Queso Flameado: A Beginner-Friendly, Flavor-Packed Cheese Dip
Queso Flameado is the ultimate melty cheese dip, loaded with bold flavors and perfect for scooping up with warm tortillas or crispy chips. This beginner-friendly recipe delivers a restaurant-quality appetizer right from your kitchen! 🧀🔥🌮
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef or diced chicken
- 16 ounces shredded Chihuahua cheese (or Oaxaca, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella)
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (optional, for added spice)
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (if using chicken)
- Optional sides: warm flour tortillas, tortilla chips, salsa, guacamole
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Meat
Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. If using beef, cook it directly in the pan, breaking it into small crumbles with a wooden spoon. If using chicken, heat one tablespoon of olive oil before adding the diced pieces. Cook the meat for about 5–7 minutes, or until fully browned and cooked through. Drain excess grease, leaving a small amount to retain moisture and flavor.
Step 2: Layer the Cheese
Spread the cooked meat evenly across the bottom of the skillet. Reserve a small portion to sprinkle on top before serving.
Evenly distribute the shredded cheese over the meat, ensuring complete coverage.
Step 3: Bake the Queso Flameado
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and bubbling.
Step 4: Optional Broiling for a Golden Top
For an extra layer of texture, turn the oven to broil and cook for an additional 1–2 minutes. This helps create a slightly golden, bubbly top, but watch closely to prevent burning.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Remove the skillet from the oven and sprinkle the reserved meat and chopped cilantro over the top.
Serve immediately with warm flour tortillas, tortilla chips, salsa, or guacamole on the side.
Notes
How to Tell When the Dish is Ready
The cheese should be fully melted and slightly bubbling around the edges. If broiling, the top should be lightly golden but not burnt.
What to Do If the Cheese Becomes Too Thick
If the cheese hardens too quickly, reheat it in the oven for a few minutes before serving. Keeping the skillet on a warming plate can also help maintain its gooey texture.
How to Keep the Dish Warm for Longer
A cast iron skillet retains heat well, but for extended serving times, place it over a low-heat burner or use a warming tray.
Avoiding Excess Grease
If using beef, draining excess fat before adding cheese prevents the dish from becoming too oily.
Best Way to Shred Cheese for Melting
Shredding cheese from a block results in better melting compared to pre-shredded cheese, which contains anti-clumping agents that can affect texture.