Super Bowl Spicy Beef Queso Dip (Printable)
Creamy cheese dip with spicy seasoned ground beef, jalapeños, and melted cheddar and pepper jack—game day favorite.
# What You'll Need:
→ Beef Mixture
01 - 1 lb ground beef
02 - 1 tsp chili powder
03 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
04 - 1/2 tsp ground cumin
05 - 1/2 tsp garlic powder
06 - 1/2 tsp onion powder
07 - 1/2 tsp salt
08 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
→ Cheese Sauce
09 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter
10 - 2 tbsp cornstarch
11 - 1 1/2 cups whole milk
12 - 8 oz cream cheese, cubed
13 - 12 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
14 - 1 cup pepper jack cheese, shredded
15 - 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
16 - 1/4 cup pickled jalapeños, sliced
→ Garnish
17 - Fresh cilantro, chopped
18 - Extra jalapeño slices
# How-To Steps:
01 - In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned, approximately 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat from the pan.
02 - Add chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to the cooked beef. Stir to combine and cook for 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
03 - In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in cornstarch and cook for 1 minute to create a paste.
04 - Gradually whisk in the milk while stirring constantly until the mixture thickens, approximately 2-3 minutes.
05 - Reduce heat to low. Add cream cheese to the sauce, stirring until completely smooth and no lumps remain.
06 - Gradually add shredded cheddar and pepper jack cheese to the sauce, stirring continuously until fully melted and well combined.
07 - Stir in the drained diced tomatoes with green chilies and pickled jalapeños until evenly distributed.
08 - Fold the seasoned ground beef mixture into the cheese sauce until thoroughly combined.
09 - Transfer the dip to a serving bowl or slow cooker set to warm setting. Garnish with fresh cilantro and additional jalapeño slices. Serve hot with tortilla chips.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The contrast between the creamy, molten cheese and the spiced beef creates this perfect bite that will have everyone hovering around the dip bowl instead of watching the game.
- Its my secret weapon for converting my cheese-skeptical friends who always claim theyll just have a small taste but end up guarding the bowl by halftime.
02 -
- Pre-shredding your cheese from a block rather than using the bagged stuff will prevent that gritty texture that comes from the anti-caking agents in pre-shredded cheese.
- The dip will look slightly thinner than you want when its hot, but it thickens as it cools just slightly, so resist the urge to add more cornstarch or youll end up with cheese concrete.
03 -
- When reheating leftovers, add a splash of milk and stir frequently to bring back that smooth, flowing texture without breaking the sauce.
- For an unexpected twist that guests always comment on, stir in a tablespoon of pickled jalapeño brine right at the end, which adds brightness that cuts through the richness.