Looking for the ultimate cold-weather comfort food that’s bold, creamy, and packed with smoky flavor? Welcome to your new favorite recipe: Cheesy Rotel Soup with Smoked Sausage! This easy one-pot dish combines melty cheddar cheese, zesty Rotel tomatoes with green chilies, and savory smoked sausage in a luscious, crave-worthy soup that comes together in just 30 minutes. Whether you need a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish for game day, this soup delivers all the warm, cheesy goodness you could ever want.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Cheesy Rotel Soup with Smoked Sausage is its simplicity—each ingredient plays an essential role in building rich body, bold flavor, and irresistible color. Pull together just a handful of pantry staples and fresh basics, and you’ll be on your way to creamy, cheesy perfection in no time.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps brown the sausage for extra flavor depth.
- Smoked sausage (14 oz): The star of the show, infuses the soup with a wonderful smoky, meaty bite.
- Small onion: Diced for a sweet, aromatic foundation that balances the cheese and sausage.
- Garlic: Freshly minced for a pop of robust flavor that rounds out the broth.
- Rotel (10 oz can): Provides juicy tomatoes and green chilies for a perfect kick of zest and color.
- Condensed cheddar cheese soup (10.5 oz can): Delivers dreamy creaminess and unbeatable cheesy taste with minimal fuss.
- Chicken broth (2 cups): Lightens up the soup and brings every ingredient together.
- Milk or heavy cream (1/2 cup): For luxurious texture and extra richness—use what you prefer!
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 1/2 cups): Melts into the broth for a gooey, decadent finish.
- Smoked paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Doubles down on smoky depth and gorgeous color.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a gentle heat that complements the sausage and cheese.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon or to taste): Essential for bringing out the best in every bite.
- Cooked macaroni or small pasta (1 cup, optional): Turns soup into a hearty meal, perfect for extra hungry nights!
- Chopped green onions: The fresh, zesty garnish that completes each bowl of cheesy goodness.
How to Make Cheesy Rotel Soup with Smoked Sausage
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating your olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once it shimmers, add the smoked sausage rounds and let them sizzle until both sides are nicely browned, about 5 minutes. This caramelization brings out the sausage’s irresistible savory notes—don’t rush it! Remove the sausage from the pot and set aside, but leave all those tasty brown bits behind for even more flavor.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same pot, toss in your diced onion and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until it softens and begins to turn translucent. Give the mixture a stir now and then so nothing sticks. Add the minced garlic and let it cook for just 30 seconds—long enough to become fragrant but not so long it burns.
Step 3: Build the Cheesy Broth
Pour in the can of Rotel (juices and all), the condensed cheddar cheese soup, chicken broth, and milk or cream. Sprinkle in your smoked paprika, pepper, and salt. Stir everything thoroughly, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom for maximum flavor. Bring the pot to a gentle simmer so everything blends into a beautiful, golden base.
Step 4: Simmer and Add Sausage
Return the browned smoked sausage slices to the pot. Let the soup simmer gently for about 10 to 15 minutes, stirring every so often. The flavors will meld, the soup will thicken slightly, and that mouthwatering aroma will fill your kitchen.
Step 5: Add Cheese & (Optional) Pasta
Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese a little at a time, giving it a moment to melt before adding more. This ensures the soup stays ultra-smooth and indulgent. If you’re adding pasta, now’s the time—fold in the cooked macaroni and let it warm through for a few minutes. Don’t forget to taste and adjust the seasoning if needed!
Step 6: Garnish & Serve
Ladle the hot Cheesy Rotel Soup with Smoked Sausage into bowls and sprinkle generously with those fresh chopped green onions. Each spoonful is rich, creamy, and utterly unforgettable!
How to Serve Cheesy Rotel Soup with Smoked Sausage
Garnishes
A sprinkle of vibrant chopped green onions cuts through the richness and adds a burst of color that makes every bowl pop. If you love a touch more heat, dust the top with crushed red pepper flakes or even a few slices of fresh jalapeño. And for those who can’t resist more cheese, a pinch of shredded cheddar or a dollop of sour cream is always welcome.
