Smoked Cheeseburger Queso Creamy Recipe

Sizzling Smoked Cheeseburger Queso Recipe: Creamy Bliss in a Bowl

Melted cheese and smoky flavors collide in this irresistible smoked cheeseburger queso that promises to become your new comfort food obsession.

Creamy textures blend seamlessly with rich, bold ingredients.

Culinary magic happens when classic burger elements transform into a dip everyone craves.

Unexpected spices dance across each delectable bite, creating depth and excitement.

Backyard barbecue vibes meet gourmet appetizer in this crowd-pleasing recipe.

We combine ground beef, peppers, and special seasonings to craft something truly memorable.

Dive into this epic queso experience that will make you the ultimate party hero.

Smoked Cheeseburger Queso FAQs

  • What makes the cheeseburger queso different from traditional queso?

This recipe incorporates ground beef directly into the cheese dip, creating a hearty and protein-packed appetizer that transforms a classic queso into a complete meal-like experience.

  • Can I use different types of cheese?

Absolutely! While the recipe uses cheddar and pepper jack, you can experiment with monterey jack, colby, or even american cheese to customize the flavor profile and create your own unique version.

  • Is this recipe spicy?

The diced tomatoes with green chilies add a mild to moderate heat level. If you prefer less spice, choose mild green chilies, or for more heat, opt for a spicier variety or add extra jalapeños.

Why You’ll Love Smoked Cheeseburger Queso

  • Savor Quick Comfort: This recipe delivers rich, smoky flavors in minutes with minimal cooking skills required, perfect for busy weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Dip: Combines classic cheeseburger elements with queso, creating a universally loved appetizer that appeals to both kids and adults at parties and game nights.
  • Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows adding personal touches like extra spices, different cheese blends, or topping variations to match individual taste preferences and pantry ingredients.
  • Minimal Cleanup Champion: Uses just one skillet for preparation, reducing kitchen mess and making this dish a stress-free cooking experience for home cooks seeking convenience.

Ingredients For Smoked Cheeseburger Queso

Meat Base:
  • Ground Beef: Provides the rich, hearty foundation for the queso.
  • Onion: Adds a savory depth and aromatic flavor to the base.
Cheese Blend:
  • Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Delivers a classic, sharp cheese flavor.
  • Pepper Jack Cheese: Introduces a spicy kick to the creamy mixture.
Creamy and Tangy Components:
  • Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies, Milk, Sour Cream: Create a smooth, zesty texture and enhance the overall flavor profile.
Seasoning:
  • Salt, Pepper: Balance and elevate the taste of the queso.
Serving Suggestion:
  • Tortilla Chips: Perfect for dipping and enjoying the smoked cheeseburger queso.

Steps To Make Smoked Cheeseburger Queso

Step 1: Brown Ground Beef and Onions

Cook ground beef with chopped onions in a large skillet over medium heat. Stir frequently and break up the meat until it’s fully cooked and the onions become translucent and soft.

Step 2: Melt Cheese Blend

Sprinkle shredded cheddar and pepper jack cheese into the beef mixture. Stir continuously until the cheeses completely melt and create a smooth, creamy texture.

Step 3: Create Queso Base

Add these ingredients to the skillet:
  • Diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • Whole milk
  • Sour cream

Gently mix all ingredients until they are fully incorporated and create a rich, velvety consistency.

Step 4: Season and Enhance Flavor

Sprinkle salt and black pepper to taste. Stir well to distribute the seasonings evenly throughout the queso.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the hot, creamy queso to a serving bowl. Accompany with crispy tortilla chips for dipping. Serve immediately while the queso is warm and gooey.

Helpful Notes For Smoked Cheeseburger Queso

  • Select high-quality ground beef with good fat content for extra flavor and juiciness in your queso.
  • Experiment with different cheese blends like smoked gouda or sharp cheddar for a more complex taste profile.
  • Drain excess fat from beef to prevent greasy texture and control overall dish consistency.
  • Use fresh diced tomatoes with green chilies for brighter, zestier flavor compared to canned alternatives.
  • Adjust milk quantity for desired thickness, adding gradually to achieve perfect creamy dipping texture.

