Beef Queso Dip Chips (Printable Version)

Savory blend of seasoned beef and melted cheese paired with crispy tortilla chips.

# What You'll 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, 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

# Method:

01 - Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and season with salt, black pepper, cumin, and chili powder. Cook while breaking up the meat until browned and cooked through, approximately 5–6 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
02 - Add diced onion and jalapeño to the seasoned beef. Continue cooking for 2–3 minutes until vegetables become soft and fragrant.
03 - Reduce heat to low setting. Add processed cheese cubes, shredded cheddar, and milk to the skillet. Stir continuously until all cheese is completely melted and the mixture achieves a smooth consistency, about 3–4 minutes.
04 - Incorporate smoked paprika and garlic powder into the cheese mixture. Continue stirring until spices are evenly distributed and the dip reaches a creamy, uniform texture.
05 - Taste the queso dip and modify seasoning levels if needed to achieve desired flavor balance.
06 - Transfer the finished dip to a serving bowl. Sprinkle with chopped fresh cilantro and diced tomato. Serve immediately while warm with tortilla chips for dipping.

# Chef's Tips:

01 -
  • The processed cheese creates that impossibly smooth texture you cannot achieve with regular cheese alone
  • Ground beef transforms it from a simple appetizer into something substantial enough to call dinner
  • It stays creamy and dippable for hours which means you are not constantly reheating it
02 -
  • Processed cheese feels like cheating but it is absolutely essential for that velvety smooth consistency
  • Stirring constantly once you add the cheese prevents it from separating or getting a weird grainy texture
  • This dip thickens as it sits so keep that milk handy if you are serving it over several hours
03 -
  • Cube your processed cheese before measuring so it melts evenly and quickly
  • Room temperature ingredients help prevent the cheese sauce from breaking
  • Grate your own cheddar cheese instead of buying pre-shredded for better melting

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