Crock Pot Smoked Queso Dip
This easy Crock Pot Smoked Queso Dip is so simple to throw together. It’s cheesy, meaty and is an explosion of flavor without the need for a smoker!
A CREAMY, MEATY, TACO SEASONED APPETIZER DIP
If you saw that delicious Smoked Queso Dip going around social media and wanted to make it but didn’t have a smoker, no worries, you know I got you covered! This Crock Pot Smoked Queso Dip is just what you need! Creamy, cheesy, with the perfect amount of smokiness. Plus, it’s made in the slow cooker, so you don’t have to worry babysitting the smoker outside and it’s easy to keep it warm so everyone can serve themselves! My family went nuts over this stuff it is so good! A perfect dip for any gathering!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
It gets thick as it cools, so if you serve this at a party, I suggest keeping it on the warm setting and serving it out of the slow cooker, however it is important to make sure you still occasionally stir so it doesn’t stick or start to burn.
If you want the smoky flavor, then yes, you have to use the liquid smoke. But, if you don’t want that smokiness, leave it out and you’ll still have a fabulous queso dip. I really enjoy Wright’s liquid smoke (paid affiliate link). A reader recommended it to me a while back and I’m hooked on it now!
This dip does have a bit of heat, but if you don’t want the heat factor, just use regular diced tomatoes instead of the Rotel. Additionally, you could purchase the “Tamed” Jalapenos (not a paid affiliate link) to use. These give you all the flavor without the heat- I love them! Or, you could skip the jalapeños altogether and go with pickled onions (not a paid affiliate link). This dip is very customizable to your tastes!
If you like the heat a lot in queso dips, you can amp up the heat a bit further. I would suggest that you go with the “Hot” Rotel and maybe even grab a packet of the spicy taco seasoning.
This queso is best kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
I’d suggest using the microwave so you can stir in between bursts in the microwave and you don’t have to worry about burning it.
INGREDIENTS NEEDED: (SEE RECIPE CARD BELOW FOR THE FULL RECIPE)
- ground beef – you can use chorizo, sausage, ground turkey or you can leave it out altogether.
- taco seasoning packet– or you can make your own homemade seasoning
- Velveeta – You can grab a loaf at the store or learn to make your own Homemade Velveeta for recipes like this one.
- diced tomatoes with green chiles – the brand name is Rotel. You could also just use petite diced tomatoes.
- Colby Jack cheese – another way to add more spice would be to use Pepper Jack cheese.
- cream cheese – this along with the Velveeta adds a lot of creaminess to this dip so don’t skip it
- pickled jalapenos – you can use mild or spicy.
- milk
- cloves garlic – I always prefer freshly minced when possible. It just adds so much more flavor but if all you have is the jarred stuff then go with that.
- liquid smoke– you’ll adjust the amount of this that you use to your liking. I’d suggest to start with a minimal amount, taste it and then add more if desired.
HOW TO MAKE CROCK POT SMOKED QUESO DIP
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up into crumbles, until there is no pink left, 8- 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Drain any excess grease. Add the taco seasoning and stir to combine.
Add the beef to a 6-8 quart slow cooker. Add the Velveeta, diced tomatoes with green chiles, Colby jack cheese, cream cheese, jalapenos, milk, garlic, and liquid smoke to the slow cooker. Stir to combine and place on low heat for 2 hours. Stir every 15 minutes so nothing burns.
It is ready when the cheese is completely melted, and it turns into a smooth dip. Serve immediately.
CRAVING MORE RECIPES?
- Million Dollar Dip
- Creamy Salsa Chicken Dip
- Refried Bean Dip
- Warm Taco Bean Dip
- Mississippi Sin Dip
- Warm Bacon Cheddar Dip
- Crock Pot Jalapeno Popper Corn Dip
- Crock Pot Chorizo Queso Dip
- 7 Layer Dip
- Jalapeno Popper Dip
- Frito Corn Salad
- Crock Pot White Queso Dip
- White Queso Dip (stovetop version)
- Warm Pimento Cheese Dip
- The Best Shrimp Dip
- 7 Layer Dip Cups
- Greek Layered Dip
- Crack Chicken Dip
- Pizza Dip
Crock Pot Smoked Queso Dip
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 pound Velveeta, cubed
- 10 ounce can diced tomatoes with green chiles, undrained (Rotel)
- 8 ounces shredded colby jack cheese
- 8 ounce block cream cheese, cubed
- ½ cup pickled jalapenos
- ½ cup milk
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon liquid smoke
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown 1 pound ground beef, breaking it up into crumbles, until there is no pink left, about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Drain any excess grease. Add 1 packet taco seasoning and stir to combine (you will not be adding any water like it states on the taco seasoning packet.)
- Add the taco seasoned beef to a 6-8 quart slow cooker.
- Add 1 pound Velveeta, cubed, 10 ounce can diced tomatoes with green chiles, undrained, 8 ounces shredded colby jack cheese, 8 ounce block cream cheese, cubed, 1/2 cup pickled jalapenos, 1/2 cup milk, 2 cloves garlic, minced and 1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke to the slow cooker.
- Stir to combine and place on low heat for 2 hours. Stir about every 15 minutes so nothing burns. Note: some slow cookers run hot so this is why stirring is suggested. If you have an older slow cooker that does not get super hot really quickly then you can just stir it every 30-45 minutes.
- It is ready when the cheese is completely melted, and it turns into a smooth dip. You can serve directly from the crock pot (keeping it on the warm setting) or in a bowl to serve.
Video
Notes
- Please refer to my FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions) and ingredient list above for other substitutions or for the answers to the most common questions.
Nutrition
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
This gives iconic Velveeta & Rotel to Queso a whole new level!!!! Couldn’t find the liquid smoke, but this queso was amazing!!!!! Definitely an add to FAVES!!!
If using Wright’s liquid smoke, which flavor is best? They sell hickory, mesquite, and applewood.
There’s an ingredient photo above if you find that helpful 🙂
can i freeze this dip
I have made this several times, I use Jimmy Dean Hot Sausage instead of hamburger meat and I chop the jalapenos….It is amazing!!
Sounds perfect to me! Thanks so much Shonda!
Thank you for your awesomeness and fantastic recipes. Can’t wait for football season, this dip is #1 on my list!
This stuff is awesome
So, so good!