Fun Twists On Smoked Cheeseburger Queso

  • Bacon Blast Queso: Crisp chopped bacon bits mixed into the cheese sauce for a smoky, salty flavor boost.
  • Jalapeño Popper Queso: Roasted jalapeños and cream cheese blended into the mixture for a spicy, creamy kick.
  • Green Chile Chicken Queso: Shredded rotisserie chicken and additional green chiles added for a hearty protein-packed version.
  • Ranch Style Queso: Sprinkle ranch seasoning mix and add a dollop of ranch dressing for a tangy southwestern flavor profile.

What Pairs Well With Smoked Cheeseburger Queso

  • Elevate Smoky Flavor Pairings: Pair this creamy queso with bold, smoky craft beers like a robust porter or amber ale that complement the smoked beef notes.
  • Refreshing Chip Companion: Serve crisp, cold Mexican lager with lime wedge to cut through the rich, creamy cheese and provide a zesty contrast.
  • Temperature Balance Strategy: Offer chilled, tangy pico de gallo as a fresh side to balance the warm, melted queso and add bright, herbaceous elements.
  • Texture Contrast Option: Include crunchy, lightly salted tortilla chips with different shapes and sizes to provide multiple dipping experiences and textural interest.

How To Store Smoked Cheeseburger Queso

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Transfer queso to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Seal tightly to prevent freezer burn.
  • Warm gently over low heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of milk to restore creamy consistency and prevent scorching.
  • Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval. Use 50% power to maintain smooth texture and prevent separation.
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Smoked Cheeseburger Queso Creamy Recipe

Smoked Cheeseburger Queso Creamy Recipe


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4.6 from 21 reviews

  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Smoky cheeseburger queso blends rich American flavors into a creamy, irresistible dip that elevates game day snacking. Melted cheese, ground beef, and smoky spices create a crowd-pleasing appetizer you’ll crave at every gathering.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 cup shredded smoked cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • 1/2 onion, diced
  • 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies

Dairy and Seasoning:

  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Serving:

  • Tortilla chips

Instructions

  1. Sizzle ground beef and diced onions in a spacious skillet at medium heat, ensuring meat browns thoroughly and onions become translucent, approximately 7-8 minutes.
  2. Reduce heat to low and gradually incorporate shredded cheddar and pepper jack cheese, stirring continuously until cheese melts smoothly and creates a velvety texture.
  3. Gently fold in diced tomatoes with green chilies, whole milk, and creamy sour cream, blending ingredients until uniformly integrated and achieving a consistent, rich consistency.
  4. Elevate the flavor profile by seasoning with salt and freshly cracked black pepper, adjusting quantities to personal taste preferences.
  5. Transfer the molten queso to a serving dish, garnishing with optional chopped cilantro or green onions for added visual appeal and fresh flavor dimension.
  6. Present immediately alongside crisp tortilla chips, allowing guests to scoop and enjoy the warm, smoky, and creamy dip while at optimal temperature.

Notes

  • Ensure beef is fully cooked and crumbled into small pieces for even texture and better cheese melting.
  • Choose high-quality cheese with good melting properties like sharp cheddar and creamy pepper jack for rich flavor complexity.
  • Experiment with alternative protein options like ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for healthier or vegetarian variations.
  • Control spice levels by adjusting chili content or using mild green chilies for sensitive palates.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 497 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 610 mg
  • Fat: 37 g
  • Saturated Fat: 18 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 8 g
  • Fiber: 1.5 g
  • Protein: 32 g
  • Cholesterol: 105 mg
Samantha Lee

Samantha Lee

Recipe Developer & Content Creator

Expertise

Plant-based and vegetarian recipes, Recipe testing and development, Food blogging and digital content creation, Culinary education and workshops​

Education

Oregon Culinary Institute (Portland, OR)

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Emphasized plant-based cooking, global cuisines, and recipe testing methodologies.​

Samantha sees cooking like painting, every fresh herb, every juicy tomato, a new splash of color on a canvas.
After graduating from Oregon Culinary Institute, she blended her love of global cuisines and plant-based cooking into recipes that feel fresh, fearless, and full of heart.
Samantha’s kitchen is a place where comfort food gets a modern remix and every meal feels like a little adventure. When she’s not cooking, she’s out exploring farmers’ markets, sketching new recipe ideas, or getting her hands dirty in a community garden.

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