Beef Queso Dip Tortilla Chips (Printer-friendly)
Creamy, cheesy beef dip served warm with crispy tortilla chips for easy sharing and snacking.
# What You'll Need:
→ Meats
01 - ½ pound 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 teaspoon chili powder
07 - ½ teaspoon ground cumin
08 - ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
09 - ½ teaspoon kosher salt
10 - ¼ teaspoon black pepper
→ Dairy
11 - 8 oz processed cheese, cubed
12 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
13 - ½ cup whole milk
→ Pantry
14 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
15 - 1 tablespoon cornstarch
→ To Serve
16 - 7 oz tortilla chips
17 - 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
18 - 1 small lime, cut into wedges
# How to Prepare:
01 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and jalapeño; sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened.
02 - Add ground beef, breaking it up with a 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 fragrant.
04 - Add diced tomato and cook for 2–3 minutes, allowing juices to release and reduce slightly.
05 - Lower the heat to medium-low. Add cubed processed cheese, shredded cheddar, and milk. Stir continuously until the cheese is melted and the mixture is smooth, about 5 minutes.
06 - If the dip is too thin, dissolve cornstarch in 2 tablespoons cold water, then stir into the dip and cook for 1–2 minutes until thickened.
07 - Transfer the 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 processed cheese blend melts into the most incredibly smooth, creamy texture
- Ground beef makes it hearty enough to stand alone as a meal
- Ready in 35 minutes but tastes like it simmered all afternoon
02 -
- Processed cheese is non-negotiable for authentic queso texture
- Keep the heat low once cheese is added to prevent separating
- The dip thickens as it stands, so serve it immediately
03 -
- Grate your own cheddar instead of buying pre-shredded for better melting
- Room temperature ingredients prevent the dreaded grainy cheese texture