Simple Ground Beef Cottage Cheese Queso
Simple Ground Beef Cottage Cheese Queso is an irresistible dish that combines the savory goodness of ground beef with the creamy richness of cottage cheese and the delightful stretch of melted cheese. This culinary gem is perfect for any gathering, from casual family dinners to lively game nights. Its delightful blend of flavors, textures, and the comforting warmth will have your loved ones coming back for seconds. Plus, it’s super easy to make, making it an ideal recipe for busy weeknights. This step-by-step guide will walk you through creating this cheesy delight that is sure to impress!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are many reasons to adore this Simple Ground Beef Cottage Cheese Queso. First and foremost, it requires minimal prep time, meaning you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying time with family. It’s also exceptionally family-friendly, as kids and adults alike will fall in love with its delicious flavor profile. Furthermore, with just a handful of ingredients, you can whip this dish together in no time, making it a perfect option for both quick dinners and traditional gatherings. The simplicity of this recipe doesn’t undermine its heartiness; rather, it enhances the flavors, making it a true crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients for Simple Ground Beef Cottage Cheese Queso
- 1 lb ground beef: Tender and juicy, ground beef serves as the wholesome base for this dish.
- 1 cup cottage cheese: Creamy and rich, cottage cheese adds a unique twist while keeping the dish light.
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice): Choose your favorite cheese for that gooey, melty goodness that everyone loves.
- 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies: This adds a zesty kick and a burst of flavor to every bite.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: For a subtle depth of flavor that elevates the entire dish.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Offers additional savory notes to complement the ground beef.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for enhancing the flavors of the dish.
- Tortilla chips for serving: Crispy tortilla chips provide the perfect vehicle for scooping up this cheesy delight.
Step-by-Step Directions for Simple Ground Beef Cottage Cheese Queso
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Begin by cooking the ground beef: In a skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until it’s perfectly browned, and remember to drain any excess fat to keep it lean and hearty.
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Add diced tomatoes and seasonings: Stir in the canned diced tomatoes, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This step infuses the dish with delicious layers of flavor.
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Mix in the cottage cheese and shredded cheese: Add the creamy cottage cheese and your choice of shredded cheese to the skillet. Stir until the mixture is well combined and every ingredient is coated in cheesy goodness.
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Cook until hot: Allow the mixture to cook until the cheese is beautifully melted and the dish is heated through, transforming it into a warm queso treat.
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Serve warm: Spoon your delicious queso into a bowl and serve it warm with tortilla chips for dipping. Enjoy!
Tips & Tricks
- Add spice: If you like a little heat, consider adding jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture.
- Make it gourmet: For a more sophisticated flavor, toss in some taco seasoning or fresh herbs like cilantro.
- Cheese variety: Experiment with different cheeses! Pepper jack can add a spicy twist, while mozzarella gives a milder taste.
- Meal prep: This queso can be made in advance and reheated easily, making it a great choice for meal prep.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Serve your Simple Ground Beef Cottage Cheese Queso alongside a fresh garden salad for a complete meal. You can also consider pairing it with guacamole and salsa for that extra flavor punch. If you’re entertaining, create a small nacho bar with an assortment of toppings like sour cream, chopped green onions, and olives to allow your guests to build their perfect plate.
Nutritional Information
While exact nutritional values may vary, this dish is a great source of protein and often contains around 350-400 calories per serving, depending on the type of cheese and chips used. It’s the perfect balance of indulgence and nutrition when enjoyed in moderation, allowing you to relish every cheesy bite without too much guilt.
Storing Tips & Variations for Simple Ground Beef Cottage Cheese Queso
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to restore its creamy texture if necessary. If you want to make the dish healthier, consider substituting ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. For vegetarian options, swap in black beans or lentils and exclude the meat altogether.
Conclusion for Simple Ground Beef Cottage Cheese Queso
You can’t go wrong with Simple Ground Beef Cottage Cheese Queso. Its delectable flavors and easy preparation make it a must-try recipe for any cheese lover’s collection. Why wait? Gather your ingredients and make this mouthwatering dish today—it’s sure to become a new favorite in your household!
FAQs
What can I use instead of cottage cheese?
If you’re not a fan of cottage cheese, you can substitute it with sour cream or a creamy cheese spread for a similar consistency.
Can I freeze this queso?
Absolutely! This queso can be frozen in an airtight container for up to three months. Just remember to reheat it gently when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the ingredients used in this recipe are gluten-free; just make sure your tortilla chips are also labeled gluten-free.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Certainly! Feel free to toss in diced bell peppers or corn for added flavor and nutrition.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
For a real kick, add diced jalapeños or use spicy sausage in place of ground beef for an added heat boost!
Print
Simple Ground Beef Cottage Cheese Queso
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A creamy and cheesy delight combining ground beef, cottage cheese, and shredded cheese, perfect for gatherings or quick weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
- 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Tortilla chips for serving
Instructions
- In a skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and cook until browned, draining any excess fat.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to infuse flavors.
- Add the cottage cheese and shredded cheese, stirring until well combined and melted.
- Cook until heated through and cheese is melted.
- Serve warm with tortilla chips for dipping.
Notes
For added spice, include jalapeños or hot sauce. Experiment with different cheese varieties for unique flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 375
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
