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Bacon Cheeseburger Queso Dip

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  • Name: Bacon Cheeseburger Queso Dip

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes

  • Cook Time: 20 minutes

  • Total Time: 35 minutes

  • Course: Appetizer, Snack

  • Cuisine: American Fusion

  • Difficulty: Easy

  • Servings: 8-10

Imagine the best parts of a fully-loaded bacon cheeseburger—the savory ground beef, the crispy bacon, the melty cheese, the tangy pickles—transformed into one irresistible, dippable, and gloriously creamy concoction. That’s the magic of Bacon Cheeseburger Queso Dip. This isn’t just another cheese dip; it’s a flavor experience that captures the essence of an American classic in a shareable party format.

This recipe is your secret weapon for any gathering, from Super Bowl Sunday and potlucks to casual Friday nights with friends. It requires minimal prep, uses one single skillet for easy cleanup, and comes together in under 30 minutes. The combination of rich cream cheese, flavorful Velveeta, and sharp cheddar creates a luxuriously smooth base that won’t break or become greasy, while the additions of ground beef, bacon, and a special “burger sauce” elevate it to legendary status. Get ready to watch this dip disappear faster than you can make it!

Bacon Cheeseburger Queso Dip

Ingredients

For the Dip Base:

  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend for best flavor)

  • 8 slices bacon, chopped

  • 1 small yellow onion, finely diced

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 pound Velveeta cheese, cubed

  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened and cubed

  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

  • ½ cup beef broth

  • ¼ cup milk or half-and-half

For the “Burger Sauce” & Toppings:

  • ¼ cup ketchup

  • 2 tablespoons yellow mustard

  • 2 tablespoons dill pickle relish (plus extra for garnish)

  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

  • Optional Toppings: Diced tomatoes, sliced green onions, chopped dill pickles, shredded lettuce, a drizzle of thousand island dressing.

Equipment

  • Large oven-safe skillet or cast-iron pan

  • Wooden spoon or spatula

  • Measuring cups and spoons

  • Sharp knife and cutting board

Instructions

Step 1: Crisp the Bacon

In a large skillet (preferably cast-iron) over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until it is brown and crispy. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, remove the bacon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Leave about 1 tablespoon of the rendered bacon fat in the skillet—this is liquid gold for flavor!

Step 2: Brown the Beef and Aromatics

Add the finely diced onion to the hot bacon fat in the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Now, add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with your wooden spoon. Cook until the beef is fully browned and no pink remains, about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, carefully drain off any excess grease from the skillet.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Cheese Base

Reduce the heat to low. To the skillet with the beef and onions, add the cubed Velveeta, cubed cream cheese, shredded cheddar, beef broth, and milk. Stir continuously and gently as the cheeses begin to melt. This process will take about 5-8 minutes. Be patient—keeping the heat low prevents the dairy from scorching and ensures a velvety-smooth texture.

Step 4: Incorporate the Signature Flavors

Once the cheese mixture is completely smooth and combined, it’s time to add the flavors that make this a “bacon cheeseburger.” Stir in the ketchup, yellow mustard, dill pickle relish, Worcestershire sauce, and smoked paprika. Mix thoroughly until everything is fully incorporated and the dip is heated through.
Finally, stir in about three-quarters of the reserved crispy bacon, saving the rest for garnish.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Transfer the skillet to a heat-proof trivet on your serving table. Garnish the top of the dip with the remaining crispy bacon, a sprinkle of extra pickle relish, and any other desired toppings like diced tomatoes and sliced green onions. For a truly authentic touch, drizzle a little thousand island dressing over the top.

Step 6: Enjoy!

Serve this Bacon Cheeseburger Queso Dip immediately while it’s hot and bubbly. It pairs perfectly with a variety of dippers, allowing your guests to customize their experience.

Serving Suggestions & Dipper Ideas

The right vessel can make or break a dip experience. Here are the best dippers for this hearty queso:

  • Classic Tortilla Chips: The sturdy, salty crunch is a perfect match.

  • Pretzel Bites or Rods: The salty pretzel complements the cheesy, savory dip beautifully.

  • Toasted Bagel Chips or Pita Chips: Their sturdy, crisp texture holds up well.

  • Fresh Veggie Sticks: Bell peppers, carrot sticks, and celery offer a cool, refreshing crunch that cuts through the richness.

  • Frito Scoops: Designed for dipping, they are the ideal shape and saltiness.

  • Crusty Bread Cubes: For the ultimate indulgence, use pieces of a fresh baguette.

Chef’s Notes & Tips for Success

  • Cheese Choice is Key: Velveeta is recommended for its superior melting qualities and ability to keep the dip smooth. Pre-shredded bagged cheddar often contains anti-caking agents that can make sauces grainy; for the cheddar, it’s best to shred your own from a block.

  • Drain the Grease: After browning the beef, don’t skip draining the excess grease. If you leave too much, your dip can become oily and separate.

  • Low and Slow for Melting: The most common mistake is using too high of heat to melt the cheese, which can cause it to break (where the fats separate from the solids). If your dip seems too thick, add an extra tablespoon of beef broth or milk at a time until it reaches your desired consistency.

  • Make it Spicy: For a kick of heat, add a tablespoon of chopped pickled jalapeños or a teaspoon of your favorite hot sauce when you add the other burger sauce ingredients.

  • Keeping it Warm: This dip is best served hot. If you’re serving it over a long period, keep it warm in a small slow cooker on the “warm” setting. This prevents it from solidifying and keeps it at the perfect dippable temperature for hours.

Nutrition Information

(Please note: The following is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and brands used. Values are approximate per serving, assuming 10 servings.)

Serving Size: ½ cup dip (without dippers) | Calories: 425 | Total Fat: 32g | Saturated Fat: 16g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 105mg | Sodium: 1250mg | Total Carbohydrates: 10g | Dietary Fiber: 0g | Sugars: 7g | Protein: 24g

A Note on Nutrition: This is a rich, indulgent appetizer designed for sharing. It is high in calories, saturated fat, and sodium, primarily from the cheeses, bacon, and ground beef. It is also a good source of protein. To enjoy this as part of a balanced diet, pair it with lighter vegetable dippers and be mindful of portion size. As with any celebratory food, the key is moderation and savoring it on special occasions.

This Bacon Cheeseburger Queso Dip is more than just a recipe; it’s a guaranteed way to become the hero of any party. Its familiar, comforting flavors, combined with its fun, interactive nature, make it an unforgettable addition to your entertaining repertoire

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