6-Step Smoked Queso Recipe for Game Day and BBQ Parties
A creamy, smoky queso dip loaded with melty Velveeta, ground beef, and Rotel tomatoes, perfect for game day and BBQ parties. Quick, easy, and packed with flavor!
Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground beef Cooked and crumbled
- 16 oz Velveeta cheese Cubed
- 8 oz Pepper Jack cheese Shredded
- 8 oz Cheddar cheese Shredded
- 10 oz can Rotel tomatoes with green chilies
- 4 oz can Diced green chiles Drained
- ¼ cup Heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Chili powder
- ½ teaspoon Ground cumin
- ½ cup Fresh cilantro Chopped
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil For cooking beef
Instructions
- Preheat the Smoker or Grill: Begin by preheating your smoker or pellet grill to 225°F. Use a mild wood like cherry, maple, or applewood for a subtle smoky flavor. If using a grill, set it up for indirect heat to prevent scorching.
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large cast iron skillet or pan, and heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Incorporate the minced beef and simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring to break it into fine pieces as it cooks and turns brown. Remove any excess fat and set the cooked beef to the side. This process guarantees thorough cooking of the meat and reduces excessive grease in the final dip mixture.
- Prepare the Queso Ingredients: In the same skillet or a disposable aluminum pan, Add Velveeta cheese cubes, shredded Pepper Jack, and Cheddar cheese. Pour in Rotel tomatoes (including the liquid) and diced green chiles. Sprinkle in chili powder and cumin for added flavor. Add the pre-cooked ground beef. Drizzle heavy cream evenly over the ingredients to ensure smooth melting.
- Smoke the Queso Dip: Place the skillet or aluminum pan on the smoker or grill grates. Close the lid and allow the queso to smoke for 45-60 minutes. Stir the mixture every 15 minutes using a wooden spoon to combine ingredients and ensure even melting.
- Add Fresh Cilantro and Finish: During the last 5 minutes of smoking, stir in fresh chopped cilantro for a burst of flavor. Once the cheeses are fully melted, the queso is bubbling, and everything is well combined, remove the pan from the smoker.
- Serve Immediately: Present the warm smoked queso dip alongside tortilla chips, pita crisps, or an assortment of fresh vegetables for dipping. Enjoy the ultimate smoky, cheesy appetizer at your BBQ party or game-day gathering!
Notes
- Calories per Serving: Approximately 290 calories per serving. (153 grams)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary Tags: Nut-Free, High-Protein
- Nutritional Info per Serving: 21g fat, 9g saturated fat, 8g carbs, 15g protein, 580mg sodium
