Name: Smoky Campfire Queso Dip: Easy Outdoor Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: US
Ingredients: 8 ounces ground beef; 8 ounces bulk Italian sausage; 1/2 cup chopped red onion; 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper; 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced; 1 (10-ounces) can no-salt-added diced tomatoes with green chiles; 8 ounces pasteurized cheese product (such as Velveeta), cubed; 8 ounces cream cheese, softened and cubed; 8 ounces shredded pepper Jack or Monterey Jack cheese; 3/4 cup no-salt-added canned black beans, rinsed and drained; 1/2 cup frozen corn; 3/4 cup diced avocado (1/2 avocado); 1/4 cup sour cream; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro; Tortilla chips, for serving

Elevate your outdoor dining experience with this incredibly flavorful and crowd-pleasing Campfire Queso. Imagine a symphony of savory meats, vibrant vegetables, and molten cheeses, all harmonizing in a cast-iron skillet over an open flame. This recipe is a guaranteed hit for any campfire gathering, offering a delightful twist on the classic queso dip.

Follow The Directions

01

Step

Prepare the Skillet: Preheat a 10-inch cast-iron skillet on a grill grate over a roaring fire. Alternatively, preheat an outdoor grill to medium-high heat (375 degrees F to 400 degrees F (190 degrees C to 200 degrees C)). (Time: ~5 minutes)

02

Step

Sauté the Meats and Vegetables: Add the ground beef, Italian sausage, chopped red onion, red bell pepper, and minced jalapeño to the preheated skillet. Cook, stirring frequently to break up any large lumps of meat, until the beef is browned and the vegetables are softened. (Time: ~8 minutes)

03

Step

Drain Excess Grease: Carefully pour off any excess grease from the skillet to ensure a rich, but not oily, final product.

04

Step

Incorporate Remaining Ingredients: Stir in the can of diced tomatoes with green chiles, cubed cheese product, softened cream cheese, shredded pepper Jack or Monterey Jack cheese, rinsed and drained black beans, and frozen corn. (Time: ~2 minutes)

05

Step

Melt and Bubble: Cover the skillet with foil and cook for 8 minutes, allowing the cheeses to melt into a velvety, cohesive sauce. Remove the foil and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly, approximately 2 minutes more. (Time: ~10 minutes)

06

Step

Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and top with diced avocado, a dollop of sour cream, and a generous sprinkle of fresh cilantro. Serve immediately with your favorite tortilla chips for dipping. (Time: ~2 minutes)

For an even smokier flavor, add a handful of wood chips to your grill or campfire.
Adjust the amount of jalapeño to control the spice level.
Feel free to substitute your favorite cheeses in this recipe.
For a creamier consistency, add a splash of milk or half-and-half while melting the cheese.
This queso can also be made in a slow cooker. Simply combine all ingredients and cook on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally, until melted and bubbly.