Beef Queso Dip with Chips (Printable)

Creamy cheese and ground beef blend served warm alongside crunchy tortilla chips.

# What goes in:

→ Beef & Seasonings

01 - 0.5 pound ground beef
02 - 0.5 teaspoon salt
03 - 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
04 - 0.5 teaspoon ground cumin
05 - 0.5 teaspoon chili powder

→ Vegetables

06 - 0.5 small onion, finely diced
07 - 1 small jalapeño, deseeded and finely chopped

→ Cheese Sauce

08 - 9 ounces processed cheese, cubed
09 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
10 - 0.5 cup whole milk
11 - 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
12 - 0.25 teaspoon garlic powder

→ Garnish & Serving

13 - 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
14 - 1 tomato, diced
15 - 7 ounces tortilla chips

# Directions:

01 - Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and season with salt, black pepper, cumin, and chili powder. Cook while breaking up the meat until browned and cooked through, approximately 5 to 6 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
02 - Add the finely diced onion and chopped jalapeño to the browned beef. Continue cooking for 2 to 3 minutes until the vegetables become soft and fragrant.
03 - Reduce the heat to low setting. Add the cubed processed cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and whole milk to the skillet. Stir continuously until all cheese has completely melted and the mixture achieves a smooth consistency, about 3 to 4 minutes.
04 - Incorporate the smoked paprika and garlic powder into the cheese mixture. Continue stirring until the spices are thoroughly distributed and the dip reaches a creamy, uniform texture.
05 - Sample the queso dip and modify the seasoning levels according to personal preference if needed.
06 - Transfer the completed dip to a serving bowl. Top with freshly chopped cilantro and diced tomato as desired. Serve immediately while warm accompanied by tortilla chips for dipping.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • This dip stays creamy and smooth for hours, unlike grainy homemade cheese sauces that separate
  • The seasoned ground beef adds so much flavor that guests always ask what the secret ingredient is
02 -
  • Keep the heat low once you add the cheese or the oils will separate from the milk solids
  • Processed cheese really does matter here for texture, so dont substitute entirely with natural cheese
03 -
  • Grate your own cheddar instead of buying pre-shredded cheese for better melting
  • Room temperature ingredients melt together more smoothly than cold ones

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