This super simple, easy cheese appetizer has a smoky kick. My queso has ground beef and three types of cheese: BBQ sauce, garlic, and jalapenos and then cooked in a smoker making it a flavor bomb.
It is always a hit for adults and kids, perfect for cookouts, game days, tailgating, or backyard BBQs. Remember to pick up your favorite dipping apparatus, such as corn chips, carrots, cucumbers, or red bell peppers.
Table of contents
Easy Beef Smoked Queso
This isn’t your average queso—we’re cooking everything right in the smoker for incredible depth and flavor. The ground beef absorbs rich smoky notes while the cheese melts into perfect creamy consistency, creating something you simply can’t achieve indoors. The smoker transforms ordinary ingredients into an addictive dip with complex flavors that’ll have everyone coming back for more.
You can customize the heat level or keep it mild to let that smoky beef shine. This works perfectly with chips, but it’s also amazing over nachos or folded into quesadillas. Best of all, the smoker does all the work while you relax and enjoy the results.
What You Need
- 8 oz block cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup your favourite BBQ sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jalapeno, minced
How to Make Smoked Queso
Step 1: Prepare the Smoker
Preheat the smoker to 300°F. Break up the beef in a large cast iron skillet. Place the skillet on the smoker and cook for 20-25 minutes until all the meat is brown, then remove from the heat. Drain the grease from the pan.
Increase the smoker to 350°F.
Step 2: Prepare the Queso Dip
Mix cream cheese, sour cream, barbecue sauce, garlic, and cheddar cheese. Beat well until combined.
Use a wooden spoon to flatten the beef so it is even across the bottom of the pan. Then, cover it with mozzarella and jalapenos.
Step 3: Cook the Queso Dip
Place in the smoker for 25-30 minutes. When the edges start to brown, it will be about ready. Optional: broil the dip for 2-3 minutes at 450°F. When the mozzarella is bubbling, remove from the heat. It can burn if you leave it too long.
Step 4: Serve the Queso Dip
Serve with tortilla chips, crackers, sliced baguette, pita chips or veggies!
Can You Make This Recipe On A Gas Or Charcoal Grill?
You can follow this same recipe to make queso on a charcoal or gas grill, it if you use a smoke box or smoke pouch. The smoke box or pouch will help infuse the queso with that delicious smoky flavor.
Can You Add Other Types of Meat To This Recipe?
Adding hot pork sausage or pulled pork can amplify the flavors! Be sure to thoroughly cook the meat before adding it. This will ensure it is fully cooked and allow you to drain any unwanted grease before adding it to the queso.
How Do You Store Leftover Queso Dip?
The remaining queso should be refrigerated in an airtight container for 3-4 days. It can be heated on the stove, in the microwave, or in a slow cooker.
My Favorite Wood Chips To Use
We recommend using hickory wood chunks for that delicious wood-fired flavor. However, you can use whichever wood chips you prefer. For a hearty taste, try something strong like mesquite. If you want something milder, try a fruit wood, like apple or cherry.
The smokier flavors are great because they add a layer of depth to the queso’s flavor!
What To Serve With Smoked Queso Dip
Tortilla chips, crackers, sliced baguettes, pita chips, and veggies are great dippers. Serving these foods with the queso will enhance the flavor experience.
We have several recipes for dishes that will go great with this smoked queso!
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More Appetizers to Serve With Beef Queso 🧀🥩
🥓 Smoked Shotgun Shells
🍢 Game Day Crunchy Meatballs
🧀 Baked Queso Dip
🧀 Smoked Cream Cheese
🥔 Leftover Mashed Potato Cakes
🥩 Brisket Sausage Rolls
🥓 Smoked Pig Shots
🍗 Smoked Chicken Wings
Smoked Ground Beef Queso
Equipment
- Smoker
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 8 oz block cream cheese room temperature
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup your favorite BBQ sauce
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 jalapeño minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the smoker to 350°F.
- In a greased cast iron pan, cook the ground beef directly in the smoker for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally until browned and cooked through. Season with salt and pepper.
- Mix the cream cheese, sour cream, barbecue sauce, garlic, and 3/4 cup of the cheddar cheese. Beat well until combined.
- Add the cheese mixture to the cooked ground beef in the pan and stir to combine. Top with the remaining cheddar cheese, mozzarella, and chopped jalapeño.
- Place in the smoker for 25-30 minutes. When the edges start to brown and cheese is bubbly, it will be ready.
- Optional: For extra browning, broil the dip for 2-3 minutes at 450°F. When the cheese is golden and bubbling, remove from heat. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Serve with tortilla chips, crackers, sliced baguette, pita chips, or veggies!
Smoke On!
Charlie
Author: Charlie Reeves
Hi, I’m Charlie, I have been meat-smoking and grilling for the past 15 years. I have an array of different smokers, thermometers, and have a love for finding the right wood and charcoal combo My favourite recipes are my EXTRA CRISPY smoked pork belly, juicy pulled pork, smoked brisket, duck poppers, and ANY SEAFOOD I grill).
I loves sharing his tips with beginners, helping them navigate the world of smoking. I find it’s not just about cooking; it’s a quest for that perfect smoky flavor.
You will usually find me playing with the kids, perfecting my brisket bark, or sipping beers with boys around the fire. Can’t wait to share all my delicious smoking and grilling recipes with you!
You can read more about me on our About Us page.
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