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
Scale
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.
