Looking for the ultimate comfort food that combines two beloved favorites—cheeseburgers and queso? This Smoked Cheeseburger Queso Creamy recipe delivers just that! It’s a rich and indulgent dip made with ground beef, two types of melty cheese, and a perfect blend of spices and flavors that will make it your new go-to appetizer for any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a party, watching the big game, or just craving something delicious, this cheesy, smoky dip will satisfy your every craving.
What sets this queso apart is the infusion of smoked cheddar and pepper jack cheeses, which gives the dip a unique, deep flavor profile that’s far from ordinary. Paired with the juicy ground beef and tangy diced tomatoes with green chilies, this queso becomes the perfect marriage of comfort food and party snack. Serve it up with crispy tortilla chips, and you’ve got a game-changing dip that everyone will be raving about. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up this crowd-pleasing dip, making it an easy and impressive dish to add to your recipe repertoire.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
1. Cheesy and Creamy
With a combination of smoked cheddar, pepper jack cheese, and sour cream, this dip is the ultimate creamy, cheesy experience.
2. Smoky Flavor
The smoked cheddar adds a unique depth of flavor, making this queso stand out from your typical cheese dip.
3. Quick and Easy
With only 30 minutes from start to finish, this dip is perfect for last-minute get-togethers or when you’re craving a quick snack.
4. Savory Beef
The ground beef adds a hearty, savory element that turns this dip into a satisfying meal, not just a snack.
5. Perfect for Dipping
Serve with tortilla chips for the perfect balance of crispy and creamy. This dip is made for dipping, sharing, and enjoying with friends and family.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 1 cup shredded smoked cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
- 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Tortilla chips, for serving
Variations
- Add Spice: If you love extra heat, add jalapeños or hot sauce to the dip for an added kick.
- Change the Cheese: Substitute the smoked cheddar with sharp cheddar or add a little mozzarella for extra stretchiness.
- Add Veggies: Toss in some sautéed bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms to make it even heartier.
- Make It Low-Carb: For a low-carb option, serve the queso with veggie sticks like celery, carrots, or cucumber slices.
- Beef Alternatives: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of this dip.
How to Make the Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef and Onion
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and diced onion over medium heat until the beef is browned and the onion is tender. Drain any excess fat from the pan.
Step 2: Add the Cheese
Stir in the shredded smoked cheddar and pepper jack cheese until fully melted and combined.
Step 3: Mix in Tomatoes, Milk, and Sour Cream
Add the can of diced tomatoes with green chilies, milk, and sour cream to the skillet. Stir everything together until well combined and the mixture becomes creamy.
Step 4: Season
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning if necessary.
Step 5: Serve
Serve the dip hot with tortilla chips for dipping. Enjoy!
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Brown the Beef Well: Make sure the ground beef is well-browned to develop a rich flavor. Don’t rush this step!
- Use Full-Fat Dairy: For a creamier and richer dip, use full-fat sour cream and milk.
- Don’t Overheat the Cheese: Once you add the cheese, stir gently and heat just until melted. Overheating can cause the cheese to separate and become greasy.
- Keep It Warm: If you’re serving this at a party, you can keep it warm in a slow cooker on the “keep warm” setting.
- Taste and Adjust: The balance of flavors in this dip is important, so be sure to taste and adjust the salt, pepper, or chili seasoning to your liking.
How to Serve
This Smoked Cheeseburger Queso Creamy is best served warm with tortilla chips for dipping. You can also use it as a topping for nachos, or drizzle it over tacos, baked potatoes, or even burgers. It’s a versatile dip that will pair with almost any dish requiring a cheesy, smoky kick.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover queso in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The queso may thicken once it cools, so you can reheat it with a splash of milk to return it to a creamy consistency.
Freezing
While queso can technically be frozen, it might separate or become grainy upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh, but if you want to freeze it, place the cooled dip in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat the leftover queso in a saucepan over low heat, adding a bit of milk to thin it out and restore its creamy texture. Stir frequently to prevent burning.
FAQs
1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dip ahead of time, refrigerate it, and reheat it when you’re ready to serve.
2. Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken are great alternatives to ground beef, and they’ll still pair nicely with the cheeses and other ingredients.
3. How spicy is this dip?
The dip has a mild spice from the diced tomatoes with green chilies. If you prefer more heat, you can add fresh jalapeños, chili powder, or hot sauce.
4. Can I use different cheeses?
Definitely! You can substitute the smoked cheddar or pepper jack with your favorite cheeses, such as sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even cream cheese for extra creaminess.
5. Can I use light sour cream or milk?
You can substitute light sour cream or milk, but the dip may be slightly less creamy. Full-fat versions are recommended for the richest flavor and texture.
6. Can I serve this dip with something other than tortilla chips?
Yes! Serve it with crackers, pita chips, or even fresh veggies like carrot sticks, celery, or cucumber slices for a lighter option.
7. How do I prevent the cheese from becoming greasy?
Be careful not to overheat the cheese. Once the cheese is added, stir it gently until melted and combined with the rest of the ingredients.
8. How do I keep the dip warm during a party?
Transfer the dip to a slow cooker on the “keep warm” setting, or place it in a fondue pot to maintain its creamy consistency.
9. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can easily double this recipe to serve more people. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly if you’re making a larger batch.
10. How can I make this dip vegetarian?
You can omit the ground beef and use additional beans or veggies like bell peppers, corn, or black beans for a vegetarian version.
Conclusion
This Smoked Cheeseburger Queso Creamy is an irresistible, indulgent dip that combines everything you love about cheeseburgers with the creamy, comforting flavors of queso. Perfect for parties, game days, or just a casual get-together, it’s a quick and easy recipe that everyone will love. The smoky, cheesy dip, paired with savory ground beef and zesty tomatoes with green chilies, is sure to be the star of any spread. Serve with crispy tortilla chips, and you have the ultimate dipping experience. It’s a must-try recipe that’s sure to become a crowd favorite!
PrintSmoked Cheeseburger Queso Creamy
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Smoked Cheeseburger Queso Creamy is the ultimate fusion of comfort food—rich, cheesy, and smoky, with the satisfying flavors of a cheeseburger in a creamy, dipable form. Featuring smoked cheddar, pepper jack cheese, and seasoned ground beef, this queso is perfect for game day, parties, or anytime you crave a warm, cheesy snack with a spicy kick. Serve with tortilla chips for the perfect dip!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 1 cup shredded smoked cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
- 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Tortilla chips, for serving
Instructions
- Cook the beef and onions: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and diced onion over medium heat until the beef is browned and the onion is tender, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if needed.
- Melt the cheeses: Stir in the shredded smoked cheddar and pepper jack cheese until fully melted and smooth.
- Add the remaining ingredients: Add the diced tomatoes with green chilies, milk, and sour cream to the skillet. Stir until everything is well combined and the queso is creamy.
- Season to taste: Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Serve hot with tortilla chips for dipping. Enjoy!
Notes
- For a spicier kick, use hot pepper jack cheese or add extra chopped jalapeños to the mixture.
- You can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a leaner version.
- This queso can be kept warm in a slow cooker for parties. Simply transfer the cooked queso to the slow cooker on the “warm” setting.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Dip, Comfort Food, Party Food
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Cheeseburger Queso, Smoked Queso, Creamy Dip, Cheeseburger Dip, Easy Queso, Beef Queso, Tex-Mex Dip, Party Dip, Game Day Recipes, Spicy Queso