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Creamy Cheesy Queso Dip with Ground Beef

creamy cheesy queso dip with ground beef - featured image

A rich, velvety queso dip with hearty ground beef and a blend of cheeses, perfect for parties and game nights. This creamy dip combines savory beef with melted sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, and cream cheese for an indulgent comfort food experience.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 small jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk (480 ml), room temperature
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (about 8 ounces / 225g)
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (about 4 ounces / 115g)
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed. Set beef aside on a plate.
  2. In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the diced yellow onion and cook until translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and jalapeño (if using) and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  3. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour over the butter and vegetables. Whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to form a smooth paste, cooking out the raw flour taste. The roux should look slightly golden but not browned.
  4. Slowly pour in 2 cups whole milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  5. Lower heat to medium-low. Gradually stir in shredded sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, and softened cream cheese. Stir until melted and smooth, avoiding overheating to prevent graininess.
  6. Stir in cooked ground beef, chili powder, cumin, and salt and black pepper to taste. Mix well and heat through for 2-3 minutes.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Remove from heat and garnish with chopped fresh cilantro if desired.
  8. Transfer to a serving bowl or slow cooker to keep warm. Serve with tortilla chips, sliced veggies, or crusty bread.

Notes

If the dip thickens too much after standing, stir in a splash of milk to loosen. Avoid overheating cheese to prevent graininess or separation. For gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour. For vegan, use dairy-free cheeses and coconut milk. A slow cooker can keep the dip warm for parties.

Nutrition

Keywords: queso dip, cheesy dip, ground beef dip, party dip, game night recipe, creamy queso, easy appetizer