Can I use gluten-free flour?

Yes — use a cup-for-cup gluten-free baking blend.

Do these freeze well?

Yes — freeze after cooling and thaw in the refrigerator.

You can reduce the brown sugar by ¼ cup without affecting texture.

Can I use chicken thighs?

Yes — thighs stay juicier and add richer flavor.

Can I grill the chicken?

Absolutely. Grilling adds smoky Mediterranean flavor.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes — skip feta and tzatziki or use dairy-free versions.

Can I substitute the rice?

Yes — quinoa, orzo, couscous, or mixed greens all work well.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes — store ingredients separately and assemble when serving.

Is blackened tuna spicy?

It has a mild-to-moderate heat. Reduce the cayenne pepper or jalapeño for a milder version.

Can I grill the tuna instead?

Yes. Grill over high heat for the same amount of time, making sure the grates are well-oiled.

What type of tuna should I use?

Ahi (yellowfin) or sushi-grade tuna works best for searing.

Can I make the mango salsa ahead of time?

Yes. The mango salsa can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Dirty rice has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can easily adjust the spice level by reducing the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun dirty rice ahead of time?

Yes. Store dirty rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze Cajun dirty rice?

Yes. Cajun dirty rice freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.

What meat can I substitute for beef?

Ground turkey or ground chicken can be used as a lighter alternative to ground beef.

Is Cajun cornbread spicy?

Cajun cornbread has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by reducing the jalapeño or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun cornbread ahead of time?

Yes. Cajun cornbread can be baked up to one day ahead and reheated gently before serving.

Can I freeze Cajun cornbread?

Yes. Wrap the cornbread tightly and freeze for up to three months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

Can I make Cajun cornbread without cheese?

Yes. You can omit the cheese for a dairy-light version without affecting the texture.

Gumbo is mildly spicy. You can adjust the heat by increasing or reducing the cayenne pepper or Cajun seasoning.

Can I make chicken and sausage gumbo ahead of time?

Yes. Gumbo tastes even better the next day and keeps well in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze chicken and sausage gumbo?

Yes. Gumbo freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.

Do I have to use okra in gumbo?

No. Okra helps thicken gumbo, but you can omit it or use filé powder if preferred.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes spicy?

They have a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by using more or less Cajun seasoning.

Can I make Cajun roasted potatoes ahead of time?

They are best served fresh, but leftovers reheat well in the oven or air fryer.

Can I use red or russet potatoes?

Yes. Just cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces to ensure even roasting.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes vegan?

Yes. This recipe is naturally dairy-free and vegan as written.

Is Cajun shrimp & grits spicy?

Cajun shrimp and grits has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can reduce the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper to make it milder.

Can I make Cajun shrimp and grits ahead of time?

The shrimp are best cooked fresh, but the grits can be made ahead and reheated gently with a splash of broth or milk.

Can I use instant grits?

Yes, but stone-ground grits provide the best flavor and creamiest texture.

Can I substitute milk for cream?

Yes, whole milk can be used, though the grits will be slightly less rich.

Loaded Queso Beef Dip (Cheesy, Hearty & Crowd-Pleasing)

Sarah Smith
Jan 20
2 min read

Creamy dip in a brown bowl, topped with herbs. A chip is dipped into it. Background shows vibrant greens and a blurred dish.

This Loaded Queso Beef Dip is rich, cheesy, and packed with seasoned ground beef for the ultimate game-night appetizer. Warm queso, melty cheese, and bold Tex-Mex flavor come together in one skillet that’s perfect for scooping with chips. Serve it alongside Cheesy Beef Quesadilla Bake, Cheesy Baked Chicken Taquitos, or Cheesy Sausage Crescents to create an irresistible game-night spread everyone will gather around.

Why You’ll Love This

Creamy, cheesy dip loaded with savory seasoned beef
Perfect for game night, parties, and casual entertaining
Made in one skillet with simple ingredients
Easy to customize with toppings and heat level
Stays warm and scoopable for sharing

Recipe Card

Servings: 8 Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 20 minutes Total Time: 30 minutes

Nutrition Information

(Approximate, per serving)

Calories: ~320
Protein: ~18 g
Carbohydrates: ~9 g
Fat: ~24 g
Fiber: ~1 g
Sugar: ~3 g
Sodium: ~780 mg

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade)
½ cup water or beef broth
1 (16 oz) block Velveeta, cubed
1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican-blend cheese
½ cup milk or heavy cream
½ cup salsa (mild or medium)

Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, green onions, jalapeños, sour cream, fresh cilantro

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess grease.
Stir in taco seasoning and water. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until thickened.
Reduce heat to low. Add Velveeta, shredded cheese, milk, and salsa.
Stir frequently until the cheese is fully melted and smooth.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Transfer to a serving dish or keep warm in the skillet. Top with desired toppings and serve immediately with tortilla chips.

Tips & Variations

Use hot taco seasoning or add diced jalapeños for extra heat.
Swap ground beef for ground turkey or sausage.
Add black beans or corn for extra texture.
Thin with a splash of milk if the dip thickens as it sits.

Make-Ahead & Storage

You can cook the beef mixture up to 1 day in advance and refrigerate it. Reheat gently and add the cheese just before serving for the best texture. Leftovers keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days and can be reheated on the stovetop or in the microwave.

FAQ

Can I make this dip in a slow cooker? Yes. Brown the beef first, then add all ingredients to a slow cooker and heat on low until melted and smooth.

How do I keep queso warm for a party? Serve it in a small slow cooker or warming dish to keep it creamy and scoopable.

Is this dip spicy? It’s mild to medium depending on the salsa and seasoning used. Heat can easily be adjusted.

What should I serve with this dip? Tortilla chips, pretzels, fries, or even spooned over nachos work well.

Final Thoughts

This Loaded Queso Beef Dip is everything a party appetizer should be — warm, cheesy, hearty, and impossible to stop eating. It’s quick to make, perfect for sharing, and pairs beautifully with your favorite baked appetizers for an easy, crowd-pleasing game-night spread.