Looking to take your next party up a notch? Serve up this beef queso dip recipe! It’s so easy to make and tastes much better than store-bought versions. Made with Pepper Jack and sharp cheddar cheeses, it’s ooey, gooey, and delectable!

Whether you’re having people over for game day, a birthday party, movie night, or just to catch up, you know they’re bound to get hungry at some point. Never fear! When you serve this beef queso dip, everyone will be satisfied. Pair alongside my fresh peach salsa, refried bean dip, roasted salsa verde with tomatillos, and baked jalapeño poppers and you’ve got yourself a Tex-Mex appetizer extravaganza.

I grew up eating store-bought queso, and let me tell you — the homemade version is a million times better. I also wanted to make a more filling queso dip recipe, so I add ground beef to mine. If you’re looking for a meat-free version, I’ve also whipped up this better than Chipotle queso dip!

This dip only takes about 10 minutes to prep and under 20 minutes to bake up and become cheesy as can be. My beef queso dip is the quintessential party snack!

INGREDIENT NOTES AND SUBSTITUTIONS

• Ground Beef – Opt for a 90/10 fat ratio. You can also use ground turkey or chicken, although beef is my personal preference.
• Pepper Jack Cheese – Pepper Jack is made with peppers, rosemary, and other spices which lend this dip a bit of a kick. Shred a fresh block yourself to ensure it melts down nice and smooth.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese – This type of cheese is, well, sharp. It is also slightly nutty in flavor and marries perfectly with the Pepper Jack. Again, skip the bagged shreds and grate it fresh!
• Salsa – I like using Pace Medium Salsa. You can use your favorite.
• Salt – You can use a bit of salt to taste. Try not to go overboard as the other ingredients are already salty on their own.
• Chili Seasoning – Try out my homemade chili powder! You can also use a premade mix if you’re short on time.
• Cumin – This earthy, warm, and slightly citrusy seasoning is a must in my queso dip recipe.
• Garlic Powder – A little bit of garlic never hurt anybody — or this dip.
• Butter & All Purpose Flour – Combine these two to create a roux that makes the consistency of the dip nice and thick. If you’re gluten-free, you can use GF flour instead.
• Milk – This ingredient also helps to thicken the final results.
• Cilantro – Garnish your beef queso dip recipe with a bit of this fresh herb.
• Cotija Cheese – Considered to be the Mexican version of feta, a bit of crumbled cotija on top is the perfect final touch.
• Tortilla Chips – For dipping!

HOW TO MAKE BEEF QUESO DIP

1. Brown The Meat. Place the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat and season with salt, chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder. Cook until browned, then remove the meat from the skillet and place it in a bowl.
2. Make The Roux. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat and add the flour. Whisk to combine and cook for about 2 minutes. Then, add the milk and continue to cook on low heat for 3-4 minutes or until thickened. 
3. Add The Cheeses. Add in the shredded cheeses and whisk the mixture until smooth. Now, add the salsa and beef (as well as the juices) and simmer on low for about 5 minutes. 
4. Garnish & Serve. Place the finished beef queso dip in a large serving bowl and garnish with fresh cilantro and crumbled cotija cheese. You can also top with sliced avocado, guacamole, extra salsa, or jalapeño peppers. Serve with tortilla chips or whatever else of your choosing!

What Can I Serve With Beef Queso Dip?

You can keep things simple and serve with your favorite tortilla chips, but there are so many other ways to enjoy it! Here are some additional serving suggestions to inspire you:

• Pour it over French fries or potato wedges
• Use it as a baked potato topping
• Pour it over steamed vegetables, like broccoli or cauliflower
• Use it in tacos and burritos or on top of fajitas
• Make it a creative hot dog topping
• Instead of using it as a dip for tortilla chips, pour the queso dip on top of the chips for some awesome nachos

What To Add To Queso To Make It Taste Better?

Start by adding ground beef as instructed on the recipe card! You can also make your dip spicier by including jalapeño, serrano, or cayenne peppers. You can also add in beans, cooked veggies like onions or bell peppers, buffalo hot sauce, or even some smokey barbecue sauce.

How Do You Thicken Queso?

Don’t skip the all-important roux! The mixture of flour and butter will thicken up your queso dip recipe so that you get the thick and creamy consistency you’re after. If you find that your dip isn’t thick enough, you can add some additional flour or cornstarch.