Chile Verde Sopita

Chile Verde Sopita is a comforting, flavorful Tex-Mex–style pasta soup that combines savory ground meat, green chiles, tender pasta, and warm spices in a rich broth. It’s hearty enough for dinner yet simple enough for a weeknight meal. The combination of cumin, oregano, garlic, and roasted green chiles creates deep, satisfying flavor, while a touch of creamy cheese gives the soup its signature velvety finish.

This dish is perfect for feeding a family, meal prepping, or warming up on chilly evenings. It’s budget-friendly, easy to customize, and packed with bold Southwestern taste in every spoonful.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Servings: 6

Ingredients

Ground Meat

1 pound ground beef (or ½ pound ground beef + ½ pound spicy hot sausage)

Oil

1 tablespoon olive oil

Vegetables

1 medium onion, finely diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned, drained if very watery)

1 cup diced green chiles (such as Hatch green chiles)

Liquid

4 cups chicken broth or stock

Pasta

1½ cups small pasta (elbow macaroni or small shells)

Seasonings

1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

½ teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon dried oregano

½ teaspoon onion powder

½ teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon chicken bouillon

Cheese

1 cup cubed Velveeta or shredded Muenster cheese

Instructions

Heat the pot: In a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat.

Brown the meat: Add ground beef (or beef and sausage mix). Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat if needed.

Add onion: Stir in diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.

Add garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Add tomatoes and chiles: Mix in diced tomatoes and green chiles. Cook 2–3 minutes to blend flavors.

Season: Add salt, pepper, cumin, oregano, onion powder, garlic powder, and chicken bouillon. Stir well.

Pour broth: Add chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil.

Add pasta: Stir in pasta. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.

Add cheese: Reduce heat to low and stir in cubed Velveeta or shredded Muenster until melted and smooth.

Adjust & serve: Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot.

Tips

Use roasted Hatch chiles when in season for authentic flavor.

Drain excess fat after browning meat to avoid greasy soup.

Toast spices briefly in the pot before adding broth for deeper flavor.

Stir frequently after adding pasta to prevent sticking.

Don’t overcook pasta — it continues softening as it sits.

Use low-sodium broth to better control salt levels.

Cube Velveeta small so it melts quickly and evenly.

Add cheese off high heat to prevent curdling.

If soup thickens too much, add extra broth when reheating.

Let soup rest 5 minutes before serving for fuller flavor.

Variations

Substitute ground turkey or chicken for lighter option.

Add diced potatoes for extra heartiness.

Q&A

What does “sopita” mean?
“Sopita” means “little soup” in Spanish, often referring to pasta-based soups.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, but pasta will absorb broth. Add extra broth when reheating.

Can I freeze it?
It’s best fresh, but you can freeze without pasta and add fresh pasta later.

Is it very spicy?
It depends on your chiles and sausage choice. Adjust heat to preference.

Can I use fresh tomatoes?
Yes, use ripe Roma tomatoes for best texture.

What pasta works best?
Small shapes like elbows or shells cook evenly and hold broth well.

Can I skip the cheese?
Yes, but it won’t have the creamy finish.

How do I thicken the soup?
Simmer longer or reduce broth slightly.

Can I cook pasta separately?
Yes, especially if storing leftovers.

What can I serve with it?
Warm tortillas, cornbread, or a fresh salad pair nicely.

Nutrition

(Approximate per serving)

Calories: 420–480

Protein: 22–26g

Carbohydrates: 35–40g

Fat: 22–28g

Fiber: 3–4g

Sodium: 700–900mg

(Nutrition varies depending on meat blend and cheese used.)

Conclusion

Chile Verde Sopita is a bold, comforting one-pot meal that delivers rich Southwestern flavor with minimal effort. Savory ground meat, tender pasta, smoky green chiles, and warming spices come together in a cozy broth finished with creamy melted cheese. It’s satisfying, customizable, and perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.