There’s nothing quite like the perfect queso dip to bring everyone together around the table. This beef queso combines everything I love about classic Mexican flavors – rich, melted cheese, perfectly seasoned ground beef, and just the right amount of heat.
It’s the kind of dip that disappears fast at game day parties, holiday gatherings, potluck dinners, movie nights, or casual weeknight meals and has everyone asking for the recipe. Whether you’re hosting friends for the big game, throwing a birthday party, or just want something comforting for dinner, this creamy, indulgent dip delivers every single time.
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Table of contents
Easy Ground Beef Queso
What makes this beef queso so special is how incredibly easy it is to make. In less than 30 minutes, you’ll have a restaurant-quality dip that’s perfect for Super Bowl parties, family reunions, backyard barbecues, Cinco de Mayo celebrations, or even a cozy night in.
The combination of Velveeta and sharp cheddar creates the perfect melt, while the diced tomatoes with green chiles add just enough texture and flavor to keep things interesting. Serve it straight from the skillet with your favorite tortilla chips, and watch it become the star of your spread.
What You’ll Need to Cook
- Ground Beef: Look for an 80/20 blend, which provides the perfect balance of flavor and fat content, keeping the beef tender while adding richness to the finished queso.
- Velveeta Cheese: While cheese purists might turn their noses up at Velveeta, there’s no denying it’s the secret weapon for silky smooth queso. This processed cheese melts beautifully and maintains its creamy texture throughout the oven finishing process.
- Yellow Onion, Diced
- Garlic, Minced
- Jalapeño Pepper, Seeded and Diced
- Diced Tomatoes With Green Chiles, Drained
- Velveeta Cheese, Cubed
- Whole Milk
- Cream Cheese, Softened
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese, Shredded
Seasonings
- Taco Seasoning
- Smoked Paprika
- Garlic Powder
- Onion Powder
- Ground Cumin
- Cayenne Pepper
- Salt and Black Pepper to Taste
Garnish
- Green Onions
- Fresh Cilantro
- Tortilla Chips for Serving
Ingredient Substitutes
Ground Beef: Ground turkey or ground chicken works well as a lighter alternative, though you may want to add a tablespoon of olive oil to prevent dryness. For a vegetarian version, try seasoned black beans or crumbled firm tofu.
Cream Cheese: Greek yogurt (full-fat) can work in a pinch, but add it off the heat to prevent curdling. The texture will be slightly tangier and less rich.
Whole Milk: Heavy cream creates an even richer queso, though it may need occasional stirring to prevent separation. For a lighter version, try 2% milk but add an extra 2 oz of cream cheese for body.
Taco Seasoning: Make your own blend with 1 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp each of cumin and paprika, 1/2 tsp each of onion powder and garlic powder, and 1/4 tsp cayenne. This gives you better control over sodium and heat levels.
Sharp Cheddar: Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese works beautifully as a substitute. Pepper jack adds extra heat while Monterey Jack keeps things mild and creamy.
How to Make Beef Queso
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by browning your ground beef in the cast-iron skillet over medium heat, breaking it into small, uniform pieces. Once browned, add the onions, garlic, and jalapeños, cooking until the vegetables soften and become fragrant. This foundation step builds the flavor base for your entire queso.
Step 2: Layer in the Seasonings and Tomatoes
Stir in your spice blend and drained tomatoes, cooking just long enough to toast the spices and release their aromas. This step is crucial for developing a deep flavor that permeates every bite of the finished dish.
Step 3: Begin the Cheese Melting Process
Add the Velveeta, cream cheese, and milk to your beef mixture, stirring constantly as the cheeses begin to melt. Keep the heat moderate to prevent scorching and ensure smooth melting throughout. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until just combined.
Step 4: Transfer to the Oven
Transfer to your preheated 375°F oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until the top is bubbly and lightly golden, creating that perfect finishing touch.
How To Store Leftovers and Reheat
Allow leftover queso to cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 4 days in the coldest part of your refrigerator. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months, though texture may become slightly grainy after thawing.
To reheat, add 2-3 tablespoons of milk or cream to restore creaminess. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, or reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat. For larger portions, reheat in a 300°F oven for 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway through. Add fresh garnishes before serving to restore that just-made appearance.
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What To Serve With Beef Queso
Here are some tasty sides and appetizers that pair perfectly with rich, cheesy beef queso:
🥖 Grilled Garlic Bread
🥔 Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole
🥨 Smoked Cheez-Its
🥓 Smoked Pig Shots
🌽 Grilled Cornbread
🥩 Brisket Sausage Rolls
🥒 Smoked Pickles
🧄 Smoked Onion Bombs
Beef Queso
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef 80/20
- 1 medium yellow onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 jalapeño pepper seeded and diced
- 1 can 10 oz diced tomatoes with green chiles, drained
- 2 lbs Velveeta cheese cubed
- 1 cup whole milk
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese shredded
Seasonings
- 2 tbsp taco seasoning
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 green onions chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped
- Tortilla chips for serving
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- In a large cast iron skillet, brown ground beef over medium heat, breaking it into small pieces. Drain excess fat.
- Add diced onion, garlic, and jalapeño to beef. Cook for 5-7 minutes until vegetables soften.
- Stir in all seasonings and diced tomatoes. Cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add cubed Velveeta, cream cheese, and milk to the skillet. Stir constantly until cheeses begin melting.
- Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until just combined.
- Transfer skillet to oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden on top.
- Remove from oven, garnish with green onions and cilantro, and serve immediately with tortilla chips.
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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