Are you craving a warm, comforting, and utterly delicious meal that’s also surprisingly easy to make? Look no further! This best queso recipe with meat is the perfect solution for a quick weeknight dinner, a game-day gathering, or a casual weekend get-together. Forget everything you think you know about queso – this recipe takes the classic dip to a whole new level with the addition of savory meat, making it a hearty and satisfying meal. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this simple yet spectacular dish!
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef (or chorizo for a spicier kick!)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel), undrained
- 1 (16 ounce) jar of your favorite mild or medium salsa
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Tortilla chips, for serving
Instructions:
Get Started: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures a perfectly melted and bubbly queso.
Brown the Meat: Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
Sauté the Veggies: Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. This adds a wonderful fresh flavor and texture to your queso.
Simmer the Sauce: Stir in the Rotel, salsa, chili powder, cumin, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Melt the Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the softened cream cheese until completely melted and smooth. This creates the perfect creamy base for your cheesy masterpiece.
Add the Cheese: Gradually stir in the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese until melted and the queso is smooth and bubbly.
Bake (Optional): For an extra bubbly and delicious queso, transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately with tortilla chips. This easy recipe is ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a quick and healthy meal or a last-minute appetizer.
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it up: For a spicier queso, use chorizo instead of ground beef, add more cayenne pepper, or use a spicier salsa.
- Add some veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables, such as diced jalapeños, mushrooms, or corn.
- Make it vegetarian: Omit the meat and add a can of black beans or pinto beans for a hearty vegetarian version.
- Use different cheeses: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as pepper jack, Colby jack, or queso fresco.
- Make it ahead: You can prepare the queso ahead of time and reheat it gently before serving.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary based on the specific ingredients used. For a more precise calculation, use a nutrition calculator with your exact ingredients and serving sizes. However, a general estimate per serving would include:
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 15-20 grams
- Fat: 25-30 grams
- Carbohydrates: 10-15 grams
This best queso recipe with meat is guaranteed to be a hit at your next gathering. It's a simple, delicious, and satisfying dish that's perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!