Best Smoked Queso Dip Recipe
This Best Smoked Queso recipe combines the rich, creamy textures of Velveeta and Colby Jack cheeses with smoky ground beef and vibrant pico de gallo, enhanced by the subtle heat of jalapeños and the depth of liquid smoke. Perfect as a party dip or game day snack, it delivers bold Tex-Mex flavors with a satisfying smoky twist.
- Author: Emma
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Meat
Cheese
- 32 ounce box Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 1½ cups Colby Jack cheese, shredded or cubed
Other Ingredients
- 1½ cups Pico de Gallo
- 3–4 tbsp jalapeños, sliced (about 2 jalapeños)
- 1½ tbsp taco seasoning
- ¾ tsp liquid smoke
- Prepare the beef: In a skillet or pan over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked and no longer pink, breaking it apart as it cooks to ensure even browning.
- Add seasoning: Stir in the 1½ tablespoons of taco seasoning into the cooked ground beef, mixing thoroughly to coat the meat evenly with the spices.
- Combine cheeses and liquids: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed Velveeta cheese and shredded Colby Jack cheese. Add the ¾ teaspoon of liquid smoke to the cheese mixture to infuse a smoky flavor.
- Add piked beef and jalapeños: Incorporate the seasoned ground beef into the cheese mixture along with the sliced jalapeños, stirring gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Add Pico de Gallo: Fold in 1½ cups of fresh pico de gallo into the cheese and meat blend, distributing it well to add fresh flavor and texture.
- Cook low and slow: Transfer the mixture to a smoker or a slow cooker set to low heat to allow the cheeses to melt gently and the flavors to meld together. Heat for about 1 to 1½ hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and promote even melting.
- Serve warm: Once the cheese is fully melted and the queso is hot and bubbly with smoky aroma, serve immediately with tortilla chips or fresh veggies for dipping.
Notes
- For best smoky flavor, use a smoker; alternatively, a slow cooker or stovetop can be used but will have less intense smoke.
- Adjust jalapeño quantity based on preferred spice level.
- Pico de gallo adds a fresh contrast; you can substitute with salsa if desired.
- Velveeta melts smoothly, while Colby Jack adds flavor and texture.
- Use ground beef with moderate fat content for best juiciness and flavor.
Keywords: smoked queso, queso dip, smoked cheese dip, Tex-Mex dip, ground beef queso, party appetizer, game day snack