If you are craving a warm, melty dip that brings together creamy, cheesy goodness with a hearty punch of seasoned meat, this Cottage Cheese Queso with Ground Beef Recipe is going to be your new go-to. Combining the smooth texture of blended cottage cheese with sharp cheddar and savory ground beef, this dish offers a satisfying twist on classic queso that’s both comforting and surprisingly wholesome. It’s perfect for game day, casual get-togethers, or any time you want to indulge in a cheesy, flavorful melt that everyone will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t worry about complicated grocery lists here; this recipe shines because of its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial part that builds a rich, creamy, and satisfyingly hearty queso experience.
- Olive oil: A teaspoon is all you need to brown the meat beautifully without overpowering the flavors.
- Lean ground beef (½ pound): The hearty base that adds protein and deep, savory flavor to your queso.
- Taco seasoning (5 teaspoons, divided): This blend injects warmth and a mild kick, elevating every bite.
- Low-fat cottage cheese (16 ounces or about 2 cups): The creamy, smooth star that makes the queso delightfully cheesy yet lighter.
- Grated sharp cheddar (1 cup): Adds a luscious, sharp bite and helps the queso melt perfectly.
- Nutritional yeast (2 tablespoons, optional): A subtle cheesy flavor booster, particularly great if you want to enhance the depth without extra dairy.
- Salt: To taste; balances and rounds out all the flavors.
How to Make Cottage Cheese Queso with Ground Beef Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef
Start by heating olive oil in a 9-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add your ground beef and sprinkle 2 teaspoons of taco seasoning right on it. Stir and break the meat into small pieces for quick, even browning. Cook it until it’s thoroughly browned, which usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. This step locks in flavor and sets the savory backbone of your queso.
Step 2: Blend the Cottage Cheese Mixture
While the meat is sizzling, toss the cottage cheese, remaining 3 teaspoons of taco seasoning, and grated sharp cheddar into a blender or food processor. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. Stop to scrape down the sides if needed. This creamy blend is what gives your queso that irresistible, rich texture.
Step 3: Combine and Warm the Queso
Reduce the skillet heat to low once the meat is ready. Pour the creamy cottage cheese mixture into the skillet along with the optional nutritional yeast if you want that extra cheesy note. Stir everything together gently. Keep the heat very low and warm the queso through, stirring frequently to avoid scorching. It’s important not to let it simmer, as this can cause the cheese to separate and lose its silky consistency.
Step 4: Add Toppings and Serve
Now is the fun part — customize with your favorite toppings like chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, or sliced jalapeños. Serve this gooey, warm queso straight from the skillet for the best experience.
Step 5: Slow Cooker Option
If you want to keep your queso warm for a longer time during parties or gatherings, transfer it to a 4-quart slow cooker set to “warm.” This way it stays melty and ready for dipping whenever you need.
How to Serve Cottage Cheese Queso with Ground Beef Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes add color, texture, and bursts of freshness that balance the rich queso perfectly. Try sprinkling chopped cilantro, diced green onions, or finely chopped tomatoes on top. A squeeze of lime or a few pickled jalapeño slices can also brighten the flavor and add a zesty touch.
Side Dishes
This queso pairs amazingly with classic tortilla chips for scooping, but it also works great with crunchy crudité like bell peppers and carrots. Warm tortillas or soft pretzels are fantastic accompaniments too, offering different textures for dipping and making each bite an adventure.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the queso in mini bread bowls or roasted bell peppers to make it more of a centerpiece. You can also layer it over baked potatoes or use it as a dip inside crispy taco shells for a unique handheld treat. Get inventive — this recipe is forgiving and versatile!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Put any leftover queso in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay delicious for up to 3 days and is perfect for reheating as a second snack or meal addition.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish, but keep in mind that the texture may change slightly because of the cheese. Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to one month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat your queso slowly on the stove over low heat, stirring often to maintain that smooth consistency. Alternatively, use the microwave in short bursts, stirring between intervals to ensure even warming and prevent separation.
FAQs
Can I use full-fat cottage cheese instead of low-fat?
Absolutely! Full-fat cottage cheese will make your queso even creamier and richer. Just adjust the salt carefully as the flavors might be more pronounced.
Is nutritional yeast necessary in this Cottage Cheese Queso with Ground Beef Recipe?
It’s optional. Nutritional yeast adds a subtle cheesy, nutty flavor and extra depth but skipping it won’t compromise the overall taste.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
If you want to skip the ground beef, simply omit it and consider adding sautéed mushrooms or seasoned beans for a similar texture and flavor boost.
What can I substitute for taco seasoning?
You can make your own mix with chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of cayenne. This allows you to control the spice levels exactly.
How spicy is this queso?
It has a mild kick thanks to the taco seasoning, but it’s definitely not overpowering. You can adjust spice levels by tweaking the seasoning amounts or adding jalapeños if you want more heat.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Cottage Cheese Queso with Ground Beef Recipe enough for anyone looking to wow a crowd or simply enjoy a comforting, cheesy meal at home. It’s quick, satisfying, and has that perfect balance of creamy and savory that you’ll keep craving. Grab your skillet and give it a try—you might just make it a permanent fixture in your recipe box!
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Cottage Cheese Queso with Ground Beef Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This creamy Cottage Cheese Queso with Ground Beef is a warm, melty dip perfect for game day or casual gatherings. Combining lean ground beef seasoned with taco spices and a smooth blend of low-fat cottage cheese, sharp cheddar, and optional nutritional yeast, this queso offers a healthier twist on the classic cheesy dip. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s ideal for dipping chips or topping your favorite Mexican dishes.
Ingredients
Meat
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- ½ pound lean ground beef
- 2 teaspoons taco seasoning, divided
Queso Mixture
- 16 oz low-fat cottage cheese (about 2 cups)
- 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
- 3 teaspoons taco seasoning, divided
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast (optional)
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large 9-inch skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and sprinkle with 2 teaspoons of taco seasoning. Stir continuously to break apart the beef into small pieces, cooking until browned and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture: While the meat cooks, combine the cottage cheese, remaining 3 teaspoons of taco seasoning, and grated sharp cheddar in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth, pausing to scrape down the sides to ensure an even mixture.
- Combine and Warm: Once the beef is cooked, reduce the heat to low. Pour in the blended cottage cheese mixture along with nutritional yeast if using. Stir thoroughly to combine. Allow the mixture to warm gently on very low heat, stirring frequently and avoiding boiling to prevent the queso from separating.
- Serve: Add your favorite toppings if desired and serve the queso warm directly from the skillet for dipping or spooning over dishes.
- Slow Cooker Option: For keeping the queso warm over a longer period, transfer it to a 4-quart slow cooker set on “warm” and serve as needed.
Notes
- Nutritional yeast is optional but adds a cheesy, nutty flavor and extra nutrients.
- Be careful not to simmer the queso mixture to prevent separation.
- This dip pairs well with tortilla chips, vegetables, or as a topping for tacos and burritos.
- You can easily adjust the seasoning amounts to suit your taste preferences.
