This Loaded Smoked Queso is an easy appetizer for parties, cookouts, potlucks, and tailgates! Let the grill do the work for this high-protein, low-carb appetizer.

easy loaded smoked queso topped with tomatoes, jalapenos, green onions, and cheese with a side of grilled zucchini

Queso with Beef or Sausage

We love a super easy, low-maintenance appetizer in the summer, and this loaded smoked queso hits the spot every time. Two years ago I posted this easy Smoked Queso, and we’ve made it dozens of times ever since. One day we were extra hungry and trying to feed a larger crowd, so we upped the protein with a pound of beef to make this Loaded Queso! You’re going to love this low-carb app!

Want more? We’ve got Queso Soup, Pollo con Queso, and this Chorizo Queso Skillet, too!

a disposable pan full of loaded smoked queso and topped with jalapenos, cheese, tomatoes, and green onions

a hand dipping a chip into loaded queso dip with tomatoes, jalapenos, and cheese

Why you’ll love this recipe:

Easy – There’s literally no work involved in this recipe! It’s perfect for beginners, busy days, and lazy weeks. Just put all the ingredients in the pan, pop it on the grill, and let it melt.
Versatile – This is pretty mild as written (kids in the family can be a little picky), but you could make it spicy, switch up your cheeses, add veggies or beans, or use a different cooked meat. While the grill adds the “smoked” component, you can technically make this in the oven, in a slow cooker, or on the stovetop if you wanted.
Meal Prep Friendly – This dip reheats beautifully up to five days after you make it. This is perfect for including in lunches all week, prepping for a party, or planning ahead for a potluck. It’s easy to reheat in the microwave or serve in a slow cooker, so it’s a recipe easy to transport and enjoy later.

Beefy Queso Ingredients

small glass bowls full of individual ingredients included ground beef, tomatoes, green chilies, shredded cheeses, and cream cheese

Here’s a quick overview of what you’ll need for this recipe. Find exact measurements in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the page.

Canned goods: Mild green chiles and Diced tomatoes with green chilies (Ro-Tel) – I find these give it a very mild flavor that the kids in the family can handle. Feel free to crank up the heat and flavor with fire-roasted or spicy versions.
Dairy: Heavy cream, Cream cheese, Colby Jack cheese, and white American cheese – You’ll get the smoothest dip from softened, full-fat cream cheese and freshly shredded cheeses, but you can use low-fat or pre-shredded cheeses if that’s more convenient for you.
Cooked ground beef or sausage – You get tons of protein and flavor from these! Make sure any grease is drained off before using in this recipe, or the dip will have an oily texture. You can use ground turkey if you prefer, but I felt it didn’t add as much flavor as I wanted.

How to Make Loaded Smoked Queso

This appetizer recipe couldn’t be any simpler! All you need is a grill-safe 8×8 pan (I prefer the disposable ones… Last thing I want to do in the summer is dishes) and a grill or smoker. If you want, you can also make this in the oven, but you’ll miss out on the smokey flavor the grill/smoker gives us.

a disposable pan with cooked ground beef, green chilies, rotel tomatoes, american cheese, colby jack cheese, and cream cheese

Place all of your ingredients in the pan, then heat a grill or smoker to medium heat (aim for about 300 degrees F). Once heated, place the pan of queso on the grill and close the lid. Check the dip after 10 minutes and stir. At this point, things will likely be mostly melted but not smooth, so give it another 5 minutes before checking and stirring again. Stirring every 5 minutes helps make sure ingredients don’t get stuck to the bottom of the pan.

a black spoon dipping into a pan full of loaded smoked queso

What to serve with Queso Dip:

First, let’s talk garnish for queso. Chopped cherry tomatoes, extra shredded cheese, some green onions, and sliced jalapenos make a beautiful presentation and add more flavor and interest! Crumbled bacon, diced avocado, or a drizzle of enchilada sauce would all be amazing options, too.

There are TONS of dipper options. You could serve tortilla chips, homemade potato chips, or even one of these keto chips, … . Veggie fries (like green beans, carrots, or zucchini fries) are absolutely delicious in this dip. Even Smashed Brussels Sprouts are great with queso! It’s also amazing with grilled zucchini, eggplant, peppers, and more! It’s a tasty way to enjoy raw veggies, too. Trust me, you’ll want this dip on everything.

More dips to serve with queso:

TIP: Keeping it keto? Check out this list of amazing low-carb foods to serve with dip!

Grilled zucchini skewers served with loaded smoked queso topped with jalapenos and tomatoes

Tortilla chip dipped into loaded smoked queso with tomatoes and jalapenos

Storage:

This dip is a great meal prep recipe because it stores easily and reheats perfectly! Allow the queso to cool completely before storing in the refrigerator in an airtight container. It should keep up to 5 days in the fridge, great for adding to lunches or serving as mid-day snacks.

I do not recommend freezing this recipe. The cream cheese separates, and the melted cheese never really gets the same texture afterwards. We’ve always been able to find a dozen ways to use the leftovers, though, so you won’t need to store it for long!

overhead shot of beef queso topped with jalapenos, tomatoes, cheese, and green onions

Reheating Tips:

Stir occasionally. No matter your reheating method, you need to make sure it doesn’t get stuck to the bottom and start to burn.
Thin it out. You might find that the queso has thickened up. Usually reheating it thins it out, but you may want to stir in a touch of cream to help it reach your perfect consistency.
Don’t rush it. The only way you can mess this up is by overdoing it. If microwaving, consider heating it on 50% power and stirring it between blasts. If warming it up in a slow cooker, use only low or warm settings. If it’s on the grill or in the oven, go with a medium heat (around 300 degrees F). For reheating over a campfire, use a grate just out of the way of flames so it doesn’t stick.

a plate of grilled zucchini skewers served alongside a pan of loaded smoked queso with tomatoes and jalapenos

a closeup photo of cheesy loaded queso with beef, topped with cheese, jalapeno slices, and chopped tomatoes.

If you like this recipe, you’ve got to try these appetizers!