Cheesy Beef Soup Recipe

Hearty Cheesy Beef Soup Recipe: A Cozy Bowl of Comfort

Comfort meets culinary magic in this hearty cheesy beef soup that promises to warm your soul on chilly evenings.

Winter nights call for a bowl brimming with rich, melted cheese and tender beef chunks.

Our simple recipe blends classic flavors with creamy goodness that dance across your palate.

Each spoonful brings a delightful harmony of robust meat and smooth, cascading cheese.

The ingredients meld together, creating a robust soup that feels like a warm embrace.

Ladle this delectable creation into bowls and watch as smiles spread around the table.

Prepare to savor every comforting, cheesy bite.

Cheesy Beef Soup—What to Know

  • Whip up this hearty soup in just a few simple steps, perfect for busy families craving a comforting dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Combine ground beef, bell peppers, and a blend of cheeses to create a rich, creamy soup that delivers bold taste in every spoonful.
  • Personalize your soup with optional toppings like fresh tomatoes, green onions, or creamy avocado to suit individual preferences and add extra texture.
  • Minimize cleanup with this single-pot recipe that brings together protein, vegetables, and cheesy goodness in one delicious meal.

Cheesy Beef Soup Ingredient Checklist

Protein Base:
  • Ground Beef: A hearty meat that provides rich flavor and protein to the soup.
  • Sausage: An optional meat that adds extra depth and spiciness to the dish.
Vegetables:
  • Onion, Bell Pepper, Garlic: A classic aromatic trio that builds a robust flavor foundation for the soup.
Liquid and Seasoning:
  • Broth: The essential liquid base that creates the soup's consistency and enhances overall taste.
  • Spices: Seasonings that add complexity and warmth to the soup's flavor profile.
Cheese and Dairy:
  • Cream Cheese: A creamy ingredient that adds richness and smooth texture to the soup.
  • Cheddar Cheese: A sharp cheese that melts beautifully and provides a classic cheesy flavor.
Garnish and Optional Ingredients:
  • Green Chiles: A zesty ingredient that introduces a mild heat and tangy flavor.
  • Green Onions, Tomatoes, Avocado: Fresh toppings that add color, texture, and extra layers of taste.
Thickening Agent:
  • Cornstarch: An optional ingredient used to create a thicker, more substantial soup consistency.

Tools for Cheesy Beef Soup Night

  • Dutch oven: Perfect for browning meat and simmering soup with even heat distribution.
  • Cutting board: Essential for chopping onions, bell peppers, and green onions.
  • Sharp knife: Helps slice vegetables quickly and precisely.
  • Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients while cooking.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities.
  • Whisk: Helps blend cheeses smoothly into the soup.
  • Ladle: Convenient for serving the soup into bowls.

Cheesy Beef Soup Cooking Steps

Step 1: Sizzle and Drain the Meat

Brown the ground beef or sausage in a Dutch oven over medium heat.

Let the meat develop a rich, golden color.

Carefully drain away any excess grease to keep the soup light and delicious.

Step 2: Awaken the Aromatics

Toss in the chopped ingredients:
  • Onion
  • Bell pepper
  • Garlic

Sauté these vibrant vegetables for 5-6 minutes until the onions become translucent and release their irresistible fragrance.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Foundation

Sprinkle in your favorite spices and pour in the broth.

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, cover the pot, and let it simmer on low heat for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to mingle and dance.

Step 4: Create Creamy Cheese Magic

Time to make the soup luxuriously smooth!

Add these creamy delights:
  • Cream cheese
  • Green chiles
  • Cheddar cheese

Whisk continuously until the cheeses melt completely, creating a velvety texture that will make mouths water.

Step 5: Optional Thickening Technique

Want a heartier soup?

Create a quick cornstarch slurry by mixing cornstarch with cold water.

Stir this into the soup to achieve your desired consistency.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Top your masterpiece with a sprinkle of extra goodness:
  • Shredded cheese
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Chopped green onions
  • Sliced avocado

Ladle into bowls and enjoy the comforting, cheesy goodness!

Tips for Cheesy Beef Soup Perfection

  • Use high-fat ground beef for richer flavor, but drain excess grease to keep soup from becoming too oily.
  • Dice vegetables uniformly for even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
  • Remove soup from direct heat when adding cheeses to prevent breaking or becoming grainy.
  • Add cornstarch gradually and whisk continuously to avoid lumps and achieve desired soup consistency.
  • Keep soup at low simmer after adding dairy to maintain smooth, creamy texture without scorching.

