If you are on the lookout for a cozy, cheesy delight that warms you up from the inside out, this Queso Soup Recipe is your new best friend. It’s packed with savory ground meat, melty cream cheese, and a perfect blend of spices that create a luscious, creamy texture with just the right kick. Whether it’s a chilly night or you’re craving some comfort food that feels indulgent yet wholesome, this soup hits all the right notes and never fails to impress. The balance of hearty ingredients and melty cheese makes this Queso Soup Recipe an absolute must-make for anyone looking to dive into a bowl of goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Queso Soup Recipe lies in its simplicity and the way each ingredient brings something special to the table. From the savory beef to the fresh crunch of bell peppers and the silky richness of cream cheese, every addition builds layers of flavor and texture you’ll adore.
- Ground beef or sausage: Adds a robust, meaty base that makes the soup hearty and satisfying.
- Onion, chopped: Brings sweetness and depth as it softens during cooking.
- Green bell pepper, chopped: Adds a fresh, slightly crisp contrast and beautiful color.
- Minced garlic: Offers a warm, aromatic kick that brightens up the flavors.
- Onion powder: Enhances the onion flavor without overpowering the dish.
- Garlic powder: Boosts the garlic punch for a well-rounded taste.
- Cumin: Introduces a gentle earthiness and warmth.
- Beef or vegetable broth: Provides the flavorful liquid base that ties everything together.
- Cream cheese, softened: Gives the soup its signature creamy, velvety texture.
- Mild green chiles: Adds a mild heat and a little brightness without overwhelming the dish.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts in for that classic cheesy richness everyone loves.
- Optional Thickener (cornstarch + cold water): Use if you prefer a chunkier, thicker soup consistency.
How to Make Queso Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Meat
Start by heating your Dutch oven or stockpot over medium heat and browning the ground beef or sausage. This step is crucial because the browned bits left in the pot add incredible depth to your soup’s flavor. Once the meat is cooked through, drain off the excess grease to keep the soup from becoming too oily.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Next, toss in the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté these until the onion softens and starts to turn translucent—about 5 to 6 minutes. This not only forms a tasty base but also builds those layers of flavor that make this Queso Soup Recipe a standout.
Step 3: Season and Simmer
Sprinkle in the onion powder, garlic powder, and cumin before pouring in the broth. Stir everything, bring it to a gentle simmer, then cover the pot, lower the heat, and let it cook for 10 minutes. This simmering time helps all those spices meld beautifully with the broth and vegetables.
Step 4: Melt in the Cheese
Remove the lid and add the softened cream cheese, mild green chiles, and shredded cheddar cheese right into the pot. Whisk quickly and thoroughly until all the cheese melts, creating a smooth, creamy, cheesy wonderland. This step transforms the soup from a simple broth to the rich queso experience you’re craving.
Step 5: Thicken if Desired
If you like your soup on the thicker side, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the pot. Watch as your soup thickens right before your eyes, becoming even more luxurious with that perfect creamy-to-thick balance consistent with many traditional queso soups.
Step 6: Serve Hot and Enjoy
Once your soup reaches your desired consistency, it’s ready to be served piping hot. Get those bowls out and prepare for a moment of pure comfort delight with every spoonful of this cheese-filled wonder.
How to Serve Queso Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Now that your Queso Soup Recipe is cooked to perfection, the fun is in the garnishing. Add extra shredded cheddar for an ooey-gooey finish, sprinkle on fresh diced tomatoes for a juicy pop, or layer on sliced green onions for a subtle bite. Don’t forget chopped avocado—its creamy texture pairs beautifully and adds a fresh coolness that balances the warm richness.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with crispy tortilla chips for dipping or a crusty loaf of bread to soak up every last cheesy bit. You can also serve it alongside a fresh green salad for a lighter balance or a bowl of Mexican rice to keep the meal hearty and filling.
Creative Ways to Present
Impress your guests by serving the Queso Soup Recipe in small bread bowls or mini pumpkins for a festive touch. You can also create a queso bar by offering various toppings like jalapeños, cilantro, and sour cream alongside the soup, letting everyone customize their own bowl of cheesy goodness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover queso soup should be cooled completely before transferring to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, maintaining its delicious flavor and creamy texture.
Freezing
You can freeze this soup, but keep in mind the cream cheese and shredded cheddar may slightly change texture after thawing. Freeze in a sturdy container leaving some room for expansion. For best quality, use within 2 months.
Reheating
When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop over low heat to avoid curdling, stirring often until warmed through. Adding a splash of broth or milk can help restore the creamy consistency that makes this Queso Soup Recipe so irresistible.
FAQs
Can I make this Queso Soup Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the ground beef or sausage with extra vegetables like mushrooms or black beans, and use vegetable broth to keep it hearty and flavorful without meat.
How spicy is this soup?
This recipe uses mild green chiles, so it has just a gentle warmth. If you prefer more heat, feel free to add jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to suit your taste.
What type of cheddar cheese works best?
A sharp cheddar provides the best flavor punch, but you can use mild or medium cheddar depending on your preference. Freshly shredded cheese melts better and prevents clumping.
Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?
Yes, you can brown the meat and sauté vegetables first, then combine everything in the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours. Add the cheeses at the end to melt smoothly.
Is this soup good for meal prep?
Definitely! It reheats beautifully and is great for lunches or dinners throughout the week. Just store portions in airtight containers for quick meals anytime.
Final Thoughts
This Queso Soup Recipe is one of those comforting kitchen treasures you’ll want to come back to again and again. It’s cheesy, warm, and utterly satisfying with layers of flavor that feel both familiar and exciting. Whether you’re making it for a casual family dinner or a cozy night in with friends, it’s guaranteed to bring smiles and delicious memories. So grab your ingredients, get cooking, and dive into that rich, creamy bowl of happiness—you won’t regret it!
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 creamy and comforting Queso Soup combines browned ground beef or sausage with sautéed vegetables, spices, and a blend of cheeses to create a rich and flavorful dish perfect for a cozy meal. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a delicious way to enjoy the classic flavors of queso in soup form.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef or sausage
- 1 cup onion, chopped (about 1 medium onion)
- 1 cup green bell pepper, chopped (about 1 medium pepper)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Spices and Broth
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 4 cups beef or vegetable broth
Cheeses and Additions
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 4 oz mild green chiles (canned, drained)
- 1 1/2 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 keep the soup from becoming too oily.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for 5-6 minutes or until the onion softens, allowing the vegetables to release their flavor.
- Add Spices and Broth: Stir in the onion powder, garlic powder, cumin, and broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Once simmering, cover the pot, reduce the heat to low, and let it cook gently for 10 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Melt the Cheeses: Remove the lid from the pot and add the softened cream cheese, mild green chiles, and shredded cheddar cheese. Whisk vigorously until the cheeses are fully melted and the soup becomes smooth and creamy.
- Optional Thickening: If you desire a thicker soup, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water to make a slurry. Stir this into the soup and continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the soup thickens to your liking.
- Serve: Ladle the hot queso soup into bowls. Garnish with additional shredded cheese, fresh diced tomatoes, chopped green onions, or chopped avocado as desired for extra flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, use hot green chiles instead of mild.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- If you prefer a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to blend the soup before adding the cheeses.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently on the stovetop.
- Serve with tortilla chips or crusty bread for dipping.
