Description
This creamy and savory Queso Soup combines ground beef or sausage with vegetables and a blend of cheeses to create a rich, comforting dish perfect for chilly days or casual gatherings. With a smooth texture achieved by melting cream cheese and cheddar together, this hearty soup is easy to make and can be customized with toppings like fresh tomatoes, green onions, or avocado.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef or sausage
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Spices and Broth
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 4 cups beef or vegetable broth
Cheeses and Add-ins
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 (4 oz) can mild green chiles
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Optional Thickener
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp cold water
Instructions
- Brown the Meat: In a 4-quart Dutch oven or stock pot, brown the ground beef or sausage over medium heat. Once cooked, drain off any grease to reduce excess fat.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for 5-6 minutes, or until the onion has softened and the vegetables are fragrant.
- Add Spices and Broth: Stir in the onion powder, garlic powder, cumin, and the broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover the pot and reduce heat to low. Let it cook gently for 10 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Add Cheeses and Chiles: Remove the lid and add the softened cream cheese, mild green chiles, and shredded cheddar cheese. Whisk vigorously until the cream cheese and cheddar are fully melted and the soup achieves a smooth consistency.
- Thicken Soup (Optional): If you prefer a thicker soup, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water until smooth. Stir this mixture into the soup and cook for a few minutes until the soup thickens to your liking.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with additional shredded cheese, fresh diced tomatoes, chopped green onions, or sliced avocado as desired for extra flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- If you like it spicy, use diced jalapeños instead of mild green chiles.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and use vegetable broth.
- Make sure to soften the cream cheese beforehand for easier melting.
- This soup pairs well with tortilla chips or warm crusty bread.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
