If you’re craving a cozy, comforting dish that brings a perfect blend of cheesy, spicy, and smoky flavors, this Cheesy Rotel Soup with Smoked Sausage Recipe is exactly what you need. This hearty soup combines tender smoked sausage and a medley of fresh vegetables with the irresistible kick of Rotel tomatoes and melty cheeses. Each spoonful offers a warm embrace of flavors that’s ideal for chilly evenings or whenever you want a satisfying, crowd-pleasing meal. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will quickly become one of your favorite go-to soups!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this soup lies in its simple yet flavor-packed ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in creating that rich, creamy, and slightly spicy profile that makes this dish so addictive.
- Smoked sausage: Adds smoky depth and protein to the soup, ensuring every bite is satisfying.
- Minced garlic: Brings aromatic warmth and enhances all the other flavors.
- Onion (finely chopped): Offers a subtle sweetness that balances the spice.
- Orange and red bell peppers: Provide a colorful crunch and natural sweetness to brighten the dish.
- Celery (finely chopped): Adds texture and a mild peppery note to complement the sausage.
- Broth (beef, chicken, or vegetable): Forms the savory base, carrying all the flavors together.
- Tomatoes with green chiles (undrained): Injects a zesty, spicy element that’s key to the signature taste.
- Cream cheese (cubed): Melts into creamy richness, creating a smooth texture.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Brings classic sharpness and gooey indulgence to finish the soup.
How to Make Cheesy Rotel Soup with Smoked Sausage Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Smoked Sausage
Start by slicing your smoked sausage and browning it in a large stock pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Stir occasionally to get an even golden color and render some of the flavorful fat. Once browned, drain off any excess grease to keep the soup hearty but not greasy.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Next, add minced garlic, finely chopped onion, orange and red bell peppers, and celery directly into the pot with your sausage. Cook them together for about 5 to 7 minutes until the vegetables soften and release their wonderful aromas. This step really builds the base flavor for the soup.
Step 3: Add the Tomatoes and Broth
Pour in your undrained can of tomatoes with green chiles along with your choice of broth—beef, chicken, or vegetable will all work beautifully. Stir everything well to combine, letting those ingredients start to mingle and create a flavorful liquid.
Step 4: Simmer the Soup
Turn the heat down to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer gently for 25 minutes. This slow cook helps the flavors blend perfectly and allows the vegetables to become tender without getting mushy, keeping every bite delightful.
Step 5: Add the Cheese
Right before serving, stir in the cubed cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese. Keep stirring until the cheeses fully melt, transforming the soup into a luscious, creamy masterpiece that clings wonderfully to your spoon.
How to Serve Cheesy Rotel Soup with Smoked Sausage Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro or green onions elevates the look and adds a fresh, slightly herbal note that pairs nicely with the rich soup. A few crushed tortilla chips on top can lend a delightful crunch and extra zest.
Side Dishes
This soup is hearty enough to stand on its own but pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, buttery dinner rolls, or even a simple green salad to balance the richness. For a Tex-Mex flair, serve with warm corn tortillas on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in bread bowls made from sourdough or French bread. Alternatively, ladle it over cooked rice or pasta for an indulgent, comforting meal that’s perfect for sharing at a family dinner or casual gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftover Cheesy Rotel Soup with Smoked Sausage Recipe into airtight containers and store in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, making it an excellent option for quick lunches or easy weeknight dinners.
Freezing
You can freeze this soup, but keep in mind that the texture of the cream cheese and cheddar might change slightly. Freeze in airtight, freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to ensure the cheese stays smooth and the soup doesn’t stick to the bottom. Adding a splash of broth or water can loosen it up if it has thickened too much after storage.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage for this recipe?
Absolutely! While smoked sausage lends a wonderful smoky flavor, you can substitute with Andouille, kielbasa, or even spicy Italian sausage depending on your taste preference.
Is this soup very spicy?
The spiciness mainly comes from the tomatoes with green chiles, which offer mild to moderate heat. If you prefer less spice, use regular canned tomatoes or reduce the amount of chiles.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply skip the smoked sausage and use vegetable broth. Adding extra vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini can boost flavor and texture.
What type of cheese works best in this soup?
Cream cheese and sharp cheddar are fantastic because they melt smoothly and add richness. You could also experiment with pepper jack cheese for an extra kick.
How thick is this soup? Can I make it thinner or thicker?
The soup has a creamy but pourable consistency. To thin it out, add more broth while simmering. To thicken, reduce the broth or add a bit of cornstarch slurry during cooking.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Rotel Soup with Smoked Sausage Recipe is truly a winner for anyone who loves bold, comforting flavors without a complicated prep. It’s one of those dishes that brings people together effortlessly, warming both heart and belly. Give it a try, and I promise it will become a cherished recipe in your collection, perfect for cozy nights or casual get-togethers alike.
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Cheesy Rotel Soup with Smoked Sausage Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A hearty and creamy Cheesy Rotel Soup featuring smoky sausage, vibrant bell peppers, celery, and a flavorful blend of tomatoes with green chiles simmered in broth and finished with melted cream cheese and shredded cheddar. Perfect for a comforting meal in under an hour.
Ingredients
Meat
- 1 13.5-ounce package smoked sausage, sliced
Vegetables
- 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 & Canned Goods
- 1 32-ounce broth (beef, chicken, or vegetable)
- 1 10-ounce can tomatoes with green chiles (undrained)
Dairy
- 6 ounces cream cheese, cubed
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Brown the Smoked Sausage: In a large stock pot or Dutch oven, brown the sliced smoked sausage over medium heat. Stir occasionally to ensure even browning. Once browned, drain off any excess grease to keep the soup from becoming too greasy.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add the minced garlic, finely chopped onion, orange and red bell peppers, and celery to the pot with the sausage. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, enhancing the soup’s flavor base.
- Add the Tomatoes and Broth: Pour the undrained can of tomatoes with green chiles along with your choice of broth (beef, chicken, or vegetable) into the pot. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer the Soup: Lower the heat to low, cover the pot, and allow the soup to simmer gently for 25 minutes. This simmering step melds flavors together and further softens the vegetables for a rich, balanced taste.
- Add the Cheese: Just before serving, stir in the cubed cream cheese followed by the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir continuously until all the cheese has melted completely and the soup has a creamy, velvety texture.
- Serve Hot: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve immediately to enjoy the warm, cheesy, and smoky flavors at their best.
Notes
- For a thinner soup, add additional broth or water while simmering.
- Adjust the level of spiciness by using mild or spicy Rotel tomatoes.
- Use low-fat cream cheese and reduced-fat cheddar for a lighter version.
- If preferred, substitute smoked sausage with smoked turkey sausage for a leaner protein option.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat gently on the stovetop.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
