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High-angle shot of molten orange Bacon Cheeseburger Queso Dip featuring browned beef and crispy bacon garnish.

Bacon Cheeseburger Queso Dip: The Ultimate Skillet Appetizer

A thick, bubbling orange cheddar queso loaded with browned ground beef and crispy bacon. Served in a rustic cast iron skillet and garnished with fresh green onions and tomatoes for the ultimate party dip experience.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 8 cups
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 385
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Recipe
  • 1 lb (450g) Ground Beef 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio preferred
  • 8 oz (225g) Bacon Chopped into small pieces
  • 1 lb (450g) Sharp Cheddar Cheese Freshly grated from a block
  • 12 oz (355ml) Evaporated Milk One standard can
  • 1 tbsp (8g) Cornstarch Used for thickening and stability
  • 1 tsp (5g) Garlic Powder
  • 1 tsp (5g) Onion Powder
  • 1 tsp (5g) Smoked Paprika
  • 1/2 cup (75g) Roma Tomatoes Finely diced for garnish
  • 1/4 cup (15g) Green Onions Finely sliced

Equipment

  • 1 10-inch Cast Iron Skillet Essential for heat retention and rustic presentation.
  • 1 Wooden spoon For scraping browned bits and stirring cheese.

Method
 

Prepare the Proteins
  1. Place chopped bacon in the cold cast iron skillet. Turn heat to medium-high and cook until bacon is dark red and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels, leaving 1 tbsp of fat in the skillet.
  2. Add ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking it into small crumbles, until deeply browned and no pink remains. Drain any excess fat and return the beef to the skillet.
Create the Queso
  1. In a separate bowl, whisk evaporated milk and cornstarch until smooth. Pour into the skillet with the beef and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, scraping the bottom of the pan.
  2. Reduce heat to medium-low. Add the grated cheddar one handful at a time, stirring constantly until the sauce is glossy, thick, and molten. Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
Garnish and Serve
  1. Stir in half of the crispy bacon. Turn off the heat and top the dip with the remaining bacon, diced tomatoes, and green onions. Serve immediately while bubbling and steam is visible.

Notes

Always grate your own cheese to ensure it melts smoothly without grittiness.
If the dip becomes too thick, stir in a tablespoon of warm milk or water to adjust consistency.