Big Game Spicy Beef Queso (Print View)
Creamy, crowd-pleasing queso featuring seasoned ground beef, spicy chilies, and melty cheeses. Ideal for game day or any gathering.
# Ingredient List:
→ Meats
01 - 1 pound ground beef (80/20 or lean)
→ Vegetables & Aromatics
02 - 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (e.g., Rotel), undrained
05 - 1 to 2 jalapeños, seeded and finely chopped (adjust to taste)
→ Spices
06 - 1 teaspoon chili powder
07 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
08 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
09 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
10 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
→ Dairy
11 - 12 ounces processed cheese (e.g., Velveeta), cubed
12 - 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
13 - 1/2 cup whole milk
14 - 1/4 cup sour cream
→ Optional Garnishes
15 - Chopped fresh cilantro
16 - Sliced green onions
17 - Diced tomato
18 - Extra jalapeño slices
# How to Make:
01 - In a large skillet, over medium-high heat, add the ground beef. Cook, using a spoon to break it apart, until it is fully browned and cooked through, approximately 5 to 6 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
02 - Add the finely diced yellow onion to the skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
03 - Sprinkle in the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to evenly coat the beef and onions.
04 - Introduce the chopped jalapeños and the undrained can of diced tomatoes with green chilies. Stir well and allow the mixture to simmer for 2 to 3 minutes.
05 - Reduce the heat to low. Add the cubed processed cheese, shredded pepper jack cheese, and whole milk. Stir continuously until all the cheese has melted and the queso is smooth and creamy, which typically takes 5 to 8 minutes.
06 - Stir in the sour cream until it is fully incorporated into the queso. Taste and adjust the seasoning as desired.
07 - Transfer the finished queso to a serving bowl or a small slow cooker set to warm. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, diced tomato, and extra jalapeño slices if desired. Serve hot with tortilla chips.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- It’s a guaranteed party starter, everyone gravitates right to it.
- You won’t believe how easy it is to whip up something so deliciously rich and flavorful.
02 -
- Always drain the excess fat from the ground beef; it keeps the queso from being greasy.
- Melting the cheese on low heat and stirring constantly prevents it from seizing or getting clumpy.
03 -
- For the silkiest queso, grate your own pepper jack cheese instead of using pre-shredded; it melts smoother.
- Keep your queso warm in a slow cooker on the “low” or “warm” setting during parties to maintain its perfect, dippable consistency.