Creamy, cheesy, and packed with bold flavors, this Queso Soup is a comforting keto-friendly meal that’s perfect for chilly evenings. Loaded with ground beef , melted cheddar cheese, and mild green chiles, this soup delivers a satisfying blend of spice and richness in every spoonful.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and creamy – The combination of cream cheese and cheddar makes this soup irresistibly smooth.
- Keto-friendly – With low-carb ingredients, it’s perfect for a ketogenic diet.
- Easy to make – Ready in just 30 minutes, this soup is a quick and simple meal.
- Customizable – Swap out the protein, adjust the spice level, or add your favorite toppings.
- Great for meal prep – Store leftovers for an easy lunch or dinner throughout the week.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ground beef or sausage
- Onion, chopped
- Green bell pepper, chopped
- Minced garlic
- Onion powder
- Garlic powder
- Cumin
- Beef or vegetable broth
- Cream cheese, softened
- Mild green chiles
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Optional Thickener: cornstarch + cold water
Directions
- In a 4-quart Dutch oven or stock pot, brown the ground beef or sausage over medium heat. Drain off any grease.
- Add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté for 5-6 minutes, or until the onion has softened.
- Stir in the onion powder, garlic powder, cumin, and broth. Bring to a simmer. Cover the pot, reduce the heat to low, and cook for 10 minutes.
- Remove the lid and add the softened cream cheese, green chiles, and shredded cheddar cheese. Whisk vigorously until the cream cheese and cheese are fully melted and the soup is smooth.
- For a thicker soup, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water. Stir this mixture into the soup until thickened, if desired.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional cheese, fresh tomatoes, green onions, or chopped avocado.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Calories: 422 kcal per serving
Variations
- Protein Swap – Use ground turkey, shredded chicken for a different flavor.
- Spicier Kick – Add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Veggie Boost – Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra nutrients.
- Low-Dairy Version – Substitute dairy-free cream cheese and shredded cheese alternatives.
- Tex-Mex Style – Garnish with crushed tortilla chips, fresh cilantro, or a squeeze of lime.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. If reheating in the microwave, use short intervals and stir between each to prevent separation.
FAQs
How can I make this soup even thicker?
You can add the cornstarch slurry or blend a portion of the soup to make it thicker.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the meat first, then add all ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-5 hours.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use a gluten-free broth and thicken with cornstarch instead of flour.
Can I use pre-cooked meat?
Absolutely! If using pre-cooked meat, just add it when simmering the broth.
What are some keto-friendly toppings?
Try avocado, shredded cheese, or fresh herbs.
Can I use heavy cream instead of cream cheese?
Yes, but it will result in a thinner consistency.
What’s the best way to add extra spice?
Use hot green chiles, red pepper flakes, or a few dashes of hot sauce.
Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Yes, use dairy-free cheese and a plant-based cream cheese alternative.
What can I serve with this soup?
A side salad, keto-friendly bread, or roasted vegetables pair well.
How do I prevent the cheese from clumping?
Make sure to whisk continuously when adding the cheese and cream cheese for a smooth texture.
Conclusion
Queso Soup is a rich, cheesy, and comforting dish that’s perfect for a cozy night in. With its easy preparation and keto-friendly ingredients, this soup is sure to become a go-to recipe. Whether you customize it with different proteins or spice it up with extra heat, you’ll love how simple and satisfying this dish is.
