If you’re craving a comforting bowl of cheesy goodness, you cannot go wrong with this Queso Soup Recipe. It’s a creamy, flavorful blend of seasoned ground beef, vibrant bell peppers, and a luxurious mix of cheeses that come together to create the ultimate cozy meal. Whether you’re making an easy weeknight dinner or impressing friends at a casual gathering, this soup delivers bold, inviting flavors with a velvety texture that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is half the magic in this Queso Soup Recipe. Each component is simple but essential, contributing to a delicious balance of taste, texture, and color that makes this soup stand out.
- Ground beef or sausage: The hearty protein base brings savory depth and richness.
- Onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and a gentle aromatic punch when sautéed.
- Green bell pepper, chopped: Offers mild crunch and fresh flavor that brightens the soup.
- Minced garlic: Infuses warmth and an irresistible savory undertone.
- Onion powder: Boosts the onion flavor without adding texture.
- Garlic powder: Enhances the garlic notes for a well-rounded taste.
- Cumin: Adds a subtle earthy and smoky element that deepens the flavor profile.
- Beef or vegetable broth: The liquid foundation that carries all the flavors together smoothly.
- Cream cheese, softened: Creates that luxuriously creamy body and smoothness we adore in queso.
- Mild green chiles: Bring a gentle, vibrant heat and enriching complexity.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully to give authentic cheesy richness.
- Optional thickener – cornstarch + cold water: For those who prefer a soup with extra body and silky thickness.
How to Make Queso Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Meat
Start by heating your Dutch oven or stock pot over medium heat and browning the ground beef or sausage until it’s cooked through. This is where the foundation of deep, meaty flavors develops. Once browned, drain any excess grease to keep the soup from becoming too oily, ensuring a perfect balance.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
To the pot, add your chopped onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic. Give them a good sauté for 5 to 6 minutes until the onion turns soft and translucent. This step releases the natural sweetness and layers of flavor that really make the soup sing.
Step 3: Season and Simmer
Now it’s time for the spices — sprinkle in onion powder, garlic powder, and cumin, then pour in the broth. Bring everything to a gentle simmer before covering the pot. Lower the heat and let the soup cook for 10 minutes to let those flavors marry and mellow perfectly.
Step 4: Add the Cheeses and Chiles
Remove the lid and stir in the softened cream cheese, mild green chiles, and shredded cheddar. Whisk everything vigorously until the cheese melts into a silky, creamy soup. This is the heart of the Queso Soup Recipe—smooth, cheesy, and utterly irresistible.
Step 5: Thicken if Desired
If you prefer your queso soup a bit thicker, mix one tablespoon of cornstarch with one tablespoon of cold water. Stir this slurry into the pot and cook for another minute or so until the soup thickens to your liking. It’s a simple trick for customizable texture.
Step 6: Serve Warm
Once your soup is perfectly combined and thickened, spoon it into bowls and get ready to dig in. This soup tastes best hot from the stove, inviting you to savor each cheesy, comforting bite.
How to Serve Queso Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your Queso Soup Recipe with fresh toppings like shredded extra cheddar cheese for gooey indulgence, diced ripe tomatoes that add a pop of freshness, chopped green onions for a mild bite, or creamy chunks of avocado to complement the rich cheese beautifully. These garnishes not only elevate the flavor but add wonderful texture contrasts.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with crunchy tortilla chips for dipping, warm cornbread that soaks up every delicious drop, or even a simple green salad to balance out the richness. These sides turn your queso soup experience into a complete, satisfying meal perfect for sharing.
Creative Ways to Present
To impress your guests, serve the soup in individual mini cast iron skillets or rustic bread bowls. You can also layer it in clear glass mugs with toppings in between for a colorful visual treat. These creative presentations make your Queso Soup Recipe feel extra special and memorable.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover queso soup tastes just as delightful the next day! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir well before reheating to keep the texture smooth and luscious.
Freezing
While the soup freezes well, cheese-based soups sometimes alter texture after thawing. To freeze, let the soup cool completely, then place it in a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove.
Reheating
Reheat your queso soup slowly over low heat, stirring frequently. If it seems too thick or grainy, add a splash of broth or milk to bring back the creamy texture. Avoid microwave reheating if possible to maintain the soup’s silky consistency.
FAQs
Can I use different types of cheese in this Queso Soup Recipe?
Absolutely! While cheddar is traditional, you can try Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a blend for varied flavors and creaminess. Just be sure to use good melting cheeses for the best texture.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
Definitely. Swap the ground beef or sausage for sautéed mushrooms or plant-based ground meat alternatives, and use vegetable broth to keep it fully vegetarian without sacrificing heartiness.
How spicy is the soup with mild green chiles?
The mild green chiles add just a gentle warmth without overwhelming heat. If you love spice, you can increase the amount or swap in a hotter chile to kick things up a notch.
Can I prepare the soup in advance?
Yes, this soup actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together beautifully. Prepare it a day ahead, refrigerate, and gently reheat before serving for easy entertaining.
What can I use if I don’t have cornstarch for thickening?
You can substitute all-purpose flour mixed with a little cold water or use instant mashed potato flakes to thicken the soup gently without affecting the flavor.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something undeniably comforting about a bowl of queso soup that’s made with love and the perfect balance of flavors. This Queso Soup Recipe is easy enough for any day but special enough to impress. So go ahead, give it a try and let yourself fall in love with the creamy, cheesy goodness that’s waiting for you in every spoonful!
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
A creamy and savory queso soup made with ground beef or sausage, vegetables, and melted cheeses. This comforting soup combines flavorful spices, softened cream cheese, mild green chiles, and shredded cheddar to create a smooth, cheesy delight perfect for a hearty meal or appetizer.
Ingredients
Meat & Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef or sausage
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Spices
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
Liquids & Dairy
- 4 cups beef or vegetable broth
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 (4-ounce) can mild green chiles
- 1 cup 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, cook the ground beef or sausage over medium heat until browned. 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, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens and becomes translucent.
- Add Spices and Broth: Stir in the onion powder, garlic powder, cumin, and beef or vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot, reduce the heat to low, and let it cook for 10 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Melt the Cheeses: Remove the lid and add the softened cream cheese, mild green chiles, and shredded cheddar cheese. Whisk vigorously until all the cheese is fully melted and the soup has a smooth, creamy texture.
- Optional Thickening: If you prefer a thicker soup, combine 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water to make a slurry. Stir this into the soup and cook until it thickens to your desired consistency.
- Serve: Ladle the hot queso soup into bowls and garnish with additional shredded cheese, fresh diced tomatoes, chopped green onions, or sliced avocado for extra flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use either ground beef or sausage according to your taste preference.
- For a spicier soup, consider using roasted green chiles or adding a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Make sure to soften the cream cheese before adding to ensure smooth melting.
- Adjust thickness by adding more or less cornstarch slurry as needed.
- Serve with tortilla chips or crusty bread for a complete meal.
