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This filling Bacon Cheeseburger Queso Dip blends the amazing taste of America's favorite sandwich with the party-friendly joy of melty queso. I whipped this up when I couldn't pick between burgers or nachos for my Super Bowl bash last season, and now it's what everyone asks for whenever we get together.
When I first brought this dip to a football gathering, my friend's husband who always says he 'doesn't like party snacks' ate almost half the pan by himself before awkwardly asking me how to make it.
Ingredients
- Bacon: Gives that wonderful smoky crunch. Go for thick-cut types to get bigger bacon chunks scattered through your dip
- Ground beef: An 80/20 mix works best for taste and moisture. The fat melts beautifully into the cheese blend
- Onion and garlic: They create the flavor foundation. Don't skimp on using fresh garlic here—you'll taste the difference
- Worcestershire sauce: Adds that deep burger flavor everyone wants. A tiny bit completely changes the dish
- Diced tomatoes with green chilies: Offers gentle heat and tang. Make sure to drain them well so your dip isn't watery
- Heavy cream: Makes everything smooth and luxurious. Don't try using milk or you'll mess up the texture
- Processed cheese: This is what gives you that amazing stretch without any graininess. Don't leave it out no matter how tempted you are
- Sharp cheddar: Works with the processed cheese to add real flavor depth. Always grate it yourself for better melting than the bagged stuff
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Crisp the bacon:
- Fry the chopped bacon until it turns golden and crunchy. This usually takes around 6-8 minutes with occasional stirring. The bacon fat becomes your tasty cooking base for everything else. Set aside those crunchy pieces but leave some drippings in the pan.
- Brown the beef:
- Toss your ground beef into the bacon-coated pan and cook until you don't see any pink, breaking it into tiny chunks as you go. The small pieces make sure you get meat in every bite. This generally needs 5-6 minutes on medium heat.
- Build the flavor base:
- Throw in your diced onion and minced garlic with the meat and let them soften and smell amazing. The onion juice helps scrape up all the yummy browned bits from the bottom. Add your Worcestershire, paprika, salt and pepper, and let it all mingle for another minute.
- Create the cheese sauce:
- Turn down the heat so nothing burns and add your drained tomatoes and heavy cream. The cream makes everything rich and tones down any heat from the chilies. Slowly add both cheeses, stirring in a figure-eight pattern so nothing sticks or clumps. In about 3-4 minutes, you'll have a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Combine and garnish:
- Mix half your bacon bits into the cheesy mixture and save the rest for topping. Having bacon mixed throughout plus crispy pieces on top creates an awesome texture contrast. Put it in a serving bowl or keep it warm in the same pan, adding your toppings just before you serve it.
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The first time this came out of my kitchen, my teenage son said it beat our neighborhood burger spot's cheese fries. Now we always make twice as much because everyone fights over the leftovers to put on their baked potatoes the next day.
Slow Cooker Method
This dip works great in a slow cooker, making it super handy for gatherings and shared meals. Just cook your bacon, beef, and seasonings like normal, then dump everything into a slow cooker with the rest of your ingredients. Let it warm on low for 2 hours, giving it a stir now and then. The slow cooker will keep it nice and hot during your whole event without the cheese getting weird or burning.
Healthier Adaptations
While this dip isn't exactly diet food, you can make it lighter without losing what makes it tasty. Turkey bacon and lean ground turkey are great stand-ins for the meat. You can also swap half the processed cheese for reduced-fat cream cheese plus a little sodium citrate to keep that smooth melt. Your dip will still be creamy and delicious while cutting down on calories and fat.
Serving Suggestions
Don't just stick to plain tortilla chips with this amazing dip. Try it with mini burger buns for tiny cheeseburger bites, pour it over potato wedges for loaded fries, or use it to make veggies like broccoli and cauliflower more exciting. One of my favorite ways to serve it is on a big board with the warm dip in the middle surrounded by different things to dip, pickles, lettuce cups, and croutons seasoned like burgers.
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Make-Ahead Tips
You can easily make this dip ahead of time. Fix it up to three days before you need it and keep it in a sealed container in your fridge. When you want to warm it back up, put it in a pot on low heat and add a bit of milk or cream as you stir until it gets back to the right thickness. The flavors actually get better while it sits in the fridge, so it's perfect for prepping before a party.
Common Questions
- → How do I make the dip creamier?
Want it creamier? Just stir in a bit of milk or a spoonful of sour cream while you're mixing the cheese as it melts.
- → Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Sure thing. You can make it up to 2 days early and keep it in the fridge. When you're ready, warm it up on the stove or in a slow cooker. Add a splash of milk if it's too thick.
- → What can I serve with this dip?
Try it with tortilla chips, your favorite crackers, cut-up veggies, or even small buns to make mini cheeseburger bites.
- → Can I customize this dip?
You bet! Throw in some chopped jalapeños if you want it spicy, or sprinkle the top with sesame seeds, diced pickles, or green onions for extra flavor.
- → What substitutes can I use for the beef and bacon?
You can swap in veggie ground beef and plant-based bacon to make a vegetarian version that still tastes amazing.