Oh my goodness, if you are craving comfort food with a cheesy, spicy twist, you have to try this Queso Soup Recipe! It’s the perfect blend of creamy, savory, and just a touch of heat that warms you from the inside out. Whether it’s a chilly evening or you want a dish that feels like a big warm hug, this soup hits all the right notes. Packed with ground beef or sausage, melty cheeses, and green chiles, it’s hearty enough to satisfy and easy enough to whip up any night of the week. Trust me, once you try this Queso Soup Recipe, it might just become your new go-to for cozy meals.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients together for this Queso Soup Recipe is a breeze, and each item plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, creaminess, and texture. From the savory ground meat to the tangy cream cheese, every component comes together beautifully to create a rich, comforting soup.
- Ground beef or sausage: Adds a hearty, savory base and protein to make the soup filling.
- Onion, chopped: Brings sweetness and depth when sautéed.
- Green bell pepper, chopped: Provides freshness and a mild crunch to balance the creaminess.
- Minced garlic: Infuses the soup with warm, aromatic flavor.
- Onion powder: Enhances the onion flavor throughout the soup seamlessly.
- Garlic powder: Boosts the garlic notes evenly without overpowering.
- Cumin: Adds a subtle earthiness and warmth, perfect for that Tex-Mex vibe.
- Beef or vegetable broth: The flavorful liquid that brings everything together and keeps the soup luscious.
- Cream cheese, softened: Creates that irresistibly creamy and smooth texture in the soup.
- Mild green chiles: Provide a little kick and a tangy accent without overwhelming heat.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into the soup, adding sharpness and extra cheesiness.
- Optional thickener (cornstarch + cold water): Helps get your soup to the perfect consistency if you prefer it thicker.
How to Make Queso Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Meat
First things first, get your Dutch oven or large stock pot heated over medium. Toss in the ground beef or sausage to brown it thoroughly, stirring occasionally so it cooks evenly. This step builds a rich, meaty flavor essential to the soup’s foundation. Don’t forget to drain off any excess grease to keep the soup from becoming greasy.
Step 2: Sauté Your Veggies
Next, add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic straight into the pot with your browned meat. Sauté together for about 5 to 6 minutes, or until the onions soften and become translucent. This little step adds incredible sweetness and brings all the flavors together beautifully.
Step 3: Season and Simmer
Sprinkle in the onion powder, garlic powder, and cumin, then pour in your broth. Stir everything up and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Pop the lid on, turn the heat down low, and let it all meld for around 10 minutes. This simmering time deepens the flavor and lets the spices infuse perfectly.
Step 4: Add the Cheeses and Chiles
Now for the magic moment: remove the lid and add your softened cream cheese, mild green chiles, and shredded cheddar cheese. Use a whisk to vigorously stir until all the cheeses have melted perfectly into a silky, smooth soup. If you want to savor that ultra creamy texture, this step is where it happens.
Step 5: Thicken (If Desired)
If you prefer your queso soup on the thicker side, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water until smooth, then stir it into the simmering soup. Keep stirring gently until it thickens just right. This lets you customize the consistency to your liking without diluting the rich flavors.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once your soup is perfectly smooth and heated through, it’s ready to serve hot. Ladle it into bowls and get ready to dive into cheesy, flavorful goodness.
How to Serve Queso Soup Recipe
Garnishes
The best part about serving this Queso Soup Recipe is the fun you can have with toppings! A sprinkle of extra shredded cheese is a must, but fresh diced tomatoes add a juicy burst of freshness, sliced green onions give a mild crunch and zest, and chopped avocado brings a buttery creaminess that’s out of this world. Customize your bowl to fit your mood and taste buds.
Side Dishes
Since this soup is rich and filling, pairing it with crisp, light sides can create a perfect balance. Try serving it with crunchy tortilla chips for dipping, a simple green salad tossed with a tangy vinaigrette, or warm, crusty bread to soak up every last drop. Each side complements and elevates your queso soup experience.
Creative Ways to Present
You can turn this cheesy delight into a fun party dish by serving the soup in mini bread bowls or ramekins. For a casual gathering, set out bowls of garnishes and let everyone customize their own. Another cool idea is to drizzle a little hot sauce or a swirl of sour cream on top right before serving to add a beautiful visual and flavor pop.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Queso Soup Recipe actually tastes great the next day once the flavors have had time to blend even more. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before reheating to bring it back to life.
Freezing
You can freeze this soup if you want to save it for longer. Transfer cooled soup to a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion. It should keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months. Keep in mind the texture of cream cheese-based soups can change slightly after freezing, but it still tastes delicious and comforting.
Reheating
When ready to enjoy your leftover queso soup, thaw it overnight in the fridge if frozen. Reheat gently in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring frequently until warmed through and smooth again. Avoid boiling to keep the creamy texture intact.
FAQs
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can swap the ground beef or sausage for plant-based crumbles or simply leave it out and add extra veggies to boost the texture and flavor. Use vegetable broth to keep it fully vegetarian.
What types of cheese work best in queso soup?
Cheddar cheese is classic for that sharp, melty goodness, but you can also experiment with Monterey Jack or even a bit of pepper jack for extra spice. Cream cheese is key for richness, so don’t skip it!
Can I adjust the spice level?
Definitely! The mild green chiles add a gentle kick, but if you want more heat, consider using diced jalapeños or adding a pinch of cayenne pepper. To tone it down, reduce or omit the chiles.
Is it possible to make this soup gluten-free?
Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your broth and any optional ingredients you use are gluten-free. Just be sure to check labels, especially if adding thickener or other packaged components.
How thick should queso soup be?
That’s totally up to your preference! Some like it more like a pourable soup, while others prefer a thicker dip-like consistency. The optional cornstarch slurry helps you control thickness easily to suit your taste.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited as I am to make this warm, cheesy Queso Soup Recipe in your own kitchen. It’s everything you want in a comforting dish—creamy, flavorful, and downright satisfying. Perfect for sharing with family, impressing friends, or enjoying as a cozy meal for yourself. Give it a try soon, and get ready for some serious soup love!
Print
Queso Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This hearty and creamy Queso Soup is a comforting dish perfect for chilly days or casual gatherings. Made with ground beef or sausage, a blend of spices, and a mix of cheeses, it offers a rich and flavorful experience reminiscent of classic queso dip but served warm as a satisfying soup. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe yields a delicious dish that can be customized with your favorite toppings.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef or sausage
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Spices and Broth
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 4 cups beef or vegetable broth
Cheeses
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 (4-ounce) can mild green chiles, drained
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Optional Thickener
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon cold water
Instructions
- Brown the Meat: In a 4-quart Dutch oven or stock pot, brown the ground beef or sausage over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain off any excess grease to reduce fat content and prevent a greasy soup.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic to the pot. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens and the vegetables become fragrant.
- Add Spices and Broth: Stir in the onion powder, garlic powder, cumin, and pour in the beef or vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover the pot and reduce heat to low. Let it cook gently for 10 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Melt Cheeses: Remove the lid and add the softened cream cheese, mild green chiles, and shredded cheddar cheese. Whisk vigorously until all the cheese melts and the soup turns smooth and creamy.
- Thicken the Soup (Optional): If you prefer a thicker soup, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water to create a slurry. Stir this into the soup and cook a few more minutes until the soup thickens to your liking.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with your choice of additional shredded cheese, fresh diced tomatoes, chopped green onions, or sliced avocado for extra flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey for a leaner protein option.
- If you want spicier soup, use hot green chiles instead of mild.
- The soup thickens further as it cools; reheat gently with a splash of broth if needed.
- For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth and omit the meat.
- Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days and also freeze nicely.
