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Smoked Queso Dip: The Ultimate Guide to Delicious, Smoky Cheese Dip Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 112 reviews

This Smoked Queso Dip is a rich, creamy, and smoky cheese dip perfect for any gathering. Made with Velveeta, cream cheese, cheddar, and seasoned ground beef, it’s enhanced with diced tomatoes, green chilies, and a blend of spices, then smoked low and slow for a unique depth of flavor. Serve it hot with tortilla chips for the ultimate game-day or party appetizer.

Ingredients

Scale

Cheeses

  • 1 (32 ounce) block Velveeta cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Meat and Vegetables

  • 1 pound ground beef, browned and drained
  • 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel), undrained
  • 1 (4 ounce) can chopped green chilies, undrained

Liquids

  • 1/2 cup milk or half-and-half (more if needed for desired consistency)

Spices & Seasonings

  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Toppings and Serving

  • Chopped cilantro
  • Diced onions
  • Sliced jalapenos
  • Tortilla chips, for serving

Instructions

  1. Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef. Break it up with a spoon or spatula as it cooks, browning it thoroughly for about 7-10 minutes until no longer pink.
  2. Drain Excess Grease: Carefully pour off any excess grease from the skillet, using a spoon to hold back the beef, then return the browned beef to the skillet.
  3. Season Beef: Add chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the ground beef. Stir well to combine and cook for another 2-3 minutes to release the spice flavors.
  4. Set Beef Aside: Remove skillet from heat and set the seasoned ground beef aside to add later.
  5. Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, combine cubed Velveeta and softened cream cheese.
  6. Add Chilies and Cheese: Add the undrained diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel) along with the can of chopped green chilies. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
  7. Add Milk: Pour in 1/2 cup milk or half-and-half to start; stir everything well to blend the ingredients before cooking.
  8. Preheat Smoker: Preheat your smoker to 225°F (107°C). Use your favorite wood chips like hickory and mesquite for a smoky flavor.
  9. Smoke Cheese Mixture: Place the skillet with the cheese mixture on the smoker grate. Smoke for about 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring every 30 minutes to ensure even melting and prevent burning.
  10. Add Ground Beef: After about 1 hour of smoking, add the browned and seasoned ground beef to the cheese mixture. Stir well to incorporate evenly.
  11. Continue Smoking: Smoke the combined mixture for the remaining time, stirring occasionally until the queso is hot, smooth, and bubbly.
  12. Adjust Consistency: If the queso dip is too thick, add milk or half-and-half a tablespoon at a time, stirring well after each addition until desired consistency is reached.
  13. Season to Taste: Taste the queso and adjust salt, pepper, chili powder, or other spices according to your preference.
  14. Remove from Smoker: Carefully remove the skillet or Dutch oven from the smoker using oven mitts, as it will be very hot.
  15. Garnish: Optionally top with chopped cilantro, diced onions, and sliced jalapenos for added flavor and color.
  16. Serve: Serve the smoked queso dip immediately with plenty of tortilla chips for dipping and enjoy while hot and fresh.

Notes

  • If you prefer a thinner queso dip, gradually add more milk or half-and-half until you get the desired consistency.
  • Be cautious when handling the hot skillet from the smoker; use heat-resistant gloves to avoid burns.
  • Feel free to customize the spice level by adjusting chili powder and jalapenos.
  • Leftover dip can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave, stirring frequently to maintain smoothness.
  • Using a Dutch oven or cast-iron skillet helps retain heat and distribute it evenly during smoking.

Keywords: smoked queso dip, cheese dip recipe, smoky queso, Velveeta dip, party appetizer, game day dip

Find it online: https://cookcrisis.com/smoked-queso-dip-the-ultimate-guide-to-delicious-smoky-cheese-dip-recipe/