Beef Queso Dip Tortilla Chips (Printable Format)
Savory blend of ground beef and melted cheese, served warm alongside crispy chips.
# What You Need:
→ Beef
01 - 1/2 lb ground beef
02 - 1/2 tsp salt
03 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
04 - 1/2 tsp ground cumin
05 - 1/2 tsp chili powder
→ Vegetables
06 - 1/2 small onion, finely diced
07 - 1 small jalapeño, deseeded and finely chopped
→ Cheese Sauce
08 - 9 oz processed cheese (e.g., Velveeta), cubed
09 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
10 - 1/2 cup whole milk
11 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
12 - 1/4 tsp garlic powder
→ Garnish & Chips
13 - 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
14 - 1 tomato, diced
15 - 7 oz tortilla chips
# How-To Steps:
01 - Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and season with salt, black pepper, ground cumin, and chili powder. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, approximately 5 to 6 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
02 - Add diced onion and jalapeño to the skillet with the beef. Continue cooking for 2 to 3 minutes until vegetables are softened and fragrant.
03 - Reduce heat to low. Add processed cheese cubes, shredded cheddar cheese, and whole milk to the skillet. Stir constantly until all cheese is completely melted and the mixture becomes smooth, about 3 to 4 minutes.
04 - Sprinkle smoked paprika and garlic powder into the cheese mixture. Continue stirring until fully incorporated and the dip reaches a creamy consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired.
05 - Transfer the finished queso dip to a serving bowl. Top with chopped fresh cilantro and diced tomato if using. Serve immediately while warm alongside tortilla chips for dipping.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- Everything melts together into the most addictive texture you have ever dipped a chip into
- The beef seasoning gives it that restaurant quality depth without any complicated techniques
02 -
- Processed cheese is non-negotiable here for the right texture, purely cheddar will separate and get grainy on you
- Keep the heat low once the cheese goes in or you might end up with a broken, oily mess
03 -
- Cube your cheese before you start cooking so you are not scrambling while the beef gets cold
- A splash of pickle juice or hot sauce at the end adds bright acidity that cuts through all that richness