The Coziest One-Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup

There are few things more comforting than a hearty bowl of soup, especially one that tastes like your favorite cheeseburger. This one-pot cheeseburger macaroni soup recipe is the perfect mashup of two beloved classics, delivering a creamy, savory, and incredibly satisfying meal without a pile of dishes to wash afterward.

As a Registered Dietitian, I’m always looking for ways to make comfort food more nourishing without sacrificing flavor, and this recipe nails it. We’re swapping in lean protein and sneaking in vegetables for a dish you can feel great about serving.

Why You’ll Make This Soup on Repeat

Beyond its incredible taste, this cheeseburger soup is designed for real life. The biggest win?

It all comes together in a single pot, which means cleanup is an absolute breeze. It’s a true set-it-and-forget-it meal that’s perfect for a busy weeknight.

This recipe is also incredibly family-friendly; its familiar, cheesy flavor wins over even the pickiest eaters. It’s a complete, balanced meal in a bowl, packed with protein, carbs, and veggies to keep everyone full and happy.

What Makes This a Healthier Comfort Food

Indulgence and nutrition can absolutely go hand-in-hand. My goal as a dietitian is to prove just that.

We make a few simple, smart swaps in this recipe to boost its nutritional profile. First, we use lean ground turkey instead of traditional ground beef.

This significantly reduces the saturated fat content, a choice supported by health organizations like the American Heart Association for better heart health. We also build the creamy base with milk instead of heavy cream, cutting down on fat while still providing calcium and protein.

Finally, the soup is loaded with a classic mirepoix—onions, carrots, and celery—which adds vitamins, fiber, and a deep, savory flavor base.

Gathering Your Simple Ingredients

The beauty of this soup is that it uses straightforward, easy-to-find ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Lean Ground Turkey: I opt for 93/7 for the best balance of flavor and nutrition.
• Veggies: A classic mirepoix of yellow onion, carrots, and celery forms our flavor foundation.
• Garlic: Freshly minced cloves are a must for the best aroma and taste.
• Broth & Milk: Low-sodium chicken broth and 2% or whole milk create the soup’s body.
• Macaroni: I love using a protein-enriched pasta for an extra boost, but any elbow macaroni works.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: For the best melt and flavor, buy a block and shred it yourself. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can make the soup grainy.
• Worcestershire Sauce: This is the secret ingredient that gives the soup its classic, umami-rich burger flavor.
• Flour & Olive Oil: For sautéing and creating a light roux to thicken the soup.

How To Make Cheeseburger Soup Step by Step

This one-pot wonder is simple to assemble. Follow these steps for perfect soup every time.

1. Brown the Turkey: Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it’s no longer pink.
2. Sauté the Veggies: Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, until they begin to soften and the onion is translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Build the Broth: Sprinkle the flour over the meat and veggies, stirring to coat everything. This will help thicken the soup later. Slowly pour in the chicken broth and Worcestershire sauce, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Simmer the Pasta: Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Add the uncooked macaroni and cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente (usually about 8-10 minutes).
5. Make It Creamy: Reduce the heat to low. Very slowly, pour in the milk while stirring constantly. Do not let the soup boil after this point to prevent curdling.
6. Melt the Cheese: Add the shredded cheddar in small handfuls, stirring well after each addition until it’s completely melted and the soup is smooth and creamy. Remove from heat and serve immediately.

The Secret to a Perfectly Creamy Soup

Ever wonder why a cheese sauce sometimes turns grainy or separates? The answer lies in food science.

To get that silky-smooth texture, temperature control is key. When you add the milk and cheese, the soup should be hot but not boiling.

Boiling can cause the milk proteins to curdle and the cheese to break, releasing its fat and creating a greasy, gritty texture. As explained by food science experts at Serious Eats, adding the cheese off the heat (or on very low heat) and in small increments allows the fat and proteins in the cheese to emulsify smoothly into the soup base.

So take your time with the final steps—it’s the secret to a restaurant-quality creamy finish.

My Favorite Toppings and Pairings

The best part of any cheeseburger is the toppings, right? Have fun with it! Set up a little topping bar for the family.

Classic Toppings:

• Crumbled crispy bacon
• More shredded cheddar cheese
• Sliced green onions or chives
• A dollop of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
• Diced dill pickles or a spoonful of relish

What to Serve on the Side:

For a truly comforting meal, serve this soup with a side of crusty bread for dipping, soft pretzel rolls, or even a simple green salad with a vinaigrette to cut through the richness.

Smart Swaps and Delicious Variations

This recipe is fantastic as-is, but it’s also a great canvas for creativity or dietary adjustments.

• Go Classic: Use lean ground beef instead of turkey for a more traditional cheeseburger flavor.
• Add a Kick: Sauté a diced jalapeño with the onions or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat.
• Veggie-Load It: Finely chopped broccoli, cauliflower, or mushrooms can be added with the other vegetables for an extra nutrient boost, similar to our creamy chicken broccoli soup.
• Potato Version: For a gluten-free option, skip the macaroni and add diced russet or Yukon Gold potatoes. Add them with the broth and simmer until tender before adding the milk and cheese.

How to Store and Reheat Your Soup

This soup makes for fantastic leftovers. The flavors meld together and it’s often even better the next day.

Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop over low-medium heat, stirring frequently.

You may need to add a splash of milk or broth to thin it out, as the pasta will absorb more liquid as it sits. I don’t recommend freezing this soup, as the dairy and pasta can separate and become mushy upon thawing.

A Dietitian’s Take on the Nutrition

Let’s break down what makes this a balanced meal. A hearty serving of this soup provides an excellent source of protein—around 29 grams per serving.

As research from Harvard’s School of Public Health highlights, protein is crucial not only for muscle repair but also for promoting satiety, that feeling of fullness and satisfaction that helps prevent overeating. The inclusion of vegetables adds essential vitamins and fiber, supporting digestive health.

While it’s still a rich and cheesy soup, the mindful ingredient choices help create a more balanced nutritional profile than a traditional cheeseburger and fries, making it a comfort food you can feel good about enjoying.

Conclusion

This One-Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup truly is the best of all worlds: it’s quick, easy, nourishing, and an absolute delight to eat. It’s a recipe that will bring smiles to your dinner table and comfort to your soul.

I encourage you to give it a try on your next cozy night in. Be sure to experiment with the toppings and make it your own!