Hamburger Queso Recipe

This hearty, mouthwatering Hamburger Queso Delight recipe combines the rich flavors of ground beef, salsa, and Rotel tomatoes with the creaminess of melted Velveeta cheese. It's a quick and easy-to-make dish that's sure to impress your family and friends at any gathering.

Photos of Hamburger Queso Recipe

Most ingredients for this recipe are quite common except for Rotel tomatoes with green chilies. This product combines diced tomatoes with spicy green chilies and is usually located in the canned vegetable aisle of the supermarket. If you can’t find it, substituting it with canned diced tomatoes and a small can of green chilies should work fine. Velveeta cheese is a processed cheese product known for its easy melting and creamy texture. It can usually be found in the cheese section of your supermarket.

Ingredients for Hamburger Queso Delight

Ground beef: This forms the main protein of the dish. It's cooked and crumbled into small pieces, which are then mixed with the other ingredients.

Chunky Pace salsa: This adds a hit of tangy tomato flavor and some spicy heat to the dish. Blending it makes the dish smoother, but this step can be skipped if you prefer a chunkier texture.

Rotel tomatoes with green chilies: These add a nice kick of heat and an additional layer of tomato flavor. If you can't find them, substitute with diced tomatoes and green chilies.

Velveeta cheese: This is a processed cheese that melts beautifully, giving the dish its creamy, cheesy consistency.

One reader, Ede Castleberry says:

This hamburger queso delight recipe is a game-changer! The combination of ground beef, salsa, and melted Velveeta is simply irresistible. It's the perfect appetizer for any gathering, and it's so easy to make. I highly recommend trying it - you won't be disappointed!

Ede Castleberry

Techniques Required for Making Hamburger Queso Delight

How to cook and season beef: Cook the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Season the beef with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings for flavor.

How to blend salsa: Pour the medium chunky pace salsa into a blender and blend until smooth. This step is optional if you prefer the salsa to have chunks.

How to melt ingredients in a crockpot: Place the cooked and seasoned beef, blended salsa, cans of Rotel tomatoes with green chilies, and cubed Velveeta cheese in a crockpot. Set the crockpot to medium-high heat and allow the ingredients to melt together for at least 2 hours, stirring occasionally until the cheese is fully melted and the ingredients are well combined.

How to serve: Enjoy the hamburger queso delight with tortilla chips for dipping.

How To Make Hamburger Queso

You only need four ingredients to whip up this luscious hamburger queso recipe! It’s loaded with tender beef and spicy rotel tomatoes for a delectable dip.

Preparation: 10 minutes

Cooking: 2 hours

Total: 2 hours 10 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

1lbground beef,seasoned with salt, pepper and garlic
1jarpace salsa,medium chunky
2cansrotel tomatoes with green chilies
1velveeta cheese,(small block)

Instructions

Cook and season the beef, then drain.
Pour the salsa in a blender and mix until smooth.
Put the meat, salsa, rotel tomatoes with green chilies, and velveeta cheese in a crockpot on Med-High for at least 2 hours or until melted together.
Serve with chips, and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 238.86kcal
Fat: 16.86g
Saturated Fat: 6.66g
Trans Fat: 0.95g
Monounsaturated Fat: 7.10g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.56g
Carbohydrates: 6.55g
Fiber: 1.58g
Sugar: 3.75g
Protein: 15.56g
Cholesterol: 58.44mg
Sodium: 613.27mg
Calcium: 70.46mg
Potassium: 473.84mg
Iron: 1.96mg
Vitamin A: 42.27µg
Vitamin C: 37.81mg

Helpful Technique for Perfecting Hamburger Queso Delight

To ensure your hamburger queso delight has a smooth and creamy texture, it's important to cut the velveeta cheese into small cubes before adding it to the crockpot. This will help the cheese melt evenly and prevent it from clumping together. Additionally, stirring the mixture occasionally while it's cooking can also help to combine the ingredients and achieve a uniform consistency.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Queso Delight

Prep ahead: Prepare ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process and save time.

