Queso Dip Ground Beef Peppers (Print Version)
Creamy, cheesy blend with ground beef and sweet peppers, ideal for casual gatherings and game day.
# What You Need:
→ Meats
01 - 1 lb ground beef (80/20 preferred)
→ Vegetables
02 - 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
03 - 1 red bell pepper, finely diced
04 - 1 green bell pepper, finely diced
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 1–2 jalapeño peppers, deseeded and finely chopped
→ Spices
07 - 1 tsp ground cumin
08 - 1 tsp chili powder
09 - ½ tsp smoked paprika
10 - ½ tsp salt, or to taste
11 - ¼ tsp black pepper
→ Dairy
12 - 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
13 - 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
14 - 8 oz cream cheese, cubed and softened
15 - 1 cup whole milk
→ Garnish
16 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
17 - 1 small tomato, diced
18 - Sliced green onions
# Preparation Steps:
01 - Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
02 - Add the diced onion, red and green bell peppers, and jalapeño to the skillet. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until vegetables are softened.
03 - Stir in the minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - Reduce heat to medium-low. Add the cream cheese cubes and milk, stirring constantly until the cream cheese is completely melted and the mixture is smooth.
05 - Gradually add the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, stirring constantly until fully melted and the dip reaches a creamy consistency.
06 - Keep warm over low heat or transfer to a slow cooker set to warm. Garnish with cilantro, diced tomato, and green onions if desired. Serve hot with tortilla chips, sliced vegetables, or bread.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The cream cheese makes it incredibly smooth without any grainy texture
- Ground beef turns this from a simple snack into a meal-worthy dip
- The combination of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack creates the perfect tangy balance
02 -
- Pre-shredded cheese will make your dip grainy because of the anti-caking coating
- Keep the heat low once you start adding cheese to prevent separating
- If the dip gets too thick while sitting, stir in a splash of warm milk
03 -
- Grate your cheese from blocks for the smoothest, creamiest texture
- A dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce can elevate the heat without changing the flavor profile