The secret to a truly satisfying chili beer soup lies in balancing the richness of the cheese with a bright, earthy spice. This recipe delivers a robust flavor profile that warms you from the inside out, making it a perfect meal for a chilly evening. This chili beer soup combines lean ground meat with aromatic vegetables and a unique beer-infused broth, finished with an irresistible creamy cheese blend. It’s a surprisingly simple dish to prepare, yet it tastes like it simmered all day. I remember the first time I made this, I was worried the beer would be too overpowering, but it just adds a subtle depth that improves the entire dish.

Creamy Chili Beer Cheese Soup: Your New Obsession!
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef, chicken, or turkey
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 1 poblano pepper, chopped
- 3-4 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 1/4 cup all purpose flour
- salt and black pepper
- 2-4 cups broth
- 1 can/bottle beer (or additional broth)
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 cups chunky red salsa
Instructions
- In a large Dutch oven set over medium-high heat, brown the meat and onions all over, breaking up the meat as you go, about 5 minutes.
- Add the poblanos, taco seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5 minutes, until fragrant. Stir in the flour and cook for another minute. Pour over 2 cups of broth, add the beer or additional broth, and bring to a simmer. Simmer for 10 minutes until the soup thickens a bit.
- Pour over the milk. Add the cream cheese, the salsa, and the shredded cheese. Stir to melt, 5 minutes. If the soup is too thick, add broth to thin.
- Ladle the soup into bowls. Top as desired with cilantro, avocado, and scallions. You can sprinkle over some extra cheese too! Eat and enjoy!
Notes
– If your soup is too thick, gradually add more broth until it reaches your desired consistency. Don’t be afraid to adjust based on preference.
– When adding cheese, remove the pot from direct heat to prevent it from clumping or getting stringy. Stir until smooth.
– Ensure ground meat reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) to ensure it is fully cooked and safe to eat. Nutrition information is an estimate, calculated automatically. Values vary with brands, substitutions and portion sizes.
Pro tips
- For extra flavor, brown the ground meat until well-caramelized before adding other ingredients. This deepens the savory notes.
- If your soup is too thick, gradually add more broth until it reaches your desired consistency. Don’t be afraid to adjust based on preference.
- When adding cheese, remove the pot from direct heat to prevent it from clumping or getting stringy. Stir until smooth.
- Ensure ground meat reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) to ensure it is fully cooked and safe to eat.
This chili beer soup is a fantastic way to enjoy a hearty, flavorful meal with minimal fuss. Experiment with different types of beer for varied flavor notes, or add a pinch of smoked paprika for extra depth. Share your favorite toppings!
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