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This filling Bacon Cheeseburger Queso Dip blends the tasty flavors of America's best-loved sandwich with the party-friendly appeal of melty queso. I whipped up this dish when I couldn't pick between burgers or nachos for my Super Bowl bash last time, and now everyone asks for it whenever we get together.
The first time I brought this dip to a game day gathering, my buddy's husband who always says he 'doesn't do party snacks' nearly finished the whole pan by himself before awkwardly requesting how to make it.
What You'll Need
- Bacon: Gives that amazing smoky bite. Try getting thick-cut kinds for bigger bacon chunks throughout
- Ground beef: Go with 80/20 for just the right mix of taste and moisture. Its fat melts perfectly into the cheese mix
- Onion and garlic: The flavor base that adds complexity. Grab fresh garlic for way better results
- Worcestershire sauce: Adds that deep burger taste we all want. Even a small amount changes the whole dish
- Diced tomatoes with green chilies: Offers light spice and tang. Make sure to drain them well or you'll get runny dip
- Heavy cream: Makes everything smooth and rich. Don't try using milk or you'll mess up the texture
- Processed cheese: Gives you that stretchy, smooth consistency. Don't skip this even if you think you should
- Sharp cheddar: Works with the processed stuff to add real cheese flavor. Grate it yourself for better melting
How To Make It
- Get the bacon ready:
- Fry the bacon pieces in your pan until they turn nice and golden. This should take around 6-8 minutes, and you'll want to stir now and then. The bacon fat left behind will make everything else taste amazing. Set those crunchy bits aside but leave some of the drippings in the pan.
- Cook the meat:
- Throw your ground beef into that bacon-flavored pan and cook until you don't see any pink, breaking it into tiny chunks as you go. These small bits make sure every dip gives you some meat. It usually takes 5-6 minutes with medium heat.
- Add the flavor makers:
- Put in your chopped onion and garlic with the meat and let them get soft and fragrant. The onion juice helps scrape up all those tasty browned bits stuck to the bottom. Add Worcestershire, paprika, salt and pepper, and give it another minute to mix well.
- Mix up the cheesy part:
- Turn down the heat so nothing burns and add your drained tomatoes and heavy cream. The cream makes things rich and takes the edge off any heat from the chilies. Slowly add both cheeses, always stirring in a figure-eight to keep it from getting lumpy. In about 3-4 minutes, you'll have a smooth, velvety mix.
- Finish it off:
- Mix half the bacon bits into your cheese blend, and save the rest for the top. Having bacon mixed in and also sprinkled on top gives you different textures in every bite. Put it in a serving dish or keep it warm in the pan, adding your toppings just before people dig in.
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When I first tried making this, my teen boy said it beat our neighborhood burger place's cheese fries hands down. Now we always make twice as much because everyone fights over what's left to put on their baked potatoes the next day.
Crock Pot Version
This dip works great in a slow cooker, which makes it ideal for parties and gatherings. Cook your bacon, beef, and flavorings as the recipe says, then dump everything into a slow cooker with all the other stuff. Let it warm on low for 2 hours, giving it a stir once in a while. Your slow cooker will keep it at the perfect temperature during your whole party without the cheese getting weird or burning.
Lighter Options
While this dip isn't exactly diet food, you can make a few changes to cut down on calories. Turkey bacon and lean ground turkey can stand in for the fattier meats. You can swap half the processed cheese for low-fat cream cheese and add a dash of sodium citrate to keep that melty texture. You'll still get a creamy, satisfying dip but with way less fat and calories.
What To Serve With It
Don't just stick with boring tortilla chips for this awesome dip. Try it with small burger buns for tiny cheeseburger bites, pour it over potato wedges for loaded fries, or even use it to top steamed veggies. One of my favorite ways to serve it is on a big board with the warm dip in the middle surrounded by different things to dip, plus pickles, lettuce cups, and crunchy burger-flavored croutons.
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Do It Ahead
You can easily make this dip ahead of time. Fix it up to three days before you need it and keep it in a sealed container in your fridge. When you want to heat it up, put it in a pan on low heat and add little splashes of milk or cream while stirring until it looks right again. The flavors actually get better after sitting in the fridge, so it's perfect for planning ahead for parties.
Common Questions
- → How do I make the dip creamier?
Add a bit of milk or a spoonful of sour cream while mixing the cheese to get that extra smooth texture you want.
- → Can I make this dip ahead of time?
You can make it two days before your event. Just keep it in the fridge and warm it up on your stove or in a slow cooker. If it's too thick, stir in some milk.
- → What can I serve with this dip?
It works great with tortilla chips, your favorite crackers, cut-up veggies, or even small burger buns for a fun twist.
- → Can I customize this dip?
You can totally switch it up! Throw in some jalapeños for heat, or sprinkle sesame seeds, chopped pickles, or green onions on top for extra flavor.
- → What substitutes can I use for the beef and bacon?
Go with meatless burger crumbles and plant-based bacon to make a veggie-friendly version that's still packed with taste.