Warm Cottage Cheese Queso (w/ Ground Beef!)
If you’re craving a cozy, melty queso that’s secretly packed with protein, this cottage cheese queso with ground beef hits the spot! Warm, creamy, and loaded with taco-night flavor, it comes together fast and makes the perfect dip or topping for nachos, bowls, and more.
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- ½ pound lean ground beef
- 5 teaspoons taco seasoning, divided
- 16- oz low-fat cottage cheese (about 2 cups)
- 1 cup grated sharp cheddar
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast (optional, see notes)
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- In a large 9-inch skillet, heat the olive oil over medium high heat. Add the ground beef, sprinkle with 2 teaspoons of taco seasoning, and stir to break apart into small pieces. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently.
- While the meat is cooking, add the cottage cheese, 3 teaspoons taco seasoning, and cheddar cheese to a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides if necessary.
- When the meat is cooked, turn heat to low and add cottage cheese mixture along with the nutritional yeast (if using), stirring to combine. Cook on very low until just warmed through, stirring frequently, being careful not to simmer, as the queso may separate.
- Add toppings if desired and serve warm straight out of a skillet.
- Alternatively, transfer to a 4-quart slow cooker on the “warm” setting to serve.
Notes
- Warm not Simmering: Be sure to heat the cottage cheese mixture on the lowest heat to just warm. If you bring it to a simmer, it may separate.
- Thin it Out: For a thinner consistency, or if the queso thickens up too much, add a splash of milk until it is thin enough to pour or dip. If using full-fat cottage cheese plan on having milk on hand, as it will thicken more than if using low-fat.
- Nutritional Yeast: Nutritional yeast adds an extra “cheesy” taste to this queso. If you don’t have it or don’t want to buy it, though, it may be omitted.
- Taco Seasoning: All taco seasoning is different, so if you want this queso to be spicy, use a spicy blend, and if you want it to be mild, use a mild blend.
- Salt: Similarly, taco seasoning varies in terms of salt significantly from brand to brand. Taste your queso before serving add additional salt if it tastes flat ¼ teaspoon at a time.
- Optional Toppings: pickled jalapeno, chopped green onion.
- Serving Size: This recipe makes 1½ cups total, or about six ¼ cup individual servings.
Nutrition
Serving: 1 (of 6) | Calories: 198kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 45mg | Sodium: 462mg | Potassium: 260mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 228IU | Vitamin C: 0.04mg | Calcium: 183mg | Iron: 1mg
