Description
This creamy and flavorful Queso Soup combines ground beef or sausage with sautéed vegetables, melted cheeses, and mild green chiles to create a comforting, cheesy soup perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
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
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
Liquids and Cheese
- 4 cups beef or vegetable broth
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 4 oz mild green chiles (canned, 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, 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 the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and 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, reduce the heat to low, and cook gently for 10 minutes to meld 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 has melted and the soup is smooth and creamy.
- Thicken if Desired: For a thicker consistency, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water until smooth. Stir this mixture into the soup and cook briefly until the soup thickens.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with extra shredded cheddar cheese, fresh diced tomatoes, chopped green onions, or sliced avocado as preferred.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
- The soup can be made vegetarian by using vegetable broth and omitting the meat.
- Adjust the amount of green chiles to control the level of spice.
- For a dairy-free version, try using vegan cream cheese and cheddar substitutes.
- Serve with tortilla chips or crusty bread for a complete meal.
