This Ground Beef Queso Dip with Velveeta is creamy, rich, and packed with flavorful seasoned beef, exactly the kind of warm, comforting dip that disappears fast at parties. It’s smooth, extra cheesy, and incredibly easy to make with just one skillet. Serve it with tortilla chips, pretzels, veggies, or drizzle it over nachos. Whether you’re hosting game day or craving a simple snack night, this queso dip is always a hit.
Ingredients
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 (10 oz) can Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies), undrained
• 1 lb Velveeta cheese, cubed
• 1/2 cup heavy cream or whole milk
• Fresh cilantro for garnish
Preparation Steps
Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat. Season with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add onion and garlic and cook until softened.
Step 2: Melt the Cheese
Reduce heat to low. Add Velveeta cubes into the skillet with the beef mixture. Pour in the Rotel and heavy cream. Stir slowly until the cheese melts completely and becomes smooth, creamy, and fully combined.
Step 3: Adjust the Thickness
If the queso feels too thick, add a splash more milk until it reaches your preferred dipping consistency.
Step 4: Serve Warm
Transfer to a serving bowl, garnish with cilantro, and serve immediately with tortilla chips, sliced jalapeños, or lime wedges.
Variations
• Spicy Version: Add diced jalapeños, extra chili powder, cayenne, or hot Rotel to give the dip a strong kick. Great for spice lovers who want a bold heat.
• Tex-Mex Style: Mix in black beans, corn, or sautéed bell peppers for a chunkier, more filling queso dip. This version works well served over nachos or baked potatoes.
• Creamier Queso: Add an extra 1/4 cup heavy cream for a silkier and smoother texture. This makes the queso ideal for drizzling over tacos or enchiladas.
• Different Cheeses: Replace part of the Velveeta with Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or sharp cheddar to deepen the flavor and add stretchy cheese pulls.
• Slow Cooker Method: Combine browned beef and all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on LOW for 2 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Cooking Notes
• Prevent Burning: Keep heat low when melting Velveeta, high heat can scorch the cheese or make it grainy. Stir frequently for the smoothest texture.
• Rotel Liquid Matters: Do not drain the Rotel; the liquid adds flavor and helps thin the cheese to the right consistency.
• Reheating Tips: Queso thickens as it cools. Reheat slowly over low heat with a splash of milk to bring it back to its original creaminess.
• Use Fresh Cheese Alternatives Carefully: If using real cheese instead of Velveeta, add a tablespoon of cornstarch to prevent separation.
Serving Suggestions
• Serve with tortilla chips, pretzel bites, or toasted bread pieces for dipping.
• Drizzle over nachos topped with jalapeños and green onions for an upgraded snack.
• Spoon onto tacos, burritos, burgers, or baked potatoes for extra flavor.
• Add to a game-day snack board with guacamole, salsa, and chicken wings.
• Serve with carrot sticks, celery, or bell pepper slices for a lighter option.
Tips
• Brown the beef fully for maximum flavor; a deep sear enhances richness.
• Cube the Velveeta ahead of time, it melts more evenly and quickly.
• Keep queso warm in a mini slow cooker during parties to prevent thickening.
• Taste and adjust seasonings at the end; queso often needs a bit more salt or spice.
• Add cooked chorizo instead of ground beef for a smokier, richer dip.
Prep Time / Cooking Time / Total Time
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Approx. 280 calories – 15g protein – 20g fat – 6g carbs
FAQs
Can I make this queso dip ahead of time?
- Yes! Prepare it fully, let it cool, and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on low heat with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
Can I use real cheese instead of Velveeta?
- You can, but the texture won’t be as smooth unless you mix in a little cornstarch and melt it slowly. Velveeta ensures the classic creamy restaurant-style finish.
How do I fix queso that becomes too thick?
- Simply add milk or cream a little at a time while reheating until it loosens back to a dip-able texture.
Can I freeze queso dip?
- Freezing is not recommended because cheese-based dips can become grainy or separate after thawing.
Is this recipe spicy?
- It’s mild as written. To make it spicy, add jalapeños, a hotter Rotel variety, cayenne, or crushed red pepper flakes.
Conclusion
This Ground Beef Queso Dip with Velveeta is the perfect blend of smooth, creamy cheese and savory seasoned beef, ideal for parties, game nights, or whenever you want a warm, comforting snack. It’s easy, versatile, and guaranteed to be one of the most popular dips on your table.