This easy beef con queso dip is packed with bold flavors and cheesy goodness. Pair it with chips or veggies for parties, game days, or a quick snack night at home.
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There’s something about warm, cheesy dips that instantly sets the tone for a great gathering. Whether it’s game day, a family get-together, or just a lazy weekend evening, beef queso dip is always a hit. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve thrown this together at the last minute and had people raving about it like I spent hours in the kitchen.
You can serve it with chips, tortilla strips, veggies, or even drizzle it over nachos or chicken tacos for an extra flavor boost. It’s one of those dishes that looks and tastes impressive, but takes minimal effort. I find it's a true win-win, especially when I don’t feel like overcomplicating things.
Another reason beef con queso is a go-to in my house is that it’s practically foolproof. The rich flavors from the seasoned beef combined with creamy cheese make it impossible to mess up. Plus, I love knowing that even the pickiest eaters at the table will happily dig in. Trust me, once you try it, this will become a staple in your appetizer rotation.
Ingredients
This meaty cheese dip comes together with a handful of simple ingredients that deliver bold, creamy flavor. It’s an easy-to-make dip that’s perfect for game days, parties, or anytime you need a crowd-pleaser.
Here's what you'll need for this queso dip recipe:
- ground beef
- chicken broth
- heavy whipping cream
- garlic powder
- chili powder
- cumin
- Rotel (diced tomatoes and green chiles)
- salt
- cheddar cheese
Scroll down to the recipe card for quantities used.
Instructions
Making this beef queso dip is a breeze with just a few simple steps. In no time, you’ll have a creamy, flavorful dip that’s perfect for dipping or as a topping. Let’s get started!
Brown the ground beef in a large skillet or pot and drain any excess grease.
Pour in the heavy cream. Add the Rotel, garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, Rotel, and salt to the pot. Then, simmer over medium heat until thickened.
Simmer over medium heat until thickened.
Add grated cheddar cheese.
Stir the cheese in until it completely melts.
Add the cooked ground beef. Transfer the warm dip to a serving bowl. Add sour cream web and black olive spiders on top, if desired.
Stir in the cook beef until it is mixed in well.
Transfer the warm dip to a serving bowl.
Hint: Avoid using pre-shredded cheese as it contains starchy anti-caking powder. Freshly grating your own cheddar cheese will allow it to melt faster and smoother.
Variations
This beef queso dip is highly customizable to suit your taste preferences. Here are a few simple variations you can try:
- Turn up the heat. Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce for an extra kick.
- Try some peppers and onions. Stir in sautéed onions and bell peppers for added flavor and texture.
- Add smoky flavor. Mix in cooked bacon for a smoky twist.
- Make it lighter. Swap heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version.
- Try a cheese blend. Use a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses for a different flavor profile.
- Create a Halloween spider web design using sour cream and black olives. It's a creative and fun way to decorate your dip for the Halloween season. Impress your guests with this festive presentation that features a creepy spider web made from simple ingredients.
Try using the chili mixture in my Frito chili pie instead of ground beef.
Tips
Top tip: Keep the dip warm. To prevent the dip from cooling and solidifying, keep it on low heat or in a small slow cooker to maintain its creamy texture.
- Use freshly grated cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can affect the smoothness of the dip. Grating your own cheese results in a creamier texture.
- Melt cheese slowly: Heat the cheese over low to medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent it from separating or becoming grainy.
- Control the heat: Adjust the amount of chili powder or jalapeños to match your preferred spice level.
- Thicken the dip: If your dip is too runny, simmer it a little longer or add more cheese to reach your desired consistency.
Serving suggestions
Beef queso is perfect for a variety of occasions, from casual gatherings to game days. Serve it alongside baked tortilla strips, tortilla chips, crackers, or sliced vegetables like cucumbers, bell peppers, and celery for dipping. The creamy dip pairs wonderfully with crunchy toasted Italian artisan bread slices, too.
For a more filling meal, you can turn your queso dip into a taco or nacho bar. Set up a station with warm tortillas, taco shells, or crispy tortilla chips, and let your guests customize their plates with toppings like sour cream, guacamole, shredded lettuce, or jalapeños. You can even add beef quesadillas to the mix.
Another great way to serve beef queso dip is as a topping for baked potatoes, air fryer potato wedges, or even burgers. The creamy, cheesy goodness adds a rich layer of flavor to any dish, making it feel like an indulgent treat. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer or a hearty main course, this dip is versatile enough to pair with many different dishes.
Storage
To store beef con queso dip, allow it to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to four days.
When you're ready to reheat it, gently warm the dip on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent it from burning or separating. If it's too thick, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to reach your desired consistency. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, to ensure even heating.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, you can make the dip ahead of time. Simply prepare the dip, let it cool, and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave when you're ready to serve.
Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef to make a lighter version of the dip. The flavor will still be delicious, and it will provide a slightly leaner alternative.
To add extra heat, incorporate diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or chili flakes into the dip. You can also use a spicier variety of Rotel or increase the amount of chili powder to suit your taste. Adjust the spice level to your preference!
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Recipe
Beef Con Queso Dip
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- 10 ounce Rotel (1 can) drained
- salt to taste
- 2 cup cheddar cheese shredded
Instructions
- Place the ground beef in a pot over medium high heat on the stove. Saute until completely browned. Drain any excess grease.
- Remove the meat and set aside.
- Add the chicken broth, heavy whipping cream, garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, Rotel and salt to the pot over medium heat. Simmer until the mixture thickens.
- Stir in the cheddar cheese until completely melted.
- Mix in the cooked ground beef then transfer warm dip to a serving bowl.
Mike
Skip the whipping cream &add a package of mild chili seasoning & 4 oz of cream cheese and you have chili con queso!
Lisa MarcAurele
Thanks for sharing! That's a great option.