Ground Beef Queso Dip

This ground beef queso dip is perfect for game days, parties, or casual gatherings. It's loaded with diced tomatoes, green chilies, and a blend of spices.

Ground Beef Queso Dip

If you're looking for a delicious appetizer to bring to a game day, party, holiday gathering or just as a fun family treat, this ground beef queso dip is the perfect thing.

It's not only delicious, but it's easy to make.

Ingredients

Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef for less grease, but if you prefer more flavor, go with an 80/20 blend.

Small Onion: A finely diced yellow or white onion adds a subtle sweetness.

Garlic: You can use garlic powder in a pinch, but fresh is always best.

Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: Choose mild, medium, or hot based on how spicy you want it.

Velveeta Cheese: Cut it into small cubes to help it melt more evenly and quickly.

Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese balances out the mildness of Velveeta.

Chili Powder, Cumin, Paprika, Salt & Pepper: These spices add flavor and a bit of smoky kick to the dip.

Milk (Optional): Milk can be added to thin the dip to your desired consistency.

Chopped Fresh Cilantro or Sliced Green Onions (Optional): If you’re not a fan of cilantro, try using parsley or just stick with the green onions.

How to Make

Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat.

Add the ground beef and diced onion to the skillet, cooking until the beef is browned and the onion is soft.

Stir occasionally to break up the beef into small crumbles.

Once the beef is fully cooked, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Drain any excess fat from the skillet.

Next, add in the diced tomatoes with green chilies, Velveeta cheese cubes, shredded cheddar cheese, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper to the skillet.

Stir everything together, allowing the cheeses to melt and the flavors to meld.

Continue stirring until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and well combined.

If the dip is too thick for your liking, you can gradually add milk to achieve your desired consistency.

Once the cheese is fully melted and the dip is creamy, transfer it to a serving bowl.

If you want, garnish the dip with chopped fresh cilantro or sliced green onions.

Serve the ground beef queso dip immediately with tortilla chips, fresh veggies, or your favorite dipping accompaniments.

Tips & Tricks

Here's some tips and tricks for making this queso dip:

Dice the Onion Finely: Finely diced onions cook faster and blend better with the ground beef. If you prefer a milder onion flavor, use sweet onions or green onions.

Drain Excess Fat: After browning the beef, be sure to drain any excess fat from the skillet. This prevents the dip from becoming greasy and keeps it creamy and smooth.

Pre-Cut Velveeta Cheese: Cut the Velveeta cheese into small cubes before adding it to the skillet. Smaller cubes melt faster and more evenly, reducing cooking time.

Adjust the Heat Level: To make the dip spicier, add a dash of hot sauce, crushed red pepper flakes, or chopped jalapeños. For a milder dip, use mild diced tomatoes with green chilies or substitute with regular diced tomatoes.

Keep Warm in a Slow Cooker: For parties or gatherings, transfer the dip to a slow cooker and keep it on the "warm" setting. This prevents the cheese from hardening and Makes sure it's ready to serve throughout the event.

Thin It Out with Milk or Broth: If the dip is too thick, gradually add milk or cream to reach your desired consistency. Stir well to blend and heat through.

Leftovers

Leftover ground beef queso dip can be transferred to an airtight container after it cools down. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

When ready to enjoy again, reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

You can also microwave it in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, to help it heat evenly.

If the dip thickens too much after refrigeration, add a splash of milk to loosen it up to your desired consistency.

If you want a different way of eating the leftovers, here are some ideas::

• Loaded Baked Potatoes: Use the dip as a hearty topping for baked potatoes. Simply cut open a baked potato, fluff the insides with a fork, and spoon the warmed queso dip over the top. Garnish with chopped green onions, crispy bacon bits, or a dollop of sour cream for an indulgent twist.
• Queso Mac and Cheese: Mix the leftover dip into cooked macaroni or any pasta of your choice for a quick and cheesy mac and cheese. Top with extra shredded cheese and bake until bubbly and golden for an easy meal.
• Cheesy Breakfast Burritos: Use the dip as a filling for breakfast burritos. Add scrambled eggs, crispy bacon or sausage, and a scoop of queso dip inside a warm tortilla. Roll it up and enjoy as a breakfast or lunch.
• Nacho Supreme: Turn leftovers into a plate of loaded nachos. Spread tortilla chips on a baking sheet, drizzle warmed queso dip over them, and top with sliced jalapeños, black olives, diced tomatoes, and any leftover meat. Broil for a few minutes until the chips are crispy and toppings are warmed through.
• Taco Salad Topping: Use the dip as a cheesy dressing for a taco salad. Pour some of the warmed queso dip over a bed of lettuce, ground beef or chicken, black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes. Top with crushed tortilla chips and a dollop of sour cream for a delicious and filling salad.

Favorite Dippers

Here are some of our favorite things to dip in this cheesy dip:

Tortilla Chips: The classic choice for dipping, tortilla chips are sturdy and perfect for scooping.

Pretzels: Both soft pretzels and pretzel bites pair really, really well with this.

Breadsticks: Soft or crispy breadsticks are perfect for dunking into the queso dip.

French Fries: Whether they’re crispy or thick-cut, French fries are a great pairing.

Mini Quesadillas: Small, cheesy quesadilla slices are great for dipping in this dip.