Description
This Beef Queso Dip is a creamy, cheesy Tex-Mex appetizer featuring seasoned ground beef, melted cheeses, and a hint of spice from jalapeños. Perfect for parties or game-day snacks, it combines rich flavors and smooth texture served hot with crunchy tortilla chips.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Seasonings
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 10 oz diced tomatoes with green chiles, drained
Dairy and Fats
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 16 oz processed cheese (such as Velveeta), cubed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup whole milk
Garnish and Serving
- Chopped cilantro, for garnish
- Tortilla chips, for serving
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, about 5 to 6 minutes. Drain the excess fat, then add taco seasoning and water, simmering for 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture thickens. Set it aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion and jalapeño for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds to release its aroma.
- Prepare the Cheese Sauce: Add the drained diced tomatoes, processed cheese cubes, shredded cheddar cheese, milk, and ground cumin into the saucepan. Stir continuously over medium heat until all the cheese is fully melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Combine Beef with Cheese Sauce: Stir in the cooked seasoned ground beef together with the cheese sauce. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
- Keep Warm and Serve: Reduce the heat to low and keep the dip warm until ready to serve. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve hot with tortilla chips for dipping.
Notes
- For a spicier dip, leave the seeds in the jalapeño or add a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated gently on low heat or in the microwave to avoid cheese curdling.
