Creamy Ground Beef Queso Dip: Your New Party Favorite!

Creamy, spicy ground beef queso is a crowd-pleasing appetizer that transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering sensation.

Melted cheese blends seamlessly with seasoned meat, creating a rich and indulgent dip that captures everyone’s attention.

Tex-Mex cuisine inspires this delectable recipe, combining bold flavors and comforting textures that resonate with food lovers.

Home cooks and party hosts appreciate the versatility of this cheesy creation, which serves as a perfect centerpiece for gatherings and game day celebrations.

The harmonious combination of ground beef and melted cheese delivers a savory experience that satisfies deep cravings for hearty, warming dishes.

Warm tortilla chips, fresh vegetables, and crispy bread become irresistible companions to this irresistible dip that promises to elevate any casual dining experience.

Why Ground Beef Queso Dip Is Always A Party Hit

• Quick and Easy Feast Preparation: Whip up this mouth-watering queso dip in just under an hour with minimal kitchen skills needed.
• Family-Friendly Comfort Food: Perfect for game nights, parties, or casual gatherings where everyone craves a delicious, cheesy appetizer that appeals to both kids and adults.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimize cleanup by using a single cast-iron skillet for cooking ground beef and baking the entire dip, saving time and reducing kitchen mess.
• Customizable Flavor Explosion: Easily adjust spice levels by controlling jalapeño amounts or adding extra seasonings to match your taste preferences, making it a versatile crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients You Need For Ground Beef Queso Dip

• Ground Beef: Rich, meaty base for the queso dip with deep flavor profile. Best when using lean ground beef for less grease.

• Velveeta, Boursin, Cream Cheese: Creamy, melting cheeses that create smooth, rich texture. Boursin adds herbal notes, while Velveeta ensures classic queso consistency.

• Onion, Garlic: Foundational flavor builders that add depth and complexity. Fresh ingredients provide better taste than pre-chopped versions.

• Cumin, Paprika, Oregano: Warm, earthy spices that enhance overall dip flavor. Mexican or smoked paprika can add extra dimension.

• Tomato, Jalapeño: Fresh elements that provide brightness and gentle heat. Choose ripe tomatoes and adjust jalapeño based on spice preference.

• Soy Sauce, Sugar: Balanced umami and subtle sweetness to round out meat's flavor. Opt for low-sodium soy sauce if watching salt intake.

• Lime Juice, Cilantro: Bright, fresh final notes that lift the entire dish. Fresh cilantro recommended over dried.

• Tortilla Chips: Classic dipping vehicle that complements the queso perfectly.

How To Make Ground Beef Queso Dip Quickly

Step 1: Prepare Oven And Skillet

Warm up the oven to 375°F. Select a cast-iron skillet or heavy bottom pan for cooking.

Step 2: Brown Ground Beef

Cook ground beef over medium heat, continuously breaking down meat chunks using a wooden spoon until meat separates into small pieces.

Step 3: Season Initial Beef

• Cumin
• Paprika
• Oregano
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 4: Complete Initial Beef Cooking

Pour in soy sauce and sugar, stirring thoroughly. Cook for additional 2 minutes, then remove from direct heat.

Step 5: Combine Cheese And Vegetables

• Velveeta cheese
• Boursin cheese
• Cream cheese
• Diced onions
• Minced garlic
• Chopped tomatoes
• Sliced jalapeños

Step 6: Bake Queso Mixture

Transfer skillet directly into preheated oven. Bake for 35 minutes until cheese melts completely and edges become bubbly.

Step 7: Final Touch

Remove skillet from oven. Squeeze fresh lime juice and mix thoroughly. Sprinkle chopped cilantro on top.

Step 8: Serve Hot

Accompany with crispy tortilla chips. Enjoy immediately while warm and gooey.

Tips For Creamy Ground Beef Queso Dip

• Skillet Selection Matters: Use a cast-iron skillet for even heat distribution and to create a delicious golden crust on the beef and cheese mixture.
• Beef Browning Technique: Break up ground beef into small pieces while cooking to ensure uniform texture and prevent large clumps in the dip.
• Spice Balance Trick: Add dry seasonings before wet ingredients to help them bloom and release maximum flavor into the meat and cheese base.
• Cheese Melting Hack: Choose full-fat cheeses like Velveeta and Boursin for a creamy, smooth consistency that prevents separation during baking.
• Fresh Herb Finishing Touch: Sprinkle chopped cilantro just before serving to add brightness and fresh flavor that cuts through the rich, cheesy dip.

Keep Ground Beef Queso Dip Warm And Smooth

• Refrigerate: Store leftover queso dip in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Microwave Reheating: Pour dip into a microwave-safe dish, heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming and prevent separation.
• Stovetop Method: Gently reheat dip in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk to restore creamy consistency and prevent scorching.
• Texture Tip: Discard dip if it develops an off smell, unusual color, or shows signs of separation, as dairy-based dips can spoil quickly.

Great Pairings For Ground Beef Queso Dip

• Pair with Cold Mexican Lager: Crisp beer like Corona or Modelo perfectly cuts through the rich, creamy dip, balancing its spicy and cheesy flavors while refreshing your palate.
• Match with Zesty Margarita: Tangy lime-based cocktail complements the dip's cumin and jalapeño notes, adding a bright citrus kick that enhances the overall taste profile.
• Serve with Fresh Veggie Platter: Crunchy cucumber, bell pepper, and carrot sticks provide a cool, light contrast to the warm, heavy queso, offering a balanced and healthier side option.
• Add Crisp White Wine Pairing: Sauvignon Blanc's herbal and acidic characteristics beautifully interact with the dip's cilantro and lime elements, creating a sophisticated flavor harmony.

Ways To Remix Ground Beef Queso Dip

• Vegetarian Bean Swap: Replace ground beef with black beans or lentils for a plant-based protein alternative that maintains rich flavor and creamy texture.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute Velveeta and Boursin with cashew cheese or dairy-free cream cheese alternatives to accommodate lactose-intolerant or vegan dietary needs.
• Low-Sodium Version: Use low-sodium soy sauce, reduce added salt, and select low-sodium cheese brands to create a heart-healthy queso dip without compromising taste.
• Keto-Friendly Adaptation: Swap tortilla chips for pork rinds or sliced bell peppers as dipping vehicles, and use full-fat cheeses to align with ketogenic macronutrient requirements.

Questions About Ground Beef Queso Dip Answered

• What makes the ground beef perfectly seasoned?

The beef is cooked with a blend of spices and a touch of soy sauce and sugar, which creates a complex, savory flavor profile that enhances the meat’s natural taste.

• Can I adjust the spiciness of the queso dip?

Yes, you can control the heat by adjusting the amount of jalapeño or removing the seeds, which will reduce the spiciness while maintaining the pepper’s flavor.

• Is a cast-iron skillet necessary for this recipe?

While a cast-iron skillet is recommended for even heat distribution and creating a rustic presentation, you can use any oven-safe pan that can go from stovetop to oven.

• How do the added ingredients enhance the queso dip?

The addition of Boursin or cream cheese creates a creamy texture, while tomatoes, onions, and garlic add depth and complexity to the overall flavor of the dip.

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• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Spicy Ground Beef Queso Dip brings Mexican-inspired comfort straight to your appetizer table, blending melted cheese and seasoned beef in one irresistible bowl. Creamy, zesty flavors merge perfectly, inviting guests to scoop up deliciousness with crisp tortilla chips.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
• 16.32 ounces (462 grams) Velveeta cheese
• 5.2 ounces (147 grams) Boursin cheese (or cream cheese)

Spices and Seasonings:

• 3 tablespoons cumin
• 1.5 tablespoons garlic powder
• 1.5 tablespoons onion powder
• 2 tablespoons paprika
• 2 tablespoons oregano
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 2 teaspoons sugar

Vegetables and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 onion, diced
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 tomato, diced
• 1 jalapeno, diced (optional)
• 3 tablespoons light soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon lime juice

Serving:

• Tortilla chips
• Cilantro, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Fire up the oven to a toasty 375°F, preparing a warm environment for the queso’s transformation.
2. Select a cast-iron skillet and nestle the ground beef inside, breaking down the meat into delicate crumbles over medium heat.
3. Midway through cooking, introduce a medley of seasonings, awakening the beef with aromatic complexity.
4. Once the meat reaches complete doneness, splash in soy sauce and a hint of sugar, allowing the flavors to intermingle and intensify.
5. Without changing vessels, cascade Velveeta, Boursin, diced onion, minced garlic, chopped tomato, and fiery jalapeño into the skillet.
6. Sprinkle cumin, paprika, and oregano across the mixture, creating a vibrant flavor landscape.
7. Slide the entire skillet into the preheated oven, letting the ingredients meld and bubble for 30-35 minutes.
8. Extract the skillet and stir thoroughly, ensuring every ingredient is harmoniously combined.
9. Brighten the dip with a zesty lime juice squeeze, cutting through the richness.
10. Crown the queso with fresh cilantro, transforming it into a visually stunning appetizer.
11. Serve alongside crisp tortilla chips, inviting guests to dive into this molten, flavor-packed creation.

Notes

• Optimize ground beef’s flavor by ensuring it’s browned properly with crispy edges for deeper taste complexity.
• Choose lean ground beef (90/10) to reduce excess grease and create a cleaner, more refined queso texture.
• Customize heat levels by adjusting jalapeño quantity or removing seeds for milder versions suitable for family gatherings.
• Dairy-free adaptation possible by substituting Velveeta with cashew-based cheese alternatives for

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg