Description
At its core, queso dip is a beloved warm cheese appetizer deeply rooted in Tex-Mex culinary traditions. Traditional recipes blend melted cheese with peppers, tomatoes, and aromatic seasonings. However, elevating a standard cheese dip into a loaded halal beef queso dip creates an entirely new level of culinary indulgence.
Ingredients
For the beef
- 250 g halal ground beef
- 1 tbsp cooking oil
- ½ small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp chili powder
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
For the queso
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups whole milk
- 250 g cheddar cheese, freshly grated
- 100 g Monterey Jack or mozzarella, grated
- 100 g cream cheese
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt, to taste
- 1–2 tbsp chopped pickled jalapeños
For topping
- 1 small tomato, diced
- ¼ cup red onion, finely diced
- 1–2 fresh jalapeños, sliced
- 2 tbsp chopped cilantro
- 2–3 tbsp sour cream
- 1–2 tbsp sliced black olives, optional
- 1 avocado, diced, optional
To serve
- 1 large bag tortilla chips
Instructions
1. Cook the beef
Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook for 2–3 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Add the halal ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Stir in paprika, cumin, chili powder, black pepper, salt, and tomato paste. Cook for another 2 minutes, then set aside.
2. Make the queso
Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute.
Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Continue cooking for 3–4 minutes, stirring frequently, until slightly thickened.
Reduce the heat to low. Add the cream cheese and stir until melted.
Gradually add the cheddar and Monterey Jack, stirring until completely smooth and creamy. Add garlic powder, paprika, and jalapeños. Taste and adjust the salt.
Tip: Keep the heat low once you add the cheese. High heat can make queso grainy or oily.
3. Load the dip
Pour the queso into a serving dish or small cast-iron skillet. Spoon the seasoned beef over the top.
Add diced tomato, red onion, jalapeños, cilantro, and any optional toppings.
Drizzle with sour cream and serve immediately with plenty of tortilla chips.
Notes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 520 kcal
Keywords: halal beef queso recipe, loaded halal cheese dip, spicy halal ground beef dip, homemade halal queso with chips