Olivia Carter
Craving some mouth-watering queso skillet from Chili’s but don’t want to leave the comfort of your own home? Well, you’re in luck! With this easy-to-follow recipe, you can recreate the deliciousness of Chili’s famous queso skillet right in your own kitchen.
Chili’s queso skillet is a cheesy dip made with a blend of melted cheeses, seasoned ground beef, and spicy pico de gallo, served in a sizzling skillet. It’s the perfect appetizer for any gathering or a delicious snack for a cozy night in.
To start, you’ll need a few key ingredients: shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, ground beef, diced tomatoes, diced onions, diced jalapeños, minced garlic, and some spices like chili powder, cumin, and paprika. You’ll also need a cast-iron skillet to achieve that authentic sizzling presentation.
First, cook the ground beef in a skillet until browned and crumbled. Drain any excess fat and set the beef aside. In the same skillet, sauté the onions, garlic, and jalapeños until they become soft and fragrant. Add the diced tomatoes and stir until heated through.
Next, it’s time to add the cheeses. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese over the sautéed vegetables and allow them to melt. Stir occasionally to ensure the cheese melts evenly and coats all the ingredients. Once the cheese is fully melted and the mixture is smooth and creamy, it’s time to dig in!
Serve the queso skillet straight from the cast-iron skillet, garnished with fresh cilantro and a side of tortilla chips. You can also customize your queso by adding some cooked, crumbled bacon or sliced green onions to take it to the next level.
So, the next time you’re in the mood for Chili’s queso skillet, give this homemade recipe a try. It’s a crowd-pleasing appetizer that will have everyone asking for seconds. Enjoy!
Gather the ingredients
Before you start making Chili’s Queso Skillet, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients ready. Here’s what you’ll need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound of Velveeta cheese
- 1 cup of milk
- 2 teaspoons of chili powder
- ½ teaspoon of paprika
- ½ teaspoon of cumin
- ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon of salt
- 1 can (15 ounces) of Hormel No-Bean Chili
Garnish:
- 1 Roma tomato, diced
- 2 tablespoons of fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 jalapeno, sliced (optional)
Make sure to measure the ingredients accurately and have everything prepared and within reach before you begin. This will help you to smoothly proceed with the recipe without any interruptions.
Prep the vegetables
To make Chili’s Queso Skillet, it is important to start by preparing the vegetables. Here are the steps to follow:
Gather the necessary ingredients:
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1 small green bell pepper, finely diced
- 1 small red bell pepper, finely diced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
Chop the vegetables:
Start by chopping the onion, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper into small, evenly sized pieces. It is important to ensure that the pieces are finely diced to allow for even cooking and distribution in the queso skillet.
Next, mince the garlic cloves to release their flavor and aroma. You can use a garlic press or finely chop the cloves with a knife.
Once all the vegetables are chopped and minced, set them aside and proceed to the next step in the recipe.
Cook the ground beef
To make Chili’s Queso Skillet, you will need to start by cooking the ground beef. Here is how you do it:
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Now that the ground beef is cooked and ready, you can proceed to the next step in making Chili’s Queso Skillet.
Melt the cheese
Now that the chili is simmering, it’s time to melt the cheese. The melted cheese is what gives this dish its creamy and gooey texture. Here’s how you can do it:
- Start by preparing the cheese. You can either grate it or cut it into small pieces to help it melt faster.
- In a skillet or a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the diced onions and cook until they become translucent.
- Next, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute or until fragrant.
- Add the diced tomatoes and green chilies and stir well.
- Reduce the heat to low and gradually add the grated or cubed cheese to the skillet. Stir constantly to ensure even melting.
- Cook until the cheese is fully melted and smooth, about 5-7 minutes. You can continue to cook for longer if you prefer a thicker consistency.
Once the cheese is melted, you can pour it over the simmering chili or serve it on the side as a dip. It’s best enjoyed while hot and gooey, so make sure to serve it immediately!
Combine the ingredients
To make Chili’s Queso Skillet, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 lb. Velveeta cheese, cut into cubes
- 1 cup milk
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 can (15 oz.) no-bean chili
- 1 can (4 oz.) diced green chilies
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish
In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine the Velveeta cheese and milk. Stir until the cheese is melted and smooth.
Add the paprika, ground cumin, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to the saucepan. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
Add the no-bean chili and diced green chilies to the saucepan. Stir well to incorporate the chili and chilies into the cheese mixture.
Cook the mixture on low heat for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Once the queso skillet is heated through, remove it from the heat and transfer it to a serving dish.
Garnish the queso skillet with chopped fresh cilantro.
Serve the chili’s queso skillet immediately with tortilla chips or your favorite dipping bread.
Serve and enjoy
Once the queso skillet is ready, it’s time to serve and enjoy this delicious appetizer with friends and family. Here are some tips on how to serve the chili’s queso skillet:
- Transfer the hot skillet to a heatproof trivet or serving platter. Be careful as the skillet will be very hot.
- Place the skillet in the center of the table, allowing everyone to reach and share.
- Provide small plates or tortilla chips for dipping. The queso skillet pairs perfectly with crispy tortilla chips.
- Encourage everyone to dig in and enjoy the cheesy goodness.
The chili’s queso skillet is best enjoyed right away while it’s still hot and ooey-gooey. The combination of melted cheese, savory beef, and flavorful spices is sure to please everyone’s taste buds.
Remember to serve with your favorite salsa or guacamole for an added kick of flavor. You can also garnish with chopped fresh cilantro or sliced jalapenos for some extra heat.
Whether you’re hosting a party or simply looking for a delicious snack, the chili’s queso skillet is a crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone asking for more. So gather your loved ones around the table and savor every cheesy bite.
FAQ
What ingredients do I need to make Chili’s Queso Skillet?
To make Chili’s Queso Skillet, you will need the following ingredients: 1 pound of Velveeta cheese, 1 cup of milk, 2 teaspoons of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of cumin, 1/2 teaspoon of paprika, 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, 1/2 cup of diced tomatoes with green chilies, 1/4 cup of finely diced onion, 2 tablespoons of pickled jalapenos, and 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh cilantro.
Can I customize Chili’s Queso Skillet?
Yes, you can customize Chili’s Queso Skillet to suit your taste preferences. If you like it spicier, you can add additional cayenne pepper or pickled jalapenos. If you prefer a milder queso, you can reduce the amount of chili powder and cayenne pepper. You can also add other ingredients like cooked ground beef, diced bell peppers, or black beans to the queso. Feel free to experiment and make it your own!