One-pot wonders: Opt for recipes that require minimal dishes and cooking equipment to reduce cleanup time.

Batch cooking: Make larger quantities of the recipe and freeze individual portions for quick and convenient meals later.

Kitchen organization: Keep your kitchen well-organized to easily locate ingredients and cooking tools, saving time during meal preparation.

Time-saving gadgets: Utilize kitchen appliances such as food processors, slow cookers, and pressure cookers to expedite cooking processes.

Substitute Ingredients For Hamburger Queso Recipe

ground beef - Substitute with ground turkey: Ground turkey is a leaner option and can be used as a healthier alternative to ground beef. It also has a similar texture and can be seasoned to mimic the flavor of beef.
medium chunky pace salsa - Substitute with diced tomatoes and jalapeños: This substitution provides a similar texture and heat level to the salsa. You can also add some chopped onions and cilantro to mimic the flavors of the salsa.
rotel tomatoes with green chilies - Substitute with diced tomatoes and a pinch of cayenne pepper: Diced tomatoes combined with a small amount of cayenne pepper can replicate the flavor and heat of Rotel tomatoes with green chilies.
velveeta cheese - Substitute with cheddar cheese and a touch of cream cheese: Cheddar cheese combined with a bit of cream cheese can provide a similar creamy and melty texture to Velveeta. Adjust the cream cheese amount to achieve the desired consistency.

Presenting Your Hamburger Queso Delight

Elevate the plating: When presenting the Hamburger Queso Delight, focus on creating a visually appealing plate. Use fresh cilantro and sliced jalapeños to add a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
Incorporate texture: Add a crunchy element to the dish by serving it with homemade tortilla chips. The contrast in textures will elevate the overall dining experience.
Focus on precision: Pay attention to the placement of the components on the plate. Each element should be carefully arranged to showcase the layers of flavors in the Hamburger Queso Delight.
Emphasize the cheese pull: When serving the dish, highlight the melty, gooey cheese by allowing for a dramatic cheese pull as the dish is plated in front of the judges.
Garnish with a touch of sophistication: Sprinkle a pinch of smoked paprika over the dish to add a hint of smokiness and a touch of elegance to the presentation.

Essential Tools for Making Queso Delight

Food processor: A food processor is a versatile kitchen appliance that can be used for chopping, slicing, shredding, and pureeing ingredients. It's great for quickly and efficiently preparing various components of a recipe.
Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is an essential kitchen tool for combining ingredients, marinating, and mixing batters or doughs. It comes in various sizes and materials to suit different cooking needs.
Skillet: A skillet, also known as a frying pan, is a flat-bottomed pan used for frying, searing, and browning ingredients. It's a versatile tool for cooking a wide range of dishes.
Crockpot: A crockpot, or slow cooker, is a convenient tool for simmering and slow-cooking dishes over a long period of time. It's great for tenderizing meats and developing rich flavors in stews, soups, and braises.
Blender: A blender is a kitchen appliance used to blend, puree, or emulsify food and liquids. It's perfect for creating smooth sauces, soups, and beverages.
Cutting board: A cutting board provides a stable surface for chopping, slicing, and preparing ingredients. It helps protect countertops and keeps knives sharp.
Chef's knife: A chef's knife is a versatile and essential tool for chopping, slicing, and dicing ingredients. It's a multipurpose knife that can handle various cutting tasks in the kitchen.
Can opener: A can opener is a tool used to open canned goods by cutting the lid off the can. It's a handy gadget for accessing ingredients stored in cans.
Measuring cups and spoons: Measuring cups and spoons are used to accurately measure ingredients for recipes. They ensure precision in cooking and baking by providing standardized measurements.
Spatula: A spatula is a kitchen tool with a broad, flat, flexible blade. It's used for lifting, flipping, and spreading ingredients during cooking and baking.
Tongs: Tongs are a versatile tool for gripping and lifting hot or delicate ingredients. They are commonly used for turning meats, tossing salads, and serving food.
Grater: A grater is a kitchen tool with sharp-edged perforations used to shred or grate ingredients like cheese, vegetables, and citrus zest.
Strainer: A strainer, also known as a sieve, is used to separate solids from liquids or to strain out unwanted particles from sauces, soups, and stocks.

