Make it Spicy:** For a spicy kick, add some diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper. You can also use spicy mustard in place of Dijon for a bolder flavor.
– **Make it Creamier:** For an extra creamy soup, add a small block of cream cheese along with the milk and cheese. This will make the soup extra rich and velvety.
– **Vegetable Variations:** You can add other vegetables like diced bell peppers, celery, or even corn to make the soup heartier and more colorful.
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### **Frequently Asked Questions:**
1. **Can I use a different type of pasta?**
– Yes! While elbow macaroni works best for this soup, you can use other small pasta shapes like shells, rotini, or penne. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time based on the pasta you choose.
2. **Can I make this soup ahead of time?**
– Yes! This soup can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk if needed to loosen the soup.
3. **Can I freeze this soup?**
– Yes, this soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm it on the stovetop. You may need to add a little milk to bring the creamy texture back.
4. **Can I use pre-cooked bacon for topping?**
– Absolutely! Pre-cooked bacon or even bacon bits from the store can be used as a topping to save time. Freshly cooked bacon will add the best flavor and crunch, though.
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### **Why You’ll Love This One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup:**
– **Hearty and Filling:** Packed with ground beef, macaroni, and cheese, this soup is a satisfying meal in one bowl.
– **Easy to Make:** With everything cooking in one pot, cleanup is a breeze. The simple ingredients make it an easy and quick weeknight dinner.
– **Comforting:** It’s the ultimate comfort food, with all the flavors of a cheeseburger combined into a creamy, hearty soup.
– **Customizable:** Whether you prefer extra cheese, bacon, or veggies, this soup is highly customizable to suit your taste preferences.
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### **Conclusion:**
This **One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup** is the perfect comfort food, combining all the delicious elements of a cheeseburger with creamy macaroni soup. Easy to make and clean up, it’s the ideal meal for busy nights when you want something hearty and satisfying. Try it today and enjoy the cozy flavors that everyone will love!