Quick 5-Min Cottage Cheese Queso Dip with Ground Beef

Cottage Cheese Queso: A Creamy, Cheesy, Protein-Packed Twist

Craving something cheesy and comforting without going overboard on calories?

This cottage cheese queso hits all the marks—rich, creamy, and full of flavor thanks to sharp cheddar, taco seasoning, and seasoned ground beef.

It’s the ultimate party dip, snack, or taco topper you’ll be obsessed with after one bite!

📝 Key Ingredients

Cottage Cheese – A protein-rich base that keeps things light and creamy.
Ground Beef – Adds satisfying texture and savory depth.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese – Melty and bold, it gives queso that signature flavor.
Taco Seasoning – Spices things up with a smoky, zesty kick.
Nutritional Yeast – Optional, but adds extra cheesiness and B vitamins.
Olive Oil – For browning the beef to perfection.
Salt – To balance the flavors at the end.

🔥 Why You’ll LOVE This Recipe

High Protein – 23g of protein per serving to keep you full and satisfied.
Creamy Without Cream – Cottage cheese makes it rich without the heaviness.
Ready in 15 Minutes – Minimal prep and cook time = snack in no time!
Flavor Bomb – Cheddar, taco spices, and beef make this ultra crave-worthy.
Versatile – Use it as a dip, spread, drizzle, or stuffing.
Low Carb, Gluten-Free – Just 4g carbs per serving with no flour or fillers.

🥗 What to Serve With Cottage Cheese Queso

Tortilla Chips – The classic dipper for cheesy, salty crunch.

Bell Pepper Strips – Crunchy and colorful—perfect for low-carb dipping.

Cucumber Rounds & Carrot Sticks – Refreshing and crisp for snacking.

Over Baked Potatoes – Spoon it over for a protein-loaded topping.

Mini Tacos or Nachos – Use it as a sauce for your next Tex-Mex night.

Pita Bread or Flatbread – Tear and dip for an indulgent snack.

💗 More Related Recipes

Cottage Cheese Flatbread Pizza – Crispy, cheesy, and protein-packed with a cottage cheese base. A healthy pizza dream!
Broccoli Cauliflower Salad – Creamy and crunchy with a tangy yogurt-based dressing. A perfect balance to cheesy dishes!
Spicy Shrimp Poke Bowl – Fresh, light, and packed with protein. A great contrast to warm, hearty dips.
Cottage Cheese Egg Salad – Another easy, high-protein recipe using cottage cheese—perfect for lunch or meal prep.

Cooking Method Stovetop

Cuisine American, Mexican

Courses Appetizer

Difficulty Beginner

Time

Prep Time: 5 mins Cook Time: 10 mins Total Time: 15 mins

Servings 6

Calories 198

Best Season Summer

Description

This high-protein cottage cheese queso dip is cheesy, bold, and totally satisfying. With cheddar, taco-spiced beef, and cottage cheese, it’s rich in flavor—not in calories!

Perfect for parties, game days, or just dipping solo on the couch. 😉

🧀 Ingredients You’ll Need:

1 olive oil
1/2 lb lean ground beef
5 tsp taco seasoning (divided)
16 oz low-fat cottage cheese (about 2 cups)
1 cup sharp cheddar, grated
2 tbsp nutritional yeast (optional)
Salt to taste

👩‍🍳 How to Make Cottage Cheese Queso

Step 1: Cook the Beef
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium.

Add ground beef and 2 tsp taco seasoning.

Cook until browned, then set aside.
Step 2: Blend the Queso Base
Add cottage cheese, cheddar, remaining taco seasoning, and nutritional yeast to a blender.

Blend until completely smooth.
Step 3: Heat It Up
Transfer the blended queso to a saucepan.

Warm over medium heat for 3–5 minutes, stirring frequently until melted and creamy.
Step 4: Stir in the Beef
Fold the cooked ground beef into the hot queso base.

Mix well and taste for salt.
Step 5: Serve Hot

Serve warm with chips, veggies, or drizzle it over baked potatoes, nachos, or tacos!

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving) :

Servings 6

Amount Per Serving
Calories 198kcal

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 10g16%
Saturated Fat 5g25%
Cholesterol 45mg15%
Sodium 462mg20%
Potassium 260mg8%
Total Carbohydrate 4g2%
Sugars 2g
Protein 23g46%

Calcium 183 mg
Iron 1 mg

* Nutrition information is automatically calculated using generic ingredients, and is an estimate not a guarantee. For more accurate results, please refer to the labels on your ingredients at home.

Note

✔️ Expert Tips

Use a High-Speed Blender – It helps get the smoothest queso texture.
Add a Jalapeño – Blend one in if you love it spicy.
Keep Warm for Parties – Use a mini slow cooker to keep it melty.
Don’t Overheat – Heat gently to avoid curdling the cheese.
Make it Vegetarian – Skip the beef and stir in sautéed mushrooms or beans.

🕒 Make Ahead and Storage

Make Ahead – Blend and cook base in advance. Add beef just before serving.
Storage – Store leftovers in an airtight container up to 3 days.
Reheat – Gently reheat in the microwave or stovetop with a splash of milk.

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

Skipping the Blend – Don’t skip blending or it won’t be creamy!
Using Pre-Shredded Cheese – It won’t melt as smoothly.
High Heat – Overheating can cause separation.
Too Much Salt – Taste after beef and cheese are added before seasoning.

🌿 Healthier Alternatives for This Recipe

Swap beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles.
Use low-sodium taco seasoning.
Skip cheddar and double nutritional yeast for a dairy-light version.
Add spinach or kale for a veggie boost.
Serve with veggie dippers to cut carbs.

📌 Key Points Recap

Cottage cheese queso = creamy, cheesy, and protein-packed.
No Velveeta, no guilt—just real ingredients.
Done in 15 minutes with minimal cleanup.
Perfect for dipping, drizzling, or scooping.

Learn more about why cottage cheese is a top protein choice: Healthline – Cottage Cheese Nutrition

For more cheesy, protein-packed recipes, follow me on Pinterest for daily inspiration! 🧀💪🌮

Keywords: cottage cheese queso, healthy queso dip, high protein cottage cheese dip

Did you make this recipe ?

Read it online: https://www.meltybites.com/recipe/cottage-cheese-queso-dip/

Print Options:

Quick 5-Min Cottage Cheese Queso Dip with Ground Beef – Totally Crave-Worthy!

Cottage Cheese Queso: A Creamy, Cheesy, Protein-Packed Twist

📝 Key Ingredients

🔥 Why You’ll LOVE This Recipe

🥗 What to Serve With Cottage Cheese Queso

💗 More Related Recipes

✔️ Expert Tips

🕒 Make Ahead and Storage

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

🌿 Healthier Alternatives for This Recipe

📌 Key Points Recap

Print Options:

Quick 5-Min Cottage Cheese Queso Dip with Ground Beef – Totally Crave-Worthy!

Cottage Cheese Queso: A Creamy, Cheesy, Protein-Packed Twist

📝 Key Ingredients

🔥 Why You’ll LOVE This Recipe

🥗 What to Serve With Cottage Cheese Queso

💗 More Related Recipes

✔️ Expert Tips

🕒 Make Ahead and Storage

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

🌿 Healthier Alternatives for This Recipe

📌 Key Points Recap

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