Storing and Freezing Your Hamburger Queso Delight

Let the hamburger queso cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent condensation from forming and potentially spoiling the dish.
To store in the refrigerator, transfer the cooled queso to an airtight container. It will keep well for up to 5 days in the fridge.
If you have leftovers that you'd like to freeze, follow these steps:
1. Portion the cooled queso into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. Leave some headspace to allow for expansion during freezing.
2. Label the containers or bags with the date and contents for easy identification later.
3. Place the containers or bags in the freezer, laying them flat for even freezing and to save space.
4. Frozen hamburger queso will maintain its best quality for up to 3 months.
To reheat frozen queso, transfer it to the refrigerator to thaw overnight. Once thawed, you can reheat it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it's heated through and smooth. If the queso seems too thick, you can add a splash of milk or broth to thin it out to your desired consistency.
If you need to reheat the queso quickly, you can also use the microwave. Place the thawed queso in a microwave-safe bowl and heat it in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until it's heated through and smooth.

How To Reheat Leftover Hamburger Queso Delight

Reheat the hamburger queso delight in a slow cooker on low heat for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally, until heated through and the cheese is melted and smooth. This method allows the flavors to meld together and prevents the queso from burning or becoming grainy.
For a quicker option, transfer the leftover hamburger queso delight to a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the queso is heated through and the cheese is melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the cheese to become grainy or separate.
If you prefer a stovetop method, place the leftover hamburger queso delight in a saucepan over low heat. Stir the mixture frequently to prevent burning and ensure even heating. Continue heating until the queso is warmed through and the cheese is melted and smooth.
For a crispy twist, spread the leftover hamburger queso delight in a baking dish and top with crushed tortilla chips. Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the queso is heated through and the tortilla chips are lightly toasted and crispy.
If the leftover hamburger queso delight has thickened too much during storage, you can thin it out by stirring in a small amount of milk or cream while reheating. Add the liquid gradually to avoid making the queso too thin.

Interesting Fact About Hamburger Queso Delight

Hamburger queso delight is a popular dish in the southern United States, particularly in Texas. It is often served as an appetizer or party dish and is known for its rich and creamy texture. The combination of ground beef, salsa, and melted Velveeta cheese creates a flavorful and indulgent dip that is perfect for sharing with friends and family. This dish is a favorite at gatherings and is sure to be a hit at any event.

Is Making Queso Delight at Home Cost-Effective?

This hamburger queso delight recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. Ground beef and Velveeta cheese are affordable, and the addition of salsa and Rotel tomatoes adds flavor without breaking the bank. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $15-$20. The overall verdict rating for this recipe would be an 8 out of 10 for its affordability and delicious taste.

Is Hamburger Queso Delight Healthy or Unhealthy?

The hamburger queso delight recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not particularly healthy. The main ingredients - ground beef, salsa, Rotel tomatoes, and Velveeta cheese - are all high in calories, fat, and sodium. Ground beef is a significant source of saturated fat, which can contribute to heart disease when consumed in excess. Velveeta cheese is a processed cheese product that is high in calories, fat, and sodium, with little nutritional value. The salsa and Rotel tomatoes do provide some vitamins and minerals, but the overall nutritional profile of this dish is not balanced.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Use lean ground beef (90% or higher) or substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a lower fat option
Drain and rinse the cooked meat to remove excess fat
Use a reduced-fat or low-sodium cheese instead of Velveeta, such as a reduced-fat cheddar or pepper jack
Add more vegetables to the dish, such as diced bell peppers, onions, or zucchini, to increase fiber and nutrient content
Serve with whole-grain chips or cut-up vegetables for dipping, instead of regular tortilla chips
Control portion sizes, as this dip can be high in calories when consumed in large amounts

