If you’re craving something hearty, comforting, and brimming with flavor, this Cheesy Rotel Soup with Smoked Sausage Recipe is an absolute winner. It’s the perfect blend of smoky sausage, creamy cheese, and zesty tomatoes with chiles that come together to create a bowl of pure joy. Whether you’re warming up on a chilly night or just want a cozy meal that impresses without fuss, this soup will quickly become your go-to comfort food classic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this recipe is delightfully simple, yet each one plays a vital role in building layers of flavor, adding texture, and giving that inviting color contrast that makes the soup as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the palate.
- Smoked sausage, 1 package (13.5 ounces): Provides a smoky, savory foundation with a satisfying meaty bite.
- Minced garlic, 1 teaspoon: Adds an aromatic punch that elevates every other ingredient.
- Finely chopped onion, 1/2 small (about 1/2 cup): Brings sweetness and depth as it softens during cooking.
- Orange bell pepper, finely chopped: Offers a colorful pop and a mild, fruity crunch.
- Red bell pepper, finely chopped: Adds a vibrant color and subtle sweetness to complement the sausage.
- Celery, 2 cups finely chopped: Introduces a pleasant crunch and an earthy undertone.
- Broth (beef, chicken, or vegetable), 32 ounces: The flavorful liquid base that ties everything together.
- Tomatoes with green chiles, 10-ounce can (undrained): Brings a bright, spicy kick that livens up the soup.
- Cream cheese, 6 ounces cubed: Creates a luscious, velvety texture and rich flavor.
- Shredded cheddar cheese, 1 1/2 cups: Melts beautifully to deepen the cheesiness and add a tangy edge.
How to Make Cheesy Rotel Soup with Smoked Sausage Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Smoked Sausage
Start by heating a large stock pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook it until it’s nicely browned, stirring occasionally. This step is important to release those smoky flavors while creating a caramelized texture. Once browned, carefully drain off the excess grease to keep the soup balanced and not too oily.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics and Vegetables
Into the pot with the sausage, toss the minced garlic, finely chopped onion, orange and red bell peppers, and celery. Cook this vibrant mix for about 5 to 7 minutes until the vegetables have softened and the kitchen starts to smell irresistible. This step brings out the sweetness in the veggies and builds a flavorful base for the soup.
Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Broth
Now pour in the undrained canned tomatoes with green chiles and your choice of broth—beef, chicken, or vegetable all work beautifully. Stir everything together so the flavors start to mingle. The tomatoes with chiles give a lovely zing that pairs perfectly with the smoky sausage and creamy cheeses.
Step 4: Simmer the Soup
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let your soup simmer gently for 25 minutes. This step allows all the ingredients to marry their flavors and the vegetables to soften fully, creating a comforting and well-rounded taste profile.
Step 5: Stir in the Cheeses
Right before serving, add the cubed cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese directly into the hot soup. Stir continuously to ensure the cheeses melt smoothly and infuse the soup with their creamy, decadent richness. This is where the magic of the Cheesy Rotel Soup with Smoked Sausage Recipe truly shines!
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Ladle the soup into bowls and serve it piping hot. This is comfort food at its very best, a bowl full of cheesy, smoky, spicy happiness that’s impossible not to love.
How to Serve Cheesy Rotel Soup with Smoked Sausage Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro or green onions adds a refreshing brightness that contrasts beautifully with the richness of the soup. For an extra touch, a dollop of sour cream or crushed tortilla chips on top can add creamy or crunchy excitement.
Side Dishes
Serve with warm crusty bread or buttery cornbread for dipping. A simple side salad with crisp greens and a tangy vinaigrette can balance out the richness and keep the meal vibrant.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in small bread bowls to make each bowl feel like a mini edible masterpiece. Or go for a casual gathering style by pairing the soup with a taco bar for an exciting, interactive meal experience that lets everyone customize their flavors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This soup stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making leftovers just as delicious as when freshly made.
Freezing
You can freeze Cheesy Rotel Soup with Smoked Sausage Recipe for up to 2 months. Keep in mind that the texture of the cream cheese might change slightly after thawing, but reheating and stirring well will bring back most of its creamy goodness.
Reheating
Gently reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring frequently to keep the cheese from sticking or separating. Adding a splash of broth or water can help loosen the soup if it thickens too much.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! While smoked sausage adds a wonderful smoky flavor, you can experiment with kielbasa, Andouille, or even chorizo depending on your taste preferences. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly and adjust seasonings accordingly.
Is this soup spicy?
The heat level comes from the tomatoes with green chiles. If you prefer a milder soup, opt for regular diced tomatoes instead, or drain some of the liquid from the tomatoes with chiles to tone down the spice.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, you can swap the smoked sausage for a plant-based sausage or skip it altogether, using vegetable broth and maybe adding some beans or mushrooms for extra texture and protein.
What’s the best cheese to use?
Sharp cheddar works brilliantly because it melts well and has a nice tang that balances the cream cheese’s richness. Feel free to mix in other cheeses like Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a different flavor profile.
How thick should the soup be?
The soup should be creamy and slightly thick but still spoonable. If you find it too thick after adding the cheeses, simply stir in a bit more broth to reach your desired consistency.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Rotel Soup with Smoked Sausage Recipe is one of those magical meals that feels like a warm hug in bowl form. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet special enough for guests, bursting with layers of smoky, cheesy, and spicy goodness. Give it a try—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
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Cheesy Rotel Soup with Smoked Sausage Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cheesy Rotel Soup with Smoked Sausage is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring browned smoked sausage, a medley of sautéed vegetables, and a creamy, cheesy broth with tomatoes and green chiles. Perfect for chilly days, this hearty soup combines a rich blend of cheddar and cream cheese to create a smooth, indulgent texture that’s sure to satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients
Sausage and Vegetables
- 1 13.5-ounce package smoked sausage, sliced
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1/2 small onion (about 1/2 cup), finely chopped
- 1 orange bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 2 cups celery, finely chopped
Liquids and Cheese
- 1 32-ounce broth (beef, chicken, or vegetable)
- 1 10-ounce can tomatoes with green chiles (undrained)
- 6 ounces cream cheese, cubed
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage: In a large stock pot or Dutch oven, brown the sliced smoked sausage over medium heat. Stir occasionally to ensure the sausage cooks evenly and develops a nice browned exterior. Once browned, drain off any excess grease to keep the soup from becoming too oily.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the minced garlic, finely chopped onion, orange and red bell peppers, and chopped celery to the pot with the sausage. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and release their fragrance, enhancing the soup’s flavor base.
- Add Liquids: Pour in the undrained can of tomatoes with green chiles and your choice of broth—beef, chicken, or vegetable. Stir everything well to combine all ingredients and distribute flavors evenly.
- Simmer the Soup: Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the soup simmer gently for 25 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the vegetables to become tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Incorporate the Cheese: Just before serving, stir in the cubed cream cheese along with the shredded cheddar cheese. Continue stirring until all the cheese has melted completely, creating a rich and creamy texture throughout the soup.
- Serve: Ladle the hot, cheesy soup into bowls and serve immediately to enjoy the comforting and indulgent flavors at their best.
Notes
- Use smoked sausage with your preferred spice level to adjust the soup’s heat.
- For a thicker soup, simmer uncovered the last 10 minutes to reduce liquid.
- Substitute cream cheese with mascarpone for a slightly different creamy texture.
- This soup reheats well and often tastes better the next day as flavors deepen.
- Serve with crusty bread or crackers for a complete meal.