Cheesy Beef Soup Variation Ideas

  • Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans for a meatless version that maintains protein content.
  • Low-Carb Friendly: Substitute bell peppers with zucchini and use cauliflower rice as a base to reduce carbohydrate intake while keeping the soup's rich flavor.
  • Spicy Mexican Style: Add jalapeños, swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese, and include a dash of cumin and chili powder for a zesty southwestern kick.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: Use coconut cream instead of cream cheese, nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor, and dairy-free cheese alternatives to accommodate lactose-intolerant individuals.

Best Ways to Serve Cheesy Beef Soup

  • Cozy Game Night Companion: Serve this hearty soup during board game sessions with friends, pairing perfectly with crusty bread and cold drinks.
  • Chili Lover's Dream: Top with crispy tortilla strips, jalapeños, and a dollop of sour cream for extra southwestern flair and spicy kick.
  • Comfort Food Feast: Ladle into deep ceramic bowls, sprinkle fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives, and enjoy alongside a simple green salad for a complete meal.
  • Protein Power Lunch: Pack in a thermal container for work or school, adding extra shredded cheese just before eating to maintain maximum cheesy goodness.

Storing Cheesy Beef Soup

  • Store leftovers in airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring soup is completely cooled before sealing.
  • Pour soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freeze up to 3 months. Label container with date and contents.
  • Transfer desired portion to microwave-safe bowl. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Check temperature before serving.
  • Pour soup into saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally to prevent scorching. Add splash of broth or water if soup seems too thick. Warm until heated through, approximately 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

  • Can I use different types of meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat for a different protein option.

  • Is this soup spicy?

The soup has a mild heat from the green chiles, but you can control the spiciness by using mild green chiles or adding hot sauce to taste.

  • Can I make this soup dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, use dairy-free cream cheese alternatives and skip the cheddar cheese, or use non-dairy cheese substitutes.

  • How can I make this soup more nutritious?

Add extra vegetables like diced carrots, celery, or spinach to boost the nutritional value and add more flavor and texture to the soup.

Print
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Cheesy Beef Soup Recipe

Cheesy Beef Soup Recipe


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4.6 from 16 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Rich and hearty Midwestern cheesy beef soup brings comfort on cold nights. Creamy Wisconsin cheddar and tender ground beef create a satisfying meal perfect for family gatherings. You’ll savor each spoonful of this classic regional favorite.


Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Protein:

  • 1.5 pounds ground beef or sausage
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • 1 cup onion, chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 3 (4 ounce) cans mild green chiles

Seasonings and Liquid:

  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 32 ounces beef or vegetable broth
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon cold water (optional)

Instructions

  1. Sear ground beef or sausage in a Dutch oven over medium heat (375°F) until browned, eliminating excess fat through thorough draining.
  2. Introduce diced onions, chopped bell peppers, and minced garlic into the meat, sautéing for 5-6 minutes until vegetables become translucent and fragrant.
  3. Incorporate selected spices and pour in rich broth, allowing mixture to reach a gentle simmer. Reduce heat, cover, and let flavors meld for 10 minutes.
  4. Blend cream cheese, roasted green chiles, and shredded cheddar into the soup, whisking continuously until cheeses completely dissolve and create a smooth, creamy texture.
  5. For enhanced thickness, create a cornstarch slurry with cold water and gently stir into the soup, cooking until desired consistency develops.
  6. Garnish with additional cheese sprinkles, diced fresh tomatoes, sliced green onions, or creamy avocado chunks for a vibrant and textural finish.

Notes

  • Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier soup base.
  • Swap meat with plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian version that maintains rich flavor profiles.
  • Pat meat dry before browning to ensure perfect caramelization and develop deeper meaty taste.
  • Grate cheese freshly instead of using pre-shredded varieties for smoother, more luxurious melting texture.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 410
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 6 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Clara Thompson

Clara Thompson

Recipe Developer & Food Educator

Expertise

Plant-based and vegetarian recipe development, Nutritional analysis and meal planning, Culinary education and workshop facilitation, Content writing with a focus on healthy living​

Education

Diploma in Culinary Arts, Mt. San Jacinto College, CA
Focus: Comprehensive culinary training with an emphasis on sustainable cooking practices.

Certificate in Nutrition and Healthy Living, Cornell University (Online Program)
Focus: Understanding the principles of nutrition to create balanced and health-conscious recipes.


Clara lives where fresh ideas and fresh ingredients meet. She pairs her culinary know-how with her passion for healthy, planet-friendly cooking.
For Clara, good food should taste great, nourish your body, and feel easy to make. Her recipes highlight whole foods, colorful produce, and a deep respect for seasonal eating.

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