Editor's Opinion on Hamburger Queso Delight Recipe

This recipe is a delightful twist on a classic queso dip, combining the flavors of a hamburger with the creamy, cheesy goodness of queso. The use of salsa and Rotel tomatoes adds a zesty kick, while the Velveeta cheese provides a smooth and velvety texture. Cooking the ingredients in a crockpot allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a rich and satisfying dip. This dish is perfect for gatherings and will surely be a hit with anyone who loves a good, hearty dip. Just be prepared to make a second batch, as it's guaranteed to disappear quickly!

Enhance Your Hamburger Queso Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with a hint of garlic and chives

Grilled Vegetables: Colorful and flavorful grilled vegetables drizzled with balsamic glaze

Fruit Salad: Fresh and juicy fruit salad with a zesty citrus dressing

Similar Recipes to Try If You Like Hamburger Queso Delight

Savory Stuffed Bell Peppers: A delicious and healthy recipe that combines ground turkey, quinoa, and a variety of vegetables to create a flavorful and satisfying meal.

Mango Salsa Chicken: This refreshing and tropical dish features juicy mango salsa served over grilled chicken for a burst of sweet and savory flavors.

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup: Indulge in a comforting bowl of creamy tomato basil soup, made with fresh tomatoes, aromatic basil, and a touch of cream for a rich and velvety texture.

Banana Bread Pudding: Transform overripe bananas into a decadent dessert with this recipe for banana bread pudding, featuring warm spices and a luscious caramel sauce.

Appetizer and Dessert Pairings for Hamburger Queso Delight

Appetizers:

Savory Stuffed Mushrooms: These delectable bites are filled with a savory mixture that will leave your taste buds begging for more. The combination of flavors and textures makes these a perfect appetizer for any occasion.

Crispy Coconut Shrimp: These crispy, golden-brown shrimp are coated in a flavorful coconut breading that adds a delicious crunch to every bite. Paired with a tangy dipping sauce, these shrimp are sure to be a hit at any gathering.

Desserts:

Chocolate Lava Cake: Indulge in a warm, gooey chocolate center surrounded by a moist, decadent cake. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate dessert experience.

Strawberry Cheesecake: Savor the creamy, rich texture of a classic cheesecake topped with fresh, juicy strawberries. The combination of tangy and sweet flavors will leave your taste buds wanting more.

Why trust this Hamburger Queso Recipe:

This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, combining the savory flavors of ground beef and Velveeta cheese with the zesty kick of Pace salsa and Rotel tomatoes. The use of medium chunky salsa and Rotel tomatoes with green chilies ensures a perfect balance of heat and flavor. The slow cooking process allows the ingredients to meld together, creating a creamy and indulgent queso dip that's perfect for dipping tortilla chips or topping hamburgers. Trust in the simplicity and deliciousness of this recipe for a guaranteed hit at any gathering.

Share your thoughts on the Hamburger Queso Recipe in the Recipe Sharing forum and let us know if you have any creative variations or serving suggestions!

FAQ:

How long does it take to cook the hamburger queso delight in the crockpot?

It takes at least 2 hours on medium-high heat for the ingredients to melt together and for the flavors to blend perfectly.

Can I skip blending the salsa in the recipe?

Absolutely! Blending the salsa is an optional step. If you prefer the chunky texture, feel free to skip this step.

Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Velveeta?

Yes, you can substitute Velveeta with another type of cheese. However, Velveeta melts smoothly and creates a creamy texture, so choose a cheese that melts well for the best results.

How should I season the ground beef for this recipe?

You can season the ground beef with your favorite taco seasoning, or simply use a combination of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and cumin for a delicious flavor.

Can I make this recipe on the stovetop instead of using a crockpot?

Yes, you can make this recipe on the stovetop. Simply cook the ground beef, then add the remaining ingredients and cook on low heat until the cheese is melted and the flavors are well combined.