Ingredients:
- 1/2 lb spicy hot sausage (such as chorizo or spicy breakfast sausage)
- 1/2 lb ground beef (85% lean)
- 2 cups Hatch green chile, roasted and chopped
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 1/2 cup minced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup macaroni (elbow or other small shapes)
- 4 cups chicken stock
- 4 oz melting cheese, cut into chunks (Velveeta, Muenster, or similar)
Method:
Step 1: Brown the Meats
In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, cook the sausage and ground beef together until fully browned and crumbly. Break the meat apart with a spoon and season lightly with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Add Chiles and Vegetables
Stir in the Hatch green chiles, diced tomatoes, minced onion, and garlic. Cook for 3–4 minutes, until the onions begin to soften and the flavors start to come together.
Step 3: Toast the Pasta
Push the meat mixture to one side of the pot. Add the butter and olive oil, then stir in the macaroni. Toast the pasta until lightly golden, which adds a nutty flavor and helps the pasta stay firm in the broth.
Step 4: Simmer in Broth
Pour in the chicken stock. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and the broth has developed flavor.
Step 5: Melt in the Cheese
Remove the pot from the heat. Add the chunks of cheese and cover the pot for 1–2 minutes, allowing the cheese to soften and melt into creamy ribbons throughout the soup.
Step 6: Serve
Ladle the sopita into bowls, making sure each serving includes broth, meat, pasta, and melted cheese. Serve hot with warm tortillas or crusty bread.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Comforting and hearty
- Ready in about 30 minutes
- One-pot meal for easy cleanup
- Customizable heat and ingredients
- Family-friendly and kid-approved
Tips for the Best Sopita
- Roast and chop your own Hatch chiles for deeper flavor.
- Toasting the pasta helps it keep its texture.
- Adjust the spice level by choosing mild or hot sausage.
- Use a cheese that melts smoothly, such as Velveeta or Muenster.
Variations
- Add extra vegetables such as corn, zucchini, or carrots.
- Increase spice with jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
- Stir in cream cheese or cheddar for richer texture.
- Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or shredded chicken.
What to Serve With It
- Warm flour or corn tortillas
- Crusty bread
- Avocado slices or guacamole
- A crisp green salad with citrus dressing
- Rice or beans for a heartier meal
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerator: Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop. Add a splash of water or broth if needed.
- Freezing: Not recommended because pasta becomes mushy, but the meat-and-broth mixture can be frozen. Add freshly cooked pasta when reheating.