✔ Updated · new copycat recipe with step photos
This copycat Chili's Skillet Queso is the warm, melty beef queso that shows up bubbling in a little skillet. Smooth American cheese, seasoned beef and a few spices come together in 20 minutes for the ultimate chip dip.
How Do You Make Chili’s Skillet Queso? (Quick Answer)
Brown 1/2 pound ground beef with taco seasoning. Melt 16 ounces of cubed American cheese with 1/2 cup milk over medium low heat, then stir in the beef, a can of diced tomatoes with green chiles, chili powder, cumin and paprika. Pour into a warm cast iron skillet and serve with chips.
At a glance
The one tip that matters: Warm the cast iron skillet in a 300°F oven first. It keeps the queso hot and dippable for longer.
Why You'll Love This Queso
- Silky smooth American cheese never turns grainy.
- Hearty seasoned beef in every scoop.
- Fast on the table in 20 minutes.
- Party favorite disappears at every game day.
- Easy to reheat just add a splash of milk.
What Is Chili’s Skillet Queso?
It's one of the most popular starters at Chili's: a creamy queso mixed with seasoned beef, served hot in a small skillet with chips.
This homemade version takes 20 minutes and uses easy grocery store ingredients.
Ingredient Notes
Exact amounts are in the recipe card below.
- American cheese: processed cheese melts into the smoothest queso.
- Ground beef: browned with taco seasoning.
- Diced tomatoes with green chiles: a little tang and mild heat.
- Chili powder and cumin: the warm Tex-Mex flavor.
Step-by-Step Photos
Here's how it comes together. Exact amounts, times and temperatures are in the recipe card below.
Tips for Success
- Low and slow. High heat makes cheese sauce scorch on the bottom. Keep it at medium low.
- Cut small cubes. 1 inch cubes melt faster and more evenly.
- Fine crumbles. Break the beef up small so it scoops onto a chip.
- Keep it warm. For a party, hold it in a slow cooker on low.
- Make it spicy. Use hot diced tomatoes with chiles or add a diced jalapeno.
- At our table. Max and Lucy fight over the last chip, so I always open a second bag.
Chili’s Skillet Queso
8
servings5
minutes15
minutes290
kcal20
minutesA copycat Chili’s Skillet Queso: processed American cheese melted smooth with milk, stirred with browned seasoned ground beef, chili powder, cumin, paprika and a can of diced tomatoes with green chiles, then served bubbling hot in a small cast iron skillet with tortilla chips. Serves 8.
Ingredients
1/2 pound lean ground beef
1 tablespoon taco seasoning
16 ounces processed American cheese (like Velveeta), cubed
1/2 cup whole milk
1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chiles, undrained
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
as needed tortilla chips, for serving
Directions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium high heat for 5 to 6 minutes, breaking it into small crumbles. Drain the fat and stir in the taco seasoning with 2 tablespoons water.
- Put the cubed cheese and milk in a saucepan over medium low heat. Stir often for 6 to 8 minutes until completely melted and smooth.
- Stir in the beef, diced tomatoes with green chiles, chili powder, cumin, paprika and garlic powder. Heat for 2 minutes more, adding a splash of milk if it is too thick.
- Pour the queso into a warmed small cast iron skillet and serve right away with tortilla chips.
Like this recipe?
Follow us @recipefairy on Pinterest
Storage
Keep leftover queso covered in the fridge for up to 4 days. It firms up when cold, so reheat it gently with a little milk.
More Dips and Queso Copycats
Compare it with my Qdoba queso, add a Velveeta spinach dip to the spread, or browse more copycat recipes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is in Chili's Skillet Queso?
It is a smooth cheese dip with seasoned ground beef. This copycat uses American cheese, milk, beef, tomatoes with green chiles and Tex-Mex spices.
Can I make it in a slow cooker?
Yes. Add the browned beef and everything else to a slow cooker and cook on low for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, stirring every 30 minutes.
Can I use real cheddar?
Cheddar alone tends to turn oily or grainy. If you want to use some, mix half cheddar with half American cheese for a smooth dip.
How do I reheat queso?
Warm it on low heat with a splash of milk, stirring often, or microwave in 30 second bursts.
What can I dip in queso?
Tortilla chips, of course, plus soft pretzels, fries and raw peppers. It is also great over nachos.
