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
Scale
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.
