Queso Soup

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you love the creamy and cheesy richness of queso dip, you’ll adore this Queso Soup. It’s packed with ground beef or sausage, fresh vegetables, and tons of cheese, making it a satisfying and hearty option for any meal. The combination of spices enhances the flavor without overwhelming the dish, and the mild green chiles add just the right amount of warmth. Whether served with a side of tortilla chips or enjoyed on its own, this soup brings all the cheesy goodness you crave.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1.5 pounds ground beef or sausage
• 1 cup onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 32 ounces beef or vegetable broth
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 3 (4-ounce) cans mild green chiles
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• Optional thickener: 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon cold water

Directions

1. Cook the meat: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef or sausage over medium heat until fully browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
2. Sauté the vegetables: Add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften and the onions become translucent.
3. Season: Stir in the onion powder, garlic powder, and cumin, and cook for another minute to allow the spices to bloom and become fragrant.
4. Add the broth: Pour in the beef or vegetable broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any flavorful browned bits. Bring the soup to a simmer, then lower the heat and let it cook for about 10 minutes.
5. Add the cream cheese and chiles: Cut the softened cream cheese into cubes and add it to the pot, stirring until it melts and the soup becomes creamy. Add the canned green chiles and stir to combine.
6. Add the cheese: Gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, a handful at a time, allowing it to melt fully before adding more. Stir until the soup is smooth and the cheese is fully incorporated.
7. Thicken the soup (optional): If you’d like a thicker soup, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl until smooth, then add it to the soup. Stir and let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes until thickened.
8. Serve: Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary. Serve the soup hot with tortilla chips, crackers, or your favorite side.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes approximately 6 servings.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Add spice: If you like more heat, you can use hot green chiles or add a diced jalapeño to the soup.
• Vegetarian option: Replace the ground beef or sausage with a plant-based meat alternative or skip it altogether for a vegetarian version.
• Extra veggies: Feel free to add more vegetables like diced tomatoes, corn, or beans for a heartier soup.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover queso soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat the soup on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. If the soup has thickened too much, add a splash of broth or milk to reach your desired consistency.

FAQs

1. Can I make this soup in advance?

Yes! This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge. The flavors actually develop better after a day or two.

2. Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, you can easily make this soup vegetarian by substituting the ground beef or sausage with plant-based meat or just using extra vegetables.

3. Can I freeze this soup?

While the cheese can sometimes change texture when frozen, you can still freeze the soup. Store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat slowly on the stove.

4. Can I use a different cheese?

Yes, you can substitute the cheddar with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even a blend of cheeses for different flavors.

5. How do I make this soup spicier?

To add more spice, you can use spicy green chiles, add hot sauce, or incorporate diced jalapeños or chili powder.

6. Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

Yes, you can substitute low-fat cream cheese for a lighter version, but keep in mind the texture and richness may be slightly different.

7. Can I make this soup without cornstarch?

Yes, the cornstarch is optional and used for thickening the soup. If you don’t want to use it, the soup will still be creamy, just a little thinner.

8. What can I serve this soup with?

This soup pairs wonderfully with tortilla chips, crackers, or even as a topping for nachos. You can also serve it with a side of crusty bread.

9. Can I use chicken broth instead of beef broth?

Yes, you can use chicken broth or vegetable broth for a lighter version of the soup, though the flavor may differ slightly.

10. How do I store leftover queso soup?

Allow the soup to cool completely before storing in an airtight container. It can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Conclusion

This Queso Soup is the ultimate comfort food, combining the creamy richness of queso dip with the heartiness of a full soup. Whether you’re serving it for a casual dinner, a game day snack, or as a comforting meal, it’s sure to be a hit. With its easy-to-make ingredients, you can have a delicious bowl of queso soup ready in just about 35 minutes. Enjoy the cheesy goodness and make this recipe a regular in your meal rotation!

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