The First Bite That Hooked Me
I still remember the first time I tasted this queso. The creamy tang of cottage cheese mixed with spicy beef hit my tongue. It was like a warm hug on a chilly night. Ever wondered how you could turn pantry staples into something unforgettable? This dish proves simple ingredients can shine. Try it once, and you’ll crave it weekly.My Messy (But Delicious) First Try
My first attempt was… chaotic. I forgot to drain the beef grease, making the queso extra oily. But guess what? My family still licked the bowl clean. Home cooking isn’t about perfection—it’s about joy. Even mistakes can taste amazing. What’s your funniest kitchen fail? Share below!Why This Queso Stands Out
– The cottage cheese adds a light, creamy texture without heaviness. – Green chiles give just enough kick to wake up your taste buds. Which flavor combo surprises you most? The beef and cheese or the chiles and garlic? Vote with your fork!A Dish With Roots
This queso twists classic Mexican flavors with a protein-packed twist. Cottage cheese swaps in for tradition, making it lighter. *Did you know?* Green chiles were first grown in New Mexico over 400 years ago. Food history makes every bite richer. What’s your favorite fusion dish? Tell me in the comments!
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Lean ground beef | ½ pound | |
| Chopped onion | ½ cup | |
| Diced green chiles | 4.5 ounces (1 can) | |
| Garlic powder | ½ teaspoon | |
| Cottage cheese | 2 cups | |
| Mexican cheese blend | 1 cup | |
| Taco seasoning | 2 Tablespoons | |
| Water | ½ cup | |
| Salt and pepper | To taste | |
| Chopped cilantro | For serving | optional |
| Tortilla chips | For serving | |
| Chopped veggies | For serving | optional |
How to Make Creamy Cottage Cheese Queso with Beef and Chiles
Step 1 Brown the beef, onion, and chiles in a skillet over medium heat. Stir often to avoid burning. Drain extra grease for a lighter dish. Add taco seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper for flavor.
Step 2 Blend cottage cheese, shredded cheese, and water until smooth. Scrape the sides to mix everything well. A high-speed blender works best for a creamy texture. *(Hard-learned tip: Use full-fat cottage cheese for extra richness.)*
Step 3 Microwave the cheese mix for 2-3 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds. Watch closely to prevent overcooking. It should be smooth and pourable when done. Adjust salt if needed after heating.
Step 4 Mix the beef into the cheese sauce until combined. Taste and add more seasoning if you like. Serve warm for the best flavor and texture. What’s your go-to dip for game day? Share below! Cook Time: 3 minutes Total Time: 13 minutes Yield: 4-6 servings Category: Appetizer, Snack
3 Fun Twists on This Queso
Vegetarian Skip the beef and add black beans or sautéed mushrooms. The cheese sauce still packs plenty of flavor.
Spicy Toss in diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. Perfect for heat lovers.
Breakfast Style Swap beef for crumbled breakfast sausage. Serve with warm flour tortillas. Which twist would you try first? Vote in the comments!
Serving Ideas for Your Queso
Pair it with crispy tortilla chips or fresh veggie sticks. Add a sprinkle of cilantro for color. A side of guacamole balances the richness. Drink it with a cold Mexican lager or lime sparkling water. Both cut through the creaminess nicely. Which would you choose tonight—chips or veggies?
Storing and Reheating Tips
Keep leftover queso in the fridge for up to 3 days. Use a sealed container to stay fresh. Reheat in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds. Add a splash of water if too thick. Freezing isn’t ideal—the texture gets grainy. *Fun fact: Cottage cheese makes it extra creamy!* Batch-cook the beef ahead to save time. Just blend and heat the cheese mix when ready. Who else loves meal prep shortcuts?Quick Fixes for Common Issues
Too thick? Blend in more water, 1 tablespoon at a time. If bland, add extra taco seasoning or a pinch of salt. Grainy texture? Blend the cottage cheese longer for smoothness. This matters because no one wants lumpy dip. Share your favorite fix in the comments!Your Questions, Answered
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Yes! Check your taco seasoning label for gluten. Most brands are safe.
Q: How far ahead can I prep this?
A: Cook the beef 1-2 days early. Blend cheese mix right before serving.
Q: Any cheese swaps?
A: Try Monterey Jack or pepper jack for extra kick.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Absolutely. Use a bigger blender and skillet.
Q: Veggie version?
A: Skip beef, add black beans or sautéed mushrooms. Which swap will you try?
Dig In and Share!
This queso is a crowd-pleaser—creamy, spicy, and ready in minutes. I love it with carrot sticks for a lighter crunch. Tag @SpoonSway on Pinterest with your twist. Happy cooking! —Sarah Cooper.
Creamy Cottage Cheese Queso with Beef and Chiles
Description
A creamy and flavorful queso dip made with cottage cheese, ground beef, and green chiles. Perfect for dipping with tortilla chips or veggies.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook 1/2 pound ground beef, 1/2 cup chopped onion, and one can green chiles. Cook and stir until browned. Drain any grease and add 2 Tablespoons taco seasoning and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and season with salt and pepper.
- In a blender, combine 2 cups cottage cheese, 1 cup shredded cheese blend, and 1/2 cup water. Blend on high until smooth, scraping down the sides if needed.
- Pour the cheese mixture in a microwave safe bowl and cook in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds. It should be creamy and smooth.
- Add the hamburger mixture to the cheese and mix, adding salt, if needed. Season to taste.
- Serve immediately with your favorite tortilla chips or chopped veggies.
Notes
- For extra spice, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
Queso, Cottage Cheese, Beef, Dip, Appetizer