Side Dishes
Cheesy Rotel Soup with Smoked Sausage is wonderful all by itself, but pairing it with warm crusty bread or buttery cornbread makes it truly spectacular. The breads soak up all that cheesy broth—perfection in every bite. For a lighter meal, serve it with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette to balance the soup’s richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn this crowd-pleaser into a showstopper by serving the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls, or offer a toppings bar with extra cheese, green onions, and hot sauce so everyone can customize their bowl. For game day, ladle it into sturdy mugs for easy carrying and sipping. However you serve it, Cheesy Rotel Soup with Smoked Sausage is guaranteed to steal the show.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cheesy Rotel Soup with Smoked Sausage holds up beautifully in the fridge! Allow the soup to cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It stays fresh for up to three days, and the flavors actually deepen and get even better overnight. If the soup thickens during storage, just add a splash of broth or milk before reheating.
Freezing
This soup freezes well, too! Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little room at the top for expansion. Seal tightly and freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy again, transfer to the fridge to thaw overnight—you’ll love having Cheesy Rotel Soup with Smoked Sausage ready to go on busy nights.
Reheating
Gently reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to keep the cheese smooth and creamy. You can also microwave individual portions in short intervals, stirring between each burst. If it’s thicker than you’d like, simply add a splash of broth or milk to bring back that perfect, velvety texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different kind of sausage?
Absolutely! While smoked sausage gives the soup its signature depth, you can swap in kielbasa, andouille, or even turkey sausage if you prefer. Just be sure to brown it well to capture all those savory flavors.
Is Cheesy Rotel Soup with Smoked Sausage spicy?
The standard Rotel provides a gentle warmth, but it’s not overly spicy. For extra heat, use hot Rotel or stir in some crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños. Want it milder? Substitute plain diced tomatoes for the Rotel.
Can I make this soup gluten-free?
Definitely! Just choose a gluten-free smoked sausage, and skip the pasta or use a certified gluten-free noodle variety. Double-check the condensed cheese soup label to ensure it doesn’t contain gluten.
What’s the best way to add more veggies?
Feel free to toss in chopped bell peppers, corn, or even baby spinach during the simmering stage. These add color, nutrition, and a fresh twist to Cheesy Rotel Soup with Smoked Sausage, making it even more satisfying.
Can I make it in advance for a party?
Yes! This soup is actually even tastier after the flavors have melded for a few hours. Prepare it earlier in the day, then gently reheat before serving. Serve in a slow cooker on the “warm” setting to keep it hot for guests.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dish that’s heartwarming, full of bold flavor, and almost dangerously easy to make, this Cheesy Rotel Soup with Smoked Sausage needs to be on your table. I hope you’ll give it a try—one spoonful is all it takes to fall in love with its creamy, smoky goodness!
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Cheesy Rotel Soup with Smoked Sausage Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Warm up with a bowl of Cheesy Rotel Soup with Smoked Sausage, a comforting and flavorful dish that combines the smokiness of sausage with the richness of cheddar cheese. Perfect for a cozy night in!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 14 oz smoked sausage (sliced into rounds)
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 (10 oz) can Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies)
- 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cheddar cheese soup
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup milk or heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup cooked elbow macaroni or small pasta (optional)
- chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot, add smoked sausage and brown on both sides. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté onion until soft, then add garlic and cook.
- Add Rotel, cheddar cheese soup, broth, milk/cream, seasonings.
- Simmer, return sausage, then add shredded cheese until melted.
- If using, add cooked pasta and garnish with green onions before serving.
Notes
- For extra heat, use hot Rotel or red pepper flakes.
- Soup thickens upon standing; adjust consistency when reheating.
- Pair with cornbread or crusty bread for a delicious meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
