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Copycat Chili's Skillet Queso in a cast-iron skillet with tortilla chips

Copycat Chili's Skillet Queso

The famous Chili's Skillet Queso made at home - a silky white cheese dip simmered with seasoned ground beef, Rotel, and warm spices. Serve it bubbling with tortilla chips.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 290
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 pound ground beef
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 12 ounces white American cheese sliced or torn
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 can diced tomatoes with green chiles 10 oz, drained (Rotel)
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro chopped, for garnish

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • whisk

Method
 

  1. Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until no pink remains, then drain. Stir in the chili powder and cumin and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
  2. Reduce heat to low. Add the white American cheese and milk, stirring constantly until the cheese melts into a smooth sauce, about 5 minutes.
  3. Stir in the drained tomatoes with green chiles and garlic powder. Warm through for 2-3 minutes.
  4. Transfer to a warm skillet or bowl, top with chopped cilantro, and serve immediately with tortilla chips.

Notes

For the smoothest melt, use deli white American cheese sliced from the counter rather than pre-wrapped singles. Keep the heat low so the cheese never scorches.