Are you looking for a delicious and easy recipe to impress your friends and family? Look no further! This queso dip recipe with meat is the perfect appetizer or snack for any gathering. It’s incredibly flavorful, surprisingly easy to make, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Get ready to experience a fiesta of flavors in every single bite! This quick dinner idea is perfect for busy weeknights, or a fun weekend get-together.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef (or a blend of beef and chorizo for extra spice!)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel), undrained
- 1 (16 ounce) package shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 (4 ounce) can diced green chilies, drained
- 1/2 cup milk or cream
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: Sour cream, guacamole, chopped cilantro, jalapeños
Instructions:
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Brown the Meat: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease. This step ensures a flavorful base for your queso.
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Sauté the Veggies: Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. The slightly caramelized onions and peppers add a beautiful sweetness to the dip.
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Spice it Up: Stir in the Rotel (undrained), drained green chilies, chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the spices to bloom and mingle with the other ingredients. This step builds the depth of flavor in your queso.
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Melt the Cheese: Reduce the heat to low. Gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and milk (or cream), stirring constantly until the cheese is melted and smooth. For an extra creamy texture, use cream instead of milk.
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Season to Perfection: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember, you can always add more seasoning, but you can't take it away!
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Serve and Enjoy!: Serve your delicious queso dip immediately with tortilla chips, vegetables, or even as a topping for your favorite dishes. This homemade cooking masterpiece is best served warm.
Tips for the Best Queso Dip:
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chili powder and jalapeños to your preferred level of spiciness. For a milder queso, omit the jalapeños altogether.
- Cheese Choice: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or a blend of cheeses.
- Make it Ahead: You can prepare the queso dip ahead of time and reheat it gently before serving. Just be sure not to overheat, as this can cause the cheese to separate.
Variations:
- Chicken Queso: Substitute cooked and shredded chicken for the ground beef.
- Vegetarian Queso: Omit the meat altogether for a delicious vegetarian option. Add some black beans for extra protein and texture.
- Spicy Queso: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños for extra heat.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250-300 (depending on ingredients and serving size)
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Protein: Approximately 10-15g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 10-15g
This queso dip recipe is a simple, healthy meal option that is perfect for any occasion. Enjoy creating this delicious and easy dish! It's one of the best recipes you'll find for a satisfying and flavorful meal. Whether you're looking for easy recipes or delicious dishes, this one is a winner.