There’s something incredibly satisfying about the flavors of a cheeseburger—the juicy beef, the sharp cheddar, the comforting carbs all wrapped into one bite. What if you could enjoy all of that in a cozy bowl of soup, ready in under 30 minutes and with only four main ingredients? That’s exactly what this 4-Ingredient One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup delivers. It’s a simple, hearty meal that feels indulgent but comes together quickly enough for busy weeknights.

I first stumbled on the idea of cheeseburger soup during a cold evening when I craved comfort food but didn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. The concept of combining macaroni, ground beef, broth, and cheddar cheese in one pot struck me as genius—and it absolutely lived up to the hype. What makes this soup special is how it captures all those beloved cheeseburger flavors in a creamy, cheesy broth that hugs every bite of tender macaroni.

Before we dive into the cooking, let me share a quick tip: while the basic recipe is delicious on its own, I like to sauté a bit of onion with the beef to add a mild sweetness and depth to the flavor. If you want to boost the savory notes, some garlic powder and smoked paprika work wonders. Plus, topping the soup with chopped pickles or crispy turkey bacon brings that classic cheeseburger finishing touch.

Alright, let’s get cooking!

Steps: Cooking the Base of the Soup

Brown the ground beef: Start by heating a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add one pound of ground beef and cook until it’s nicely browned. If you’re using onions, toss in about one small diced onion here and cook for around five minutes until softened and fragrant. Once the beef and onions are ready, drain any excess grease so your soup doesn’t turn out greasy.
Add broth and macaroni: Pour in four cups of beef broth—chicken broth works too if that’s what you have on hand—and bring it to a boil. This liquid base is going to infuse the macaroni and beef with flavor while keeping everything nice and juicy.
Cook the pasta: Stir in one and a half cups of uncooked elbow macaroni. Reduce the heat to medium and let the soup simmer, uncovered, for 8 to 10 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally so the macaroni cooks evenly and doesn’t stick to the bottom. You’re looking for tender pasta that still holds its shape.

4-Ingredient One-Pot Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup: Finishing Touches and Flavor Boosts

Now that your macaroni is perfectly tender and your broth is bubbling with that savory beef flavor, it’s time to bring in the star ingredient: the cheese. This step is what transforms the soup from a simple broth to a rich, creamy, indulgent meal that tastes just like a cheeseburger in a bowl.

One of the things I love most about this soup is how easy it is to customize without adding much complexity. You can keep it straightforward with just the four main ingredients, or play around with some optional add-ins to suit your taste. Whether you like it smoky, garlicky, or with a little crunch on top, the base recipe is a fantastic canvas.

Steps: Adding Cheese and Seasonings

Melt in the cheddar cheese: Turn the heat down to low and gradually stir in two cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese is fully melted and the soup becomes creamy and smooth. This step requires a little patience, but it’s worth it—the cheese melts into the broth, creating a velvety texture that coats every spoonful.
Season to taste: At this point, you can enhance the soup’s flavor by adding one teaspoon of garlic powder and one teaspoon of smoked paprika if you like. These spices add a subtle smokiness and depth that mimic the savory notes of a real cheeseburger. Don’t forget to taste the soup and adjust with salt and black pepper as needed.

Tips for Optional Add-Ins and Variations

Sautéed onions: If you haven’t already, cooking a small diced onion with the beef adds sweetness and a great flavor base. It’s a simple addition that takes the soup up a notch.
Pickles and turkey bacon: For the authentic cheeseburger vibe, topping your soup with chopped pickles adds a tangy crunch, while crumbled turkey bacon brings a smoky, salty bite. These garnishes are optional but highly recommended for the full experience.
Vegetables: Want to sneak in some veggies? Diced bell peppers or a handful of spinach stirred in near the end can add color and nutrition without overwhelming the flavors.
Broth swaps and lighter options: Feel free to use chicken broth instead of beef broth if you prefer a lighter taste. For a healthier version, opt for lean ground beef and reduced-fat cheese. This soup is flexible, so you can make it your own without losing that cheeseburger essence.

Once you’ve mixed in the cheese and seasonings, your soup is ready to serve. Ladle it into bowls and add any toppings you like. The cheesy, meaty aroma combined with those classic burger flavors makes it impossible not to dig in right away.