Description
This rich and creamy Beef Queso Dip combines perfectly seasoned ground beef with a blend of melted cheeses and spicy diced tomatoes with green chilies. A Tex-Mex favorite, it’s ideal for parties and gatherings served warm alongside tortilla chips, veggies, or nachos.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef and Seasoning
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Dairy and Cheese
- 1 (12-ounce) can evaporated milk
- 8 ounces cream cheese, cubed
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Additional Ingredients
- 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
- Sliced jalapeños for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain any excess grease to avoid a greasy dip.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to evenly coat the beef with bold, savory flavors.
- Simmer with Tomatoes and Milk: Pour in the undrained diced tomatoes with green chilies and evaporated milk. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to meld the flavors.
- Melt Cream Cheese: Stir in the cubed cream cheese until it melts completely and the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
- Add Shredded Cheeses: Gradually stir in the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, continuing to stir until all cheeses are melted and fully combined into a luscious dip.
- Thicken if Needed: If the dip is too thin, whisk in the optional cornstarch and simmer for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the dip thickens to desired consistency.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish with chopped cilantro and sliced jalapeños if desired. Serve warm with tortilla chips, fresh veggies, or over nachos for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Notes
- For a spicier dip, use hot diced tomatoes with green chilies or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- To keep the dip warm for a party, transfer it to a slow cooker set on the “warm” setting.
- Refrigerate any leftovers and reheat gently over low heat to preserve creaminess.
