If you’re looking for a dip that truly impresses, this Bacon Cheeseburger Queso Dip has you covered. It’s everything you love about a juicy cheeseburger — savory ground beef, melted cheese, and smoky bacon — all transformed into a creamy, crowd-pleasing dip. Perfect for game day, parties, or even casual movie nights, this recipe brings big flavors with minimal effort. I once made this for a weekend barbecue, and it disappeared before halftime! Serve it with tortilla chips, pretzel bites, or even toasted bread — every bite delivers that cheesy, meaty goodness everyone craves.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dip is hearty, flavorful, and downright addictive. It’s a one-pan wonder that combines comfort food and convenience in every scoop. The creamy cheese base perfectly coats the savory beef, while crispy bacon adds the perfect crunch and smoky balance. It’s also easy to keep warm in a slow cooker, making it ideal for serving at parties. Whether you’re hosting a big gathering or just need a comforting snack, this dip will steal the show.
Bacon Cheeseburger Queso Dip – The Ultimate Game Day Appetizer
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Bacon Cheeseburger Queso Dip is a rich, creamy, and cheesy appetizer that combines all the flavors of a classic bacon cheeseburger in dip form. Perfect for game day or parties, it’s loaded with ground beef, crispy bacon, melted cheese, and a hint of smoky spice.
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb (225g) ground beef
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/2 cup onion, finely diced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
- 8 oz (225g) Velveeta or processed cheese, cubed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels. Crumble and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Add diced onion and garlic to the beef and cook for 2–3 minutes, until softened.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes with green chilies, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low and add Velveeta cubes, cheddar cheese, and milk. Stir constantly until the cheese melts and the mixture is smooth.
- Fold in the crumbled bacon, reserving a little for garnish.
- Transfer the dip to a serving bowl or slow cooker on warm setting.
- Garnish with green onions and remaining bacon bits. Serve warm with tortilla chips, pretzels, or baguette slices.
Notes
- Keep warm in a slow cooker during parties to maintain creamy texture.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Add a dash of hot sauce or jalapeños for extra heat.
- Refrigerate leftovers and reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ground beef – The star of the dish, adding a rich, meaty flavor reminiscent of your favorite cheeseburger. Use lean beef to reduce excess grease.
Bacon – Crispy, smoky, and irresistible. It adds texture and deep flavor to the dip.
Velveeta cheese – Melts beautifully into a smooth, creamy consistency, making it ideal for queso.
Cheddar cheese – Adds sharpness and that classic cheeseburger flavor. Freshly grated cheese melts better than pre-shredded.
Onion – Brings a savory depth to the beef mixture, enhancing the cheeseburger feel.
Garlic – Adds a touch of warmth and aroma that complements the rich cheese and meat.
Diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel) – Introduces mild heat and tangy freshness to balance the creamy cheese.
Milk – Helps thin the queso for the perfect dipping consistency.
Worcestershire sauce – Adds umami and enhances the overall cheeseburger flavor.
Salt and black pepper – Simple seasonings that tie everything together.
Green onions (optional) – Perfect for garnish, adding color and freshness to the dip.
Directions
- Cook the bacon – In a large skillet, cook the bacon until crisp. Remove it, crumble into small pieces, and set aside.
- Brown the beef – In the same skillet, drain excess grease, then add the ground beef and cook over medium heat until browned. Add onions and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant.
- Add flavor – Stir in Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix well to infuse the beef with that signature cheeseburger taste.
- Melt the cheese – Reduce the heat and add Velveeta, cheddar, and milk. Stir continuously until the cheese is melted and creamy.
- Add tomatoes – Stir in the diced tomatoes with green chilies for a flavorful kick.
- Combine and serve – Mix in the cooked bacon (reserving a little for garnish). Transfer the dip to a serving bowl or slow cooker to keep warm. Sprinkle with green onions and remaining bacon.
Essential Equipment :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
Serves: 8–10 people
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring in a splash of milk to restore creaminess. You can also reheat in the microwave in short intervals, stirring often. Avoid freezing, as the texture of melted cheese may change.
Variations and Customizations
Spicy Kick
Add chopped jalapeños or extra hot Rotel for more heat.
Loaded Cheeseburger Version
Top with chopped pickles, diced tomatoes, and shredded lettuce for the full “burger” experience.
BBQ Bacon Queso
Mix in a few tablespoons of barbecue sauce for a smoky-sweet twist.
Tex-Mex Style
Add taco seasoning to the beef and top with cilantro for a Southwest flair.
Turkey Cheeseburger Dip
Use lean ground turkey instead of beef for a lighter version without sacrificing flavor.
Beer Cheese Queso
Replace some of the milk with light beer for a tangy, pub-style dip.
Extra Cheesy Version
Add mozzarella or pepper jack for an even more indulgent, gooey texture.
FAQs
Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Yes, prepare it up to a day ahead and reheat before serving.
How do I keep it warm for a party?
Use a slow cooker on the “warm” setting to keep it creamy.
What chips go best with this dip?
Tortilla chips, pretzel bites, or toasted baguette slices all pair perfectly.
Can I make it without Velveeta?
Yes, use cream cheese and extra shredded cheddar for a more natural option.
What’s the best way to reheat it?
Reheat slowly over low heat, adding a splash of milk as needed.
How can I make it less greasy?
Use lean beef and drain the fat before adding the cheese.
Can I freeze this dip?
It’s not recommended — cheese sauces can separate when thawed.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes, substitute plant-based ground meat and skip the bacon.
How do I thicken the queso?
Simmer it longer or add more cheese until the desired consistency is reached.
What toppings go well with it?
Extra bacon, green onions, diced pickles, or a drizzle of hot sauce make great additions.
Conclusion
Bacon Cheeseburger Queso Dip is the ultimate comfort food appetizer — rich, cheesy, and packed with flavor. Whether it’s for game day, holidays, or casual get-togethers, it’s guaranteed to be the first dish to disappear. The combination of melty cheese, savory beef, and crispy bacon captures the best of both worlds — a cheeseburger and queso dip in one. Once you try it, this will become your go-to dip for every occasion.