Queso Dip Ground Beef Peppers

My friend Miguel brought this queso to a Super Bowl party years ago, and honestly, I hovered near the slow cooker the entire night. The way the creamy cheese coats that savory beef, how the peppers pop through every bite—I ended up asking for the recipe before the fourth quarter even started.

Last winter, my sister showed up unexpectedly during a snowstorm with nothing but a bag of tortilla chips. I threw this together with what I had in the fridge, and we spent the whole evening at the kitchen table, dipping and catching up while the wind howled outside.

Ingredients

• 1/2 lb ground beef: The higher fat content keeps everything rich and prevents that grainy texture that happens with lean meat
• 1 small onion: Finely diced so it almost disappears into the cheese instead of creating chunky bites
• 1/2 red bell pepper: Adds a sweetness that balances the savory beef beautifully
• 1/2 green bell pepper: Brings a fresh, slightly grassy note that cuts through all that richness
• 1 jalapeño: Keep the seeds in if you want a noticeable kick, or remove them for just a gentle warmth
• 2 cloves garlic: Minced finely so the flavor distributes evenly throughout the dip
• 12 oz processed cheese: I know, but Velveeta-style cheese is what gives queso that velvety, seamless melt that real cheese just cannot achieve
• 1 cup whole milk: Thins the cheese just enough without making it watery or separating
• 1/2 cup sour cream: Adds a tangy finish that brightens up all that heavy creaminess
• 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies: Drained well so the queso does not become too thin or soupy
• 1 tsp ground cumin: The earthy backbone that makes this taste like Tex-Mex instead of just melted cheese
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika: Deepens the flavor with subtle smokiness without overpowering everything else
• 1/2 tsp chili powder: Provides warmth rather than actual heat
• Salt and pepper: Essential for bringing all those flavors together

Instructions

Brown the beef:

Cook the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking it apart with your spoon until it is fully cooked through, then drain off the excess fat.

Soften the vegetables:

Toss in the onion, both bell peppers, jalapeño, and garlic, then sauté for about 5 minutes until everything is fragrant and tender.

Wake up the spices:

Stir in the cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper, and let them cook for just a minute until the spices become incredibly aromatic.

Melt the cheese:

Lower your heat and add the cubed cheese and milk, stirring gently until everything melts into a silky smooth mixture.

Combine everything:

Mix in the drained tomatoes and sour cream, stirring until it is all well combined and heated through.

Season and serve:

Taste it and adjust the seasoning if needed, then transfer to a serving bowl or small slow cooker set to warm.

Pin It

This dip has become my go-to for new neighbors and nervous houseguests—there is something about standing around a warm, bubbling bowl of queso that makes everyone relax and start talking.

Make It Your Own

I have swapped the beef for chorizo when I wanted something with more punch, and my vegetarian friends love it when I use black beans and extra peppers instead.

Serving Suggestions

Beyond tortilla chips, try serving this with warm flour tortillas, crispy bread, or even raw veggies for scooping.

Storage and Reheating

Leftovers keep surprisingly well in the refrigerator for up to three days, though they will thicken considerably. Reheat gently over low heat with a splash of milk to bring back that silky consistency.

• Never use the microwave for reheating or the cheese will separate and turn greasy
• Stir frequently while reheating to prevent scorching on the bottom
• If the dip seems too thick after storing, add milk one tablespoon at a time until it is smooth again

Pin It

There is something universally comforting about gathering around a warm, bubbling dip, and this one always seems to bring people together.

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of cheese works best in this dip?

Processed cheeses like Velveeta melt smoothly, creating a creamy texture essential for this dip.

→ Can I adjust the spice level of this dish?

Yes, include jalapeño seeds or add cayenne for more heat, or omit them for a milder taste.

→ Is there a substitute for ground beef?

Ground turkey can be used as a leaner alternative, or omit meat entirely and add black beans for a vegetarian option.

→ How should leftovers be stored and reheated?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of milk if needed.

→ What are good serving suggestions for this queso mix?

Serve warm with tortilla chips, fresh vegetable sticks, or as a flavorful addition to appetizers.