Description
This Chili’s Copycat Skillet Queso is creamy, cheesy, loaded with seasoned ground beef, and packed with bold Tex-Mex flavor. Made in one skillet and ready in about 20 minutes, it’s the perfect appetizer for game day, parties, taco night, or anytime you’re craving restaurant-style queso at home.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- 16 ounces processed cheese, cubed
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- ½ cup whole milk
- 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
- 1 tablespoon diced jalapeños (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro (optional)
- Tortilla chips for serving
Instructions
- Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess grease.
- Stir in taco seasoning, chili powder, and cumin. Cook for 1 minute.
- Reduce heat to low and add the cubed processed cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and milk.
- Stir continuously until the cheeses are completely melted and smooth.
- Mix in the drained tomatoes with green chilies and jalapeños if using.
- Continue cooking for 2 to 3 minutes until heated through.
- Remove from heat and garnish with cilantro if desired.
- Serve immediately with tortilla chips.
Notes
- Drain tomatoes thoroughly to keep the queso thick and creamy.
- Keep the heat low once the cheese is added to prevent separation.
- Add extra jalapeños or hot sauce for a spicier version.
- For a richer flavor, substitute half the ground beef with Mexican chorizo.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated with a splash of milk.
- Prep Time: 10 MINUTES
- Cook Time: 15 MINUTES
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: SKILLET
- Cuisine: AMERICAN | TEX MEX