When you think of The Best Queso, imagine it transformed into a warm, creamy soup that’s perfect for cozy nights or game-day gatherings. This Queso Soup is rich, cheesy, and packed with flavor, while also being a great option for those looking for low carb soup recipes or a satisfying keto soup. It’s an irresistible combination of creamy cheese, savory spices, and hearty toppings like ground beef or sausage.

Perfect for anyone who loves indulgent flavors but wants to stick to a low-carb soup plan, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your rotation of best soup recipes.

🥣 Queso Soup Recipe

Difficulty:

Easy

Prep Time:

10 minutes

Cook Time:

20 minutes

Total Time:

30 minutes

Servings:

4–6

Ingredients

For the Queso Soup:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef, ground turkey, or sausage (optional, for a heartier soup)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened and cubed
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and pepper jack)
• 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel), drained
• 1 jalapeño, diced (optional, for extra spice)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Toppings:

• Diced avocado
• Chopped cilantro
• Sliced jalapeños
• Crumbled bacon
• Shredded cheese
• Sour cream

Step-By-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Protein

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the ground beef (or preferred protein) and cook until browned, breaking it up into crumbles with a spoon. Drain any excess fat and set the meat aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

1. In the same pot, add the onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
2. Stir in the garlic, cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika. Cook for an additional 1 minute, until fragrant.

Step 3: Build the Soup Base

1. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer.
2. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and cream cheese cubes. Whisk until the cream cheese is fully melted and smooth.

Step 4: Add the Cheese

1. Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, a handful at a time, stirring constantly to ensure it melts evenly without clumping.
2. Stir in the drained diced tomatoes with green chilies and the cooked ground beef (or other protein, if using).

Step 5: Simmer and Serve

1. Let the soup simmer on low heat for 5–10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper.
2. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings like avocado, cilantro, jalapeños, or bacon.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Queso Soup

• Cheese Choices: Use high-quality cheese for the best flavor. Cheddar and pepper jack work wonderfully, but you can also experiment with Colby, Monterey Jack, or queso fresco.
• Avoid Grainy Soup: To prevent the cheese from clumping or separating, make sure the soup is on low heat when adding the cheese, and stir continuously.
• Spice Level: Adjust the spice by adding more diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne if you like it hot, or use mild cheese and omit the jalapeños for a milder version.
• Low Carb Toppings: Stick to keto-friendly garnishes like avocado, bacon, or sour cream to keep this soup perfect for keto diets.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Queso Soup delivers everything you love about classic queso dip but in a comforting, hearty soup form. It’s easy to make, packed with rich, cheesy goodness, and versatile enough to fit into a variety of diets, including keto and low carb. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a standout game-day food, or simply a bowl of warm comfort, this soup is a must-try.

Serving Suggestions

• With Low-Carb Sides: Pair this soup with keto-friendly tortilla chips, almond flour crackers, or a side of sautéed vegetables.
• As a Dip: Make the soup slightly thicker by reducing the broth and serve it as a creamy dip for veggies or chips.
• Over Rice: For non-keto eaters, this soup is fantastic served over a scoop of rice or with crusty bread for dipping.

Leftovers and Storage

• Refrigerate: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Reheat gently over low heat on the stovetop, stirring frequently. Avoid high heat, which can cause the cheese to separate.
• Freeze: Freeze the soup in individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.