Cheesy Rotel Soup with Smoked Sausage

Introduction

When winter sets in, there’s nothing like a warm, hearty soup to lift your spirits and satisfy your hunger. This Cheesy Rotel Soup with Smoked Sausage has quickly become one of my go-to recipes for cold nights. The combination of smoked sausage, fresh vegetables, and creamy melted cheese makes every bite comforting and rich. I first made this soup for a family dinner, and it was an instant hit. The smoky flavor of the sausage blends perfectly with the tangy heat of the Rotel tomatoes, and the cream cheese and cheddar add a luscious creaminess that takes the soup to another level. My family loves it, and it’s now a staple in our winter rotation.

Ingredients

• For the Soup:
• 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
• 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

1. Brown the Smoked Sausage: Begin by heating a large stock pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even browning. Once cooked, drain off any excess grease to keep the soup from being too oily.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: Add the minced garlic, finely chopped onion, bell peppers, and celery to the pot with the sausage. Stir and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables have softened.
3. Add the Tomatoes and Broth: Pour in the undrained can of tomatoes with green chiles and the broth of your choice (beef, chicken, or vegetable). Stir well to combine, ensuring the sausage and vegetables are evenly distributed in the liquid. Bring the soup to a simmer.
4. Simmer the Soup: Lower the heat to low, cover the pot, and allow the soup to simmer for 25 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the vegetables to fully soften.
5. Add the Cream Cheese and Cheddar: Just before serving, add the cubed cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese to the soup. Stir constantly until the cream cheese is melted and the cheddar is fully incorporated, creating a smooth, creamy texture.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Once the cheese has melted, give the soup one final stir and serve immediately while it’s hot. Enjoy the rich, cheesy goodness of this wintertime favorite.

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 6-8 servings (depending on portion size)
• Calories per Serving: 400-450 calories
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 900mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 50mg

Preparation Time

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 35 minutes
• Total time: 45 minutes

How to Serve

• As a Main Dish: This soup is hearty enough to serve as a main meal on its own. Pair it with a side of crusty bread or a simple salad for a complete meal.
• With a Side of Cornbread: Serve the soup with warm, buttery cornbread for a cozy, comforting meal that’s perfect for chilly evenings.
• Top with Sour Cream or Green Onions: For an added touch of freshness, consider topping your soup with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of green onions.

Additional Tips

1. Use Quality Smoked Sausage: For the best flavor, choose a high-quality smoked sausage. The flavor of the sausage is key to the soup’s richness, so don’t skimp on this ingredient.
2. Make It Spicy: If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding some extra chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce along with the tomatoes to spice things up.
3. Adjust the Thickness: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes. Alternatively, if the soup becomes too thick, simply add more broth to reach your desired consistency.
4. Make It Vegetarian: For a vegetarian version, omit the sausage and replace the broth with vegetable broth. You can also add more vegetables, such as carrots or potatoes, to keep the soup hearty.
5. Cook on Low: After adding the cheese, make sure to cook the soup on low heat to avoid curdling the cream cheese or burning the cheese.

Recipe Variations

• Spicy Rotel Soup: Add extra jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the soup for an added kick.
• Slow Cooker Version: Brown the sausage and sauté the vegetables before transferring them to a slow cooker. Add the tomatoes, broth, and let it cook on low for 4-6 hours. Add the cream cheese and cheddar cheese just before serving.
• Chicken Sausage: Substitute the smoked sausage with chicken sausage for a lighter option.
• Creamy Potato Soup: Add some cubed potatoes for a heartier, more filling version of this soup.

Serving Suggestions

• With a Simple Green Salad: Pair the soup with a fresh, light salad made with greens, cucumbers, and a lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast to the creamy, cheesy soup.
• With Garlic Bread: Garlic bread or any type of crusty bread is perfect for dipping into this cheesy, savory soup.
• As an Appetizer: This soup also works well as a starter in a multi-course meal. Serve in smaller portions with a variety of other soups or mains.

Freezing and Storage

• Storing Leftovers: This soup keeps well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Store it in an airtight container and reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop when ready to enjoy.
• Freezing: You can freeze this soup for up to 3 months. To do so, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove over low heat.
• Note on Freezing: The cream cheese and cheese may alter the texture a bit after freezing and thawing, but the soup will still taste great!

FAQ Section

1. Can I use a different type of sausage?
   Yes, feel free to use any type of sausage you prefer, such as turkey sausage, kielbasa, or chicken sausage.
2. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
   Yes, this soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge. The flavors actually improve after sitting for a day or two.
3. Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
   Yes, you can use reduced-fat cream cheese if you prefer a lighter version of the soup, but it may slightly affect the creaminess.
4. Can I make this soup spicier?
   Absolutely! You can add extra spices, jalapeños, or hot sauce to give the soup a spicy kick.
5. What kind of broth should I use?
   You can use beef, chicken, or vegetable broth, depending on your preference. Chicken or vegetable broth will make the soup lighter, while beef broth adds a richer flavor.
6. Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
   While pre-shredded cheese is convenient, fresh-shredded cheddar melts better and gives the soup a creamier texture.
7. What can I substitute for the smoked sausage?
   You can substitute the smoked sausage with ham, bacon, or even ground beef for a different flavor profile.
8. Can I make this soup vegetarian?
   Yes, omit the sausage and use vegetable broth to make this soup vegetarian. You can also add extra vegetables to make it hearty.
9. Can I use other types of cheese?
   While cheddar cheese is the best option for this soup, you could try Monterey Jack, Gouda, or even pepper jack for a twist.
10. Can I use frozen vegetables?
    Yes, frozen vegetables can be used in place of fresh ones. Just be sure to thaw them before adding them to the soup.

Conclusion

Cheesy Rotel Soup with Smoked Sausage is the perfect winter meal, offering a comforting combination of creamy cheese, hearty sausage, and savory vegetables. It’s quick and easy to prepare, making it an ideal option for busy weeknights or casual family dinners. With the option to customize and add more spice or vegetables, it’s a flexible recipe that everyone can enjoy. Whether served as a main dish or paired with a side of bread, this soup will warm you up and leave you satisfied all winter long.

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