Campfire Queso Recipe

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 8 ounces ground beef
• 8 ounces bulk Italian sausage
• 1/2 cup chopped red onion
• 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
• 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced
• 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chiles (such as RO*TEL)
• 8 ounces pasteurized cheese product (such as Velveeta), cubed
• 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened and cubed
• 8 ounces shredded Pepper Jack or Monterey Jack cheese
• 3/4 cup no-salt added canned black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1/2 cup frozen corn
• 3/4 cup diced avocado
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
• Tortilla chips for serving

Directions

Step 1: Heat a 10-inch cast-iron skillet over a grill grate or preheat an outdoor grill to medium-high heat (375F to 400F or 190C to 200C).

Step 2: Add the ground beef, sausage, chopped onion, bell pepper, and minced jalapeno to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally to break up the meat, until browned (about 8 minutes). Drain off excess grease.

Step 3: Stir in the diced tomatoes with green chiles, pasteurized cheese product, cream cheese, shredded Pepper Jack cheese, black beans, and corn. Mix well to combine.

Step 4: Cover the skillet with foil and cook for 8 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt.

Step 5: Remove the foil and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly (about 2 more minutes).

Step 6: Top the queso with diced avocado, sour cream, and fresh cilantro.

Step 7: Serve immediately with tortilla chips for dipping.

Optional Sