Introduction to One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup
Cooking can sometimes feel like another chore on an already packed schedule, especially for busy young professionals juggling their careers, social lives, and self-care. That's where one-pot meals come into play, and our one-pot macaroni cheeseburger soup is a perfect representation of this time-saving deliciousness! With just one pot to clean and an array of rich, comforting flavors, this recipe makes meal prep a breeze and reduces kitchen clutter.
Why One-Pot Meals Are Perfect for Busy Young Professionals
Let's face it—time is a precious commodity. According to a recent survey by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, young adults spend about 35 minutes daily on meal prep. With a satisfying dish like this cheeseburger soup, you cut that time in half. Not only do you save time on cooking and cleaning, but the ingredients come together seamlessly, and you’re left with a hearty, nourishing meal that even your pickiest eaters will love.
Plus, a one-pot recipe means fewer dishes to wash! Simple, delicious, and filled with protein, our one-pot macaroni cheeseburger soup is just what you need after a long day to fuel your evenings ahead. So grab that pot, and let’s dive into this delightful recipe that guarantees to make your taste buds sing!
Ingredients for One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup
When it comes to making a hearty one-pot macaroni cheeseburger soup, having the right ingredients is essential for bringing that comforting flavor to life. Below are the must-have essentials, as well as fun optional add-ins to personalize your dish.
Essential ingredients you need
To create a deliciously rich and indulgent soup, gather these key ingredients:
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano, divided
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme, divided
- 6 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup diced yellow onion
- 1 cup sliced carrots
- 1 cup sliced celery
- 5 cloves minced garlic
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 8 oz. uncooked elbow macaroni
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 oz. shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon white balsamic vinegar
- Kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper for seasoning
Optional ingredients to customize your soup
Feel free to get creative! Enhance your one-pot macaroni cheeseburger soup with these delightful add-ins:
- Veggies: Spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini for extra nutrients.
- Protein: For a twist, swap ground beef with turkey bacon or chicken ham.
- Spices: A pinch of paprika or cayenne pepper for a bit of heat.
- Toppings: Consider croutons, green onions, or additional cheese for extra flavor.
Explore more about how these variations can elevate your dish by checking out this article for inspiring ideas!
Step-by-Step Preparation of One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup
Cooking can feel overwhelming, especially when juggling various pots and pans. That's why this one-pot macaroni cheeseburger soup is perfect for busy young professionals. It's hearty, comforting, and easy to prepare, all in one pot! Let’s dive right in to the step-by-step preparation.
Gather and measure your ingredients
Start by making sure you have everything you need before you begin cooking. This avoids those last-minute hunts through the pantry! Here’s what you’ll need for the one-pot macaroni cheeseburger soup:
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 6 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup yellow onion (diced)
- 1 cup sliced carrots
- 1 cup sliced celery
- 5 cloves garlic (minced)
- 4 tablespoons flour
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 8 oz. uncooked elbow macaroni
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 oz. sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1 teaspoon white balsamic vinegar
- Kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper
You'll also need to prepare some croutons from sesame seed buns for that perfect finishing touch!
Prepare the croutons
While you're gathering your ingredients, you can multitask! Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. Dice your sesame seed buns into 1-inch pieces and toss them with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Spread them in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for about 10 minutes until they’re nice and crispy.
Brown the beef in your pot
Next, heat a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef, along with 1 teaspoon each of dried oregano and thyme, plus a pinch of salt and pepper. Brown the beef, making sure to break it apart as it cooks. Once it’s browned and cooked through, remove it from the pot and set it aside.
Sauté the vegetables
Don’t wipe out the pot! You want those lovely flavors lingering. Add the butter and let it melt, then toss in the diced onion, sliced carrots, sliced celery, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The aroma will be delightful!
Make the soup base
Add minced garlic along with the remaining oregano and thyme. Sauté for about a minute before sprinkling in the flour. Stir well to coat the veggies and let it cook for another minute to remove the raw flour taste.
Cook the macaroni
Now, deglaze the pot with a splash of chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits that have stuck. Gradually stir in the remaining broth and macaroni, seasoning with another pinch of salt and pepper. Increase the heat to medium-high until it starts to simmer, then reduce heat and let it cook for 5-7 minutes until the pasta is al dente.
Add cream and cheese
Once the macaroni is cooked, take the pot off the heat and stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheese until it’s melted and smooth. Then, stir in the white balsamic vinegar, a little balancing act for all that richness and flavor.
Final touches and season to taste
Toss the cooked ground beef back into the pot and gently heat everything through. This gives that delicious cheesy soup its wonderful, hearty taste. Finally, season it to your liking with salt and pepper. Serve the one-pot macaroni cheeseburger soup warm, garnished with croutons and a sprinkle of green onions and additional shredded cheddar cheese.
This dish is not just simple to make; it's a comforting bowl of joy that’s perfect for any weeknight dinner or casual gathering. Enjoy!
Variations of One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup
Spicy Cheeseburger Soup with Jalapeños
If you like your meals with a kick, try adding sliced jalapeños to your one-pot macaroni cheeseburger soup. The heat can be adjusted to your taste—add a few for a mild spice or a handful for a fiery experience! Combine with the rich, cheesy base for a delicious contrast that will warm you up.
Veggie-Packed Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup
Looking to boost your veggie intake? A veggie-packed version of this one-pot macaroni cheeseburger soup is a fantastic option! Toss in zucchini, bell peppers, or even spinach for added nutrition and flavor. Not only will it enrich the soup, but it also keeps the recipe family-friendly—perfect for the busy lives we lead.
For more inspiration on how to customize your soups, check out the cooking section of Food Network.
Cooking Tips and Notes for One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup
Importance of Using Freshly Shredded Cheese
When making your one-pot macaroni cheeseburger soup, always opt for freshly shredded cheese. Pre-shredded varieties contain anti-caking agents that can affect how smoothly the cheese melts. Investing a few extra minutes to shred your own cheese results in a creamier texture that will elevate your soup's flavor. If you're unsure where to start, check out this guide on how to shred cheese properly.
Tips for Thickening or Loosening Your Soup
As your cheeseburger soup cools, it may thicken up more than you'd like. To fix this, simply add a splash of chicken broth or heavy cream to reach your desired consistency. On the other hand, if you prefer a thicker soup, you can let it simmer a bit longer after adding the macaroni or even include a bit more flour. Balancing the texture is key to achieving the ultimate comfort dish!
Serving Suggestions for One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup
Ideal Bread Pairings
When it comes to enjoying your one-pot macaroni cheeseburger soup, the right bread can truly elevate the experience! Consider serving it with:
- Crusty French Bread: Perfect for soaking up that creamy goodness.
- Garlic Breadsticks: The flavors of garlic and cheese complement the soup beautifully.
- Sesame Seed Buns: Whip up some extra croutons using leftover buns for a fun texture!
Perfect Side Dishes to Complement Your Meal
To make your meal even more satisfying, add these delightful side dishes:
- Simple Green Salad: A fresh salad with vinaigrette can balance the richness of the soup.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned carrots, bell peppers, and broccoli provide a colorful, nutritious touch.
- Pickles and Olives: These tangy options add a crunchy contrast that can brighten up each bite!
By pairing your one-pot macaroni cheeseburger soup with these sides and breads, you'll create a memorable and comforting meal!
Time Breakdown for One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup
Preparation Time
Get ready in just 15 minutes! Start by gathering your ingredients and chopping your veggies. This initial setup is key to making your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable.
Cooking Time
The magic happens in about 30 minutes. From browning the beef to simmering the macaroni, this quick process will fill your kitchen with delightful aromas!
Total Time
In just 45 minutes, you’ll have a hearty one-pot macaroni cheeseburger soup ready to serve. It's the perfect blend of convenience and flavor for a cozy night in. Feel free to check out more about the benefits of making meals from scratch here.
Nutritional Facts for One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup
When it comes to comfort food, one-pot macaroni cheeseburger soup hits the spot! It’s filling and packed with flavor, yet it manages to stay relatively balanced nutritionally. Here's a quick breakdown of its key nutritional facts:
Calories
A single serving (⅛ of the soup) contains approximately 465 calories, making it a hearty choice for a cozy dinner.
Protein
With around 25.7 grams of protein per serving, this meal is great for fueling your body and keeping you satisfied throughout the day.
Sodium
Keep in mind that this delicious soup contains about 1175.7 mg of sodium per serving, so it may be wise to enjoy it in moderation if you're monitoring your sodium intake.
Don’t forget to check out the American Heart Association for more tips on healthy eating! Enjoy making your one-pot macaroni cheeseburger soup and modifying it to fit your dietary needs.
FAQ about One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! To convert your one-pot macaroni cheeseburger soup into a vegetarian delight, simply swap out the ground beef for your favorite plant-based protein like lentils or textured vegetable protein. You can also beef up the flavors with extra vegetables and spices.
How do I store leftovers?
Storing leftovers of this tasty soup is super simple! Allow it to cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. This delicious soup can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing it for up to 3 months. Just remember to leave out the croutons until you're ready to enjoy it again!
What can I use if I don’t have certain ingredients?
Missing an ingredient? No problem! You can substitute ground beef with turkey for a leaner option, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, or swap heavy cream for a dairy-free alternative like coconut milk. Cooking is all about creativity, so don't hesitate to experiment!
Conclusion on One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup
In closing, this one-pot macaroni cheeseburger soup is not just a meal; it’s a comforting embrace in a bowl. Rich, creamy, and filled with flavor, it’s perfect for both weeknight dinners and cozy gatherings. Give it a try, and savor the delicious simplicity of this dish!
One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup
Equipment
- dutch oven
- Measuring Cup
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano divided
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme divided
- 6 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup yellow onion, diced
- 1 cup sliced carrots
- 1 cup sliced celery
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tablespoons flour
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 8 oz uncooked elbow macaroni
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 teaspoon white balsamic vinegar
- Kosher salt
- fresh cracked pepper
For the Croutons
- 4 pieces sesame seed buns, diced into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Garnish
- sliced green onion for garnish
- shredded cheddar cheese for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat oven to 400 degrees. Place sesame seed bun cubes in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat evenly. Bake for 10 minutes or until crispy on the outside.
- Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add ground beef, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, and a couple pinches of salt and pepper. Brown ground beef, crumbling with a spatula until cooked through. Remove from pan and set aside.
- Heat butter in the same large pot over medium heat (no need to wipe it out or drain the grease).
- Add diced onion, sliced carrots, sliced celery, and a large pinch of salt and pepper. Turn heat to medium-high and cook, stirring occasionally for 10 minutes.
- Reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic, the remaining 1 teaspoon oregano, and the remaining 1 teaspoon thyme, and cook for another minute.
- Then add flour and stir to coat veggies. Cook for one more minute, stirring frequently.
- Add a splash of chicken broth to deglaze the pot, scraping all the yummy bits off the bottom.
- Stir in the rest of the chicken broth and uncooked macaroni noodles along with another pinch of salt and pepper. Turn heat to medium-high, and bring to a simmer.
- Once it begins to simmer, turn the heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes or pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent noodles from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Remove soup from heat. Stir in heavy cream and shredded cheese.
- Then add white balsamic vinegar. Add cooked ground beef back into the pot. Heat the soup over medium heat for a couple minutes, until the beef is heated through. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Serve soup with sesame seed bun croutons and garnish with green onions and shredded cheddar cheese and enjoy!
Leave a Reply