Smoked Queso Dip with Beef (Print version)

Creamy smoked queso dip with seasoned beef, tomatoes, chiles, pepper jack, and a steady kiss of smoke.

# Ingredients:

For the beef

01 - 1 lb (450 g) ground beef, 85/15 or 90/10
02 - 1/2 cup (75 g) finely diced yellow onion
03 - 1 tablespoon taco seasoning, gluten-free if needed
04 - 2 tablespoons water

For the queso

05 - 16 oz (450 g) Velveeta-style processed cheese, cubed
06 - 8 oz (225 g) pepper jack cheese, shredded
07 - 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, cubed
08 - 1 can (10 oz/283 g) diced tomatoes with green chiles, undrained
09 - 1 can (4 oz/113 g) diced green chiles, drained
10 - 1/3 cup (45 g) sliced pickled jalapenos, chopped
11 - 1/2 cup (120 ml) evaporated milk, plus more as needed
12 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

For serving

13 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
14 - Tortilla chips or warm tortillas
15 - Lime wedges, optional

# Instructions:

01 - Set a smoker or pellet grill to 225°F (107°C). Use a mild wood such as pecan, apple, cherry, or oak.
02 - Cook the ground beef and onion in a skillet over medium-high heat for 6-8 minutes, breaking up the meat, until browned and cooked through. Drain off excess fat.
03 - Stir in the taco seasoning and water. Cook for 1-2 minutes, until the seasoning coats the beef and the pan looks mostly dry.
04 - Add the cubed processed cheese, pepper jack, cream cheese, tomatoes with chiles, green chiles, jalapenos, evaporated milk, smoked paprika, and cooked beef to a 10- to 12-inch cast iron skillet or disposable foil pan.
05 - Place the uncovered pan in the smoker. Smoke for 45-60 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted and the dip is glossy.
06 - Stir in more warm evaporated milk if the queso is too thick. Top with cilantro and serve hot with tortilla chips, warm tortillas, and lime wedges if using.

# Good to know:

01 - Use cooked ground beef only. Do not add raw beef directly to the queso pan.
02 - The dip thickens as it cools. Loosen it with warm evaporated milk.
03 - Keep warm in a slow cooker for parties and stir occasionally.

Back