My chili cheese dip is all you can ask for in an appetizer! Made with seasoned beef and salsa, it’s bulky enough to keep you satisfied without being too heavy. The gooey combination of spicy Pepper Jack and sharp Cheddar is creamy, silky, and incredibly delicious.
Queso will vary tremendously from household to household. It could be a simple cheese dip, a queso blanco sprinkled with green chiles, or a hefty beef queso dip recipe that’s almost a meal all on its own.
This queso dip recipe falls more into that third category. Besides the cheese, it contains a whole pound of ground beef and is thickened with milk, flour, and butter. But salsa, chili, and cumin keep the flavor bright and vibrant — keeping you coming back for more!
When I know I’ll have to feed dozens of hungry hands during a game day, party, potluck, or family gathering, you can be sure this chili cheese dip will be on the table — I’ll never serve a store-bought queso! Along with my jalapeño poppers, spinach artichoke dip, and classic guacamole, it’s one of my go-to game-day recipes.
Queso flameado, which you might know as queso fundido, is a bubbling dish of melted white cheese, such as Monterey Jack or asadero, that’s mixed with chiles and often chunks of chorizo or strips of fajita meat as well.
Jack and I looked at each other – and we instantly decided that we needed to make our own Queso con Carne recipe!
In a medium pot over medium heat, add oil and onions and cook two minutes. Add garlic and the ground beef and cook, breaking up the beef. Cook until no longer pink.
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In a larger pot, heat half and half over medium heat and once hot, slowly add the American and cheddar a little at a time, stirring as you go. Keep adding until all of the cheese has melted in. A non-stick pan is best for this.
24 pureed slices of the jarred pickled jalapeños was the perfect heat for this dish. However if you like it hotter, feel free to puree more than 24 slices (or less if you prefer).
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
- Ground Beef – I recommend a 90/10 fat ratio – or a relatively lean ground meat. Because we’re working with lean meat, ground turkey or chicken both work really well as substitutes.
- Chili Powder – This is one blend I always make at home to balance the chili, garlic, and oregano flavors to my own preference. I highly recommend it!
- Ground Cumin – The warmth and subtle, citrus flavor do a world of good, brightening this otherwise heavy beef queso dip recipe.
- Flour – This ingredient is important for building a roux to ensure a silky smooth consistency. If you’re catering to a gluten intolerance, there are gluten free flour alternatives out there that will work just as well!
- Pepper Jack – A peppery, herbal option that pairs well with cheddar in any queso dip recipe. In case you’re not familiar with it, note that it has a bit of a kick!
- Cheddar – The sharper the cheese, the more potent its taste – I always use Tillamook sharp cheddar. Use block cheese and grate it fresh!
- Salsa – I made this chili cheese dip with Pace medium salsa. But you should use your favorite!
Amazing Beef Queso Dip
FAQ
What’s the difference between con queso and queso?
Does queso have meat in it?
What’s the difference between cheese dip and queso?
What’s the difference between queso fundido and queso flameado?
What is melted cheese queso?
Queso is a Mexican-inspired appetizer or side dish of thick and creamy melted cheese. Not to be confused with queso fundido, which is a dish of solely melted hot cheese (perfect for some cheese pull Instas). But it doesn’t just stop there, it never does. You can add some pizzazz to your queso by mixing up the ingredients.
What does queso mean in Spanish?
Queso literally means “ cheese ” in Spanish, but that’s not all you’re getting when you order this creamy, gooey, sometimes spicy delight at a restaurant. So, what is queso made of? So, what is it exactly that you’re ordering, other than melted cheese?
What type of cheese is used for queso?
Today, there’s orange queso and white queso, depending on the types of cheese you use. It can take on a thinner, less gooey consistency when made with white cheddar, while some versions contain Monterey Jack. Still other recipes use yellow American cheese, and aged cheddar can be a substitute as well.
What is queso Iberico cheese?
Queso Iberico is a popular cheese from Spain, made from a blend of cow’s, sheep’s, and goat’s milk. The ratio of the blend used in making this hard cheese is constantly adapted to achieve the desired flavor and texture.