Big Game Spicy Beef Queso (Printable)
Creamy queso dip loaded with seasoned ground beef, spicy chilies, and melty cheeses—perfect for game day gatherings.
# What You'll Need:
→ Meats
01 - 1 lb ground beef (80/20 or lean)
→ Vegetables & Aromatics
02 - 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
05 - 1-2 jalapeños, seeded and finely chopped
→ Spices
06 - 1 teaspoon chili powder
07 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
08 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
09 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
10 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
→ Dairy
11 - 12 oz processed cheese, cubed
12 - 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
13 - 1/2 cup whole milk
14 - 1/4 cup sour cream
→ Garnishes
15 - Chopped fresh cilantro
16 - Sliced green onions
17 - Diced tomato
18 - Extra jalapeño slices
# How to Make It:
01 - In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
02 - Add the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
03 - Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix to coat the beef and onions evenly.
04 - Add the jalapeños and the canned tomatoes with green chilies with their juice. Stir and let simmer for 2-3 minutes.
05 - Reduce heat to low. Add the cubed processed cheese, shredded pepper jack, and milk. Stir constantly until all the cheese is melted and the mixture is smooth and creamy, about 5-8 minutes.
06 - Stir in the sour cream until fully incorporated. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired.
07 - Transfer queso to a serving bowl or a small slow cooker on warm setting. Garnish with cilantro, green onions, diced tomato, and extra jalapeños if desired. Serve hot with tortilla chips.
# Expert Hacks:
01 -
- The combination of processed cheese and real pepper jack creates that perfect stadium-worthy stretch when you pull your chip away.
- Its one of those rare dips that actually gets better as it sits, making it perfect for when guests are grazing throughout the game.
02 -
- The queso will thicken significantly as it cools, so keep it slightly thinner than your desired final consistency.
- Adding the sour cream off-heat prevents it from curdling and maintains that silky smooth texture we all crave.
03 -
- For a smoky twist, swap one jalapeño for a chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, which adds depth that complements the beef perfectly.
- Warming your serving bowl with hot water before adding the queso will keep it at the perfect consistency at least 15 minutes longer.