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Flavorful Pellet Grill Smoked Queso Dip with Ground Beef

pellet grill smoked queso dip - featured image

A smoky, creamy queso dip made on a pellet grill with browned ground beef, Velveeta, and Monterey Jack cheese. Perfect for game days and casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
  • 16 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
  • 8 oz Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
  • 10 oz can diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • 1 small jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped (optional)
  • ½ medium onion, finely diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • Tortilla chips or fresh veggies for dipping

Instructions

  1. Preheat your pellet grill to 225°F (107°C).
  2. Place a cast iron skillet on the grill grates to warm up for about 5 minutes.
  3. Add the ground beef to the skillet and break it apart with a spatula. Season with salt, pepper, and half the cumin and smoked paprika. Brown evenly for 15-20 minutes until caramelized and cooked through. Drain excess fat if needed, keeping some for flavor.
  4. Push the beef to one side of the skillet. Add diced onion, jalapeño, and garlic to the empty side. Cook for about 5 minutes until softened and fragrant, stirring frequently.
  5. Stir in the canned diced tomatoes with green chilies. Let simmer on the grill for about 10 minutes to meld flavors and reduce excess liquid.
  6. Lower the grill temperature to about 175°F (79°C). Add cubed Velveeta and shredded Monterey Jack cheese to the skillet. Stir gently and continuously until cheeses melt into a smooth, creamy sauce.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning with remaining cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Keep warm on the grill for up to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  8. Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro on top before serving with tortilla chips or fresh veggies.

Notes

If the dip thickens too much while resting, stir in a splash of milk or cream to loosen it. Avoid overheating cheese to prevent graininess. Use a cast iron skillet for even heat distribution. Seed jalapeño to control heat level. Can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat for variations.

Nutrition

Keywords: smoked queso dip, pellet grill queso, ground beef dip, smoky cheese dip, game day dip, easy appetizer