Ingredients
For the Beef
- 450 g ground beef
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- ½ small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Cottage Cheese Queso
- 1½ cups cottage cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup milk
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon diced green chilies, optional
- Salt, to taste
Optional Toppings
- Chopped tomatoes
- Fresh coriander
- Jalapeño slices
- Green onions
- Extra shredded cheese
- A spoonful of Greek yogurt
Instructions
1. Prepare the Beef
Place a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil.
Add the finely diced onion and cook for about 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it begins to soften.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
2. Brown the Ground Beef
Add the ground beef to the skillet.
Break it apart with a wooden spoon or spatula as it cooks. Continue cooking until the beef is thoroughly browned and no longer pink.
If there is a large amount of excess fat, carefully drain some of it.
3. Season the Beef
Add paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper.
Stir everything together so the spices evenly coat the beef.
Cook for another 1–2 minutes to allow the spices to become fragrant.
Reduce the heat to low while you prepare the queso.
4. Blend the Cottage Cheese
Add the cottage cheese, milk, garlic powder, paprika, and chili powder to a blender.
Blend until the mixture becomes very smooth and creamy.
This step is important because blending removes most of the curds and gives the cottage cheese a queso-like consistency.
5. Heat the Queso
Pour the blended cottage cheese mixture into a small saucepan or skillet.
Heat over low heat, stirring frequently.
Do not boil it. Gentle heating helps keep the sauce smooth.
6. Add the Cheddar
Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese.
Stir continuously as the cheese melts into the cottage cheese mixture.
Continue stirring until the queso becomes creamy and smooth.
If it seems too thick, add another splash of milk.
7. Add Green Chilies
If using green chilies, stir them into the warm queso.
Taste the sauce and adjust the salt or spices according to your preference.
8. Combine Everything
Pour the creamy queso over the cooked ground beef.
Alternatively, you can stir the queso directly into the beef in the skillet.
Stir gently until the beef is completely coated in the creamy cheese sauce.
9. Warm Through
Keep the skillet over low heat for another 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
The dip should be hot, creamy, and thick enough to scoop without being overly runny.
10. Add Toppings
Remove the skillet from the heat.
Top with chopped tomatoes, green onions, fresh coriander, jalapeños, or a little extra shredded cheese.
Serve immediately while warm.
🌮 What to Serve With It
This queso skillet dip is delicious with:
- Tortilla chips
- Toasted tortilla wedges
- Bell pepper strips
- Cucumber slices
- Celery sticks
- Crackers
- Warm tortillas
- Low-carb wraps
- Baked potato wedges
You can also spoon it into tortilla wraps or taco shells for a hearty meal.
🔥 Tips for the Creamiest Queso
Blend the cottage cheese well: The smoother it is before heating, the smoother your queso will be.
Use low heat: High heat can make dairy-based sauces separate or become grainy.
Add cheese gradually: Adding cheddar a little at a time helps it melt evenly.
Adjust the consistency: A splash of milk can loosen a thick queso, while a little extra cheese can make it thicker.
Serve immediately: This dip is at its creamiest when warm.
Storage
Allow leftovers to cool, then refrigerate them in a covered container. Reheat gently in a saucepan or microwave, stirring frequently. Add a small splash of milk if the queso becomes too thick after refrigeration.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4–6 as a dip
