One pot cheeseburger soup
Ingredients
Soup:
1 lb. ground beef
2 tsp. dried oregano divided
2 tsp. dried thyme divided
6 tbsp. butter
1 cup yellow onion diced
1 cup carrots sliced
1 cup celery sliced
5 cloves garlic minced
4 tbsp. flour
8 cups chicken broth
8 oz. uncooked elbow macaroni
1 cup heavy cream
8 oz. sharp cheddar cheese shredded
1 tsp. white balsamic vinegar
Kosher salt to taste
Fresh cracked pepper to taste
Croutons:
4 sesame seed buns diced into 1-inch pieces
2 tbsp. olive oil
Garnish:
Sliced green onion
Shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
Make the Croutons:
Preheat oven to 400°F. Spread sesame seed bun cubes on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat evenly. Bake for 10 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
Cook the Ground Beef:
Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add ground beef, 1 tsp. oregano, 1 tsp. thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spatula, until browned and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, celery, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Increase heat to medium-high and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes.
Add Garlic and Herbs:
Reduce heat to medium. Stir in minced garlic, remaining oregano, and thyme. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Make the Roux:
Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir to coat. Cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently.
Deglaze and Simmer:
Add a splash of chicken broth to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits. Pour in the remaining chicken broth, uncooked macaroni, and another pinch of salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat.
Cook the Pasta:
Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente.
Finish the Soup:
Remove from heat. Stir in heavy cream, shredded cheddar, and white balsamic vinegar. Return the cooked ground beef to the pot and warm over medium heat for a few minutes. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Serve and Garnish:
Ladle soup into bowls, top with sesame seed croutons, sliced green onions, and extra shredded cheddar. Enjoy!
Okay, let me tell you, there's nothing quite like a hearty bowl of cheeseburger soup to warm you up! I used to think of it as a fancy restaurant dish or something I'd only find pre-made in a store, but seriously, making it at home is a game-changer. And honestly, it tastes so much better than any store-bought version I've tried, even from places like Walmart. The control you have over the freshness and quality of ingredients just can't be beaten. When I first started making this creamy cheeseburger soup, I was amazed at how straightforward it was. All the ingredients are super common and easy to grab on your next grocery run – whether that's at Walmart, Target, or your local supermarket. We're talking about everyday staples like ground beef, onions, carrots, celery, elbow macaroni, and cheddar cheese. I often stock up on these when they're on sale, making this recipe incredibly budget-friendly. It’s perfect for feeding a family without breaking the bank. One of my favorite things about this recipe is how versatile it is. While the original calls for diced carrots, I sometimes throw in some frozen corn or peas towards the end for extra veggies and color. If you're feeling adventurous, you could even swap out some of the cheddar for a bit of Monterey Jack or a smoky Gouda to give it a different twist. And don't skimp on the seasonings! A good pinch of black pepper and some fresh herbs for garnish really elevate the flavor profile. I love using fresh green herbs like chives or parsley to brighten it up just before serving. This one-pot wonder truly lives up to its name. The fact that you cook everything in a single pot means minimal cleanup, which is a huge win on busy weeknights. After a long day, the last thing I want is a sink full of dishes, and this recipe totally gets that. Plus, watching it all come together, from browning the ground beef to stirring in that rich, creamy broth and melty cheese, is so satisfying. It’s also fantastic for meal prep! I often make a big batch on Sunday, and it lasts us for a few lunches throughout the week. It reheats beautifully, and sometimes, I even think the flavors meld together and get even better the next day. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container in the fridge. If you're on the fence about trying a homemade cheeseburger soup, especially if you're used to buying pre-made options, please give this recipe a shot. You'll be surprised at how easy and rewarding it is to create such a comforting and delicious meal from scratch. Trust me, your taste buds (and your wallet!) will thank you!
