Are you craving a comforting, cheesy, and utterly delicious meal that's ready in under 30 minutes? Look no further! This queso recipe with ground beef is the perfect solution for busy weeknights or a casual weekend gathering. It's a crowd-pleaser, packed with flavor, and surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner cooks. Get ready to experience a flavor explosion that will have everyone asking for seconds! This recipe is a fantastic example of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals combined.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (lean or regular, your preference)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (like Rotel), undrained
- 16 ounces velveeta cheese, cubed
- 4 ounces Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup milk or heavy cream (for creamier queso)
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: sour cream, guacamole, chopped cilantro, tortilla chips
Instructions:
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Brown the Beef: In a large skillet or pot, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease. This step builds the foundation of flavor for your delicious queso.
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Sauté Vegetables: Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. This adds a nice sweetness and texture to the queso.
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Simmer the Sauce: Stir in the diced tomatoes (both cans), chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Bring to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. This slow simmer is key to achieving the perfect queso consistency.
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Melt the Cheese: Reduce heat to low and add the cubed Velveeta cheese and shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Stir constantly until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Adding the milk or cream at this stage ensures a perfectly smooth and rich queso.
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Season and Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately with your favorite tortilla chips, or as a topping for nachos, baked potatoes, or even as a filling for stuffed peppers!
Tips for the Best Queso:
- Cheese Choice: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses! A blend of cheddar and pepper jack would also be delicious.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your preference. If you prefer a milder queso, omit it altogether.
- Thickness: If your queso is too thick, add a little more milk or cream. If it's too thin, simmer it uncovered for a few minutes to reduce the liquid.
- Make it Ahead: You can prepare the queso ahead of time and reheat it gently before serving.
Variations:
- Vegetarian Queso: Simply omit the ground beef and add a can of drained and rinsed black beans or corn for extra flavor and texture.
- Spicy Queso: Add a diced jalapeño pepper along with the onion and bell pepper for extra heat.
- Loaded Queso: Top with your favorite toppings like guacamole, sour cream, shredded lettuce, and diced tomatoes for an even more satisfying meal.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the type of ground beef and cheese used. For a general estimate using lean ground beef and the ingredients listed above, one serving (assuming 6 servings) contains approximately:
- Calories: 350-400
- Fat: 20-25g
- Protein: 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: 15-20g
This easy recipe is a perfect example of delicious dishes and best recipes you can make at home. It's a great option for homemade cooking and offers a healthy alternative to restaurant meals. Enjoy!