Beef Queso Dip Tortilla (Printable)
Savory blend of ground beef and melty cheese paired with crispy tortilla chips.
# What You'll Need:
→ Meats
01 - ½ lb ground beef
→ Vegetables
02 - 1 small onion, finely diced
03 - 1 small jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 medium tomato, diced
→ Spices
06 - 1 tsp chili powder
07 - ½ tsp ground cumin
08 - ½ tsp smoked paprika
09 - ½ tsp kosher salt
10 - ¼ tsp black pepper
→ Dairy
11 - 8 oz processed cheese (e.g., Velveeta), cubed
12 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
13 - ½ cup whole milk
→ Pantry
14 - 1 tbsp olive oil
15 - 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
→ To Serve
16 - 7 oz tortilla chips
17 - 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
18 - 1 small lime, cut into wedges (optional)
# Directions:
01 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and jalapeño; sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
02 - Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
03 - Stir in garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute until spices are fragrant and well distributed.
04 - Add diced tomato and cook for 2–3 minutes, allowing juices to release and reduce slightly for concentrated flavor.
05 - Lower heat to medium-low. Add cubed processed cheese, shredded cheddar, and milk. Stir continuously until cheese is completely melted and mixture is smooth, about 5 minutes.
06 - If dip is too thin, dissolve cornstarch in 2 tbsp cold water, then stir into the dip. Cook for 1–2 minutes until thickened to desired consistency.
07 - Transfer queso dip to a serving bowl. Top with chopped cilantro if desired. Serve immediately with tortilla chips and lime wedges on the side.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The combination of seasoned beef and melted cheese creates the perfect party dip everyone reaches for first
- It comes together in just 35 minutes but tastes like it simmered all day
- You can easily adjust the heat level and still get that restaurant-style creaminess
02 -
- Processed cheese might feel like a cheat but it is what keeps this dip smooth instead of separating into a greasy mess
- Keep the heat low once you add the cheese because high heat makes dairy grainy and sad
- This dip tastes best right away but you can keep it warm in a small slow cooker on the lowest setting
03 -
- Grate your own cheddar instead of buying pre-shredded cheese which contains anti-caking agents that can make the dip grainy
- Room temperature ingredients melt together more smoothly so take everything out about 20 minutes before you start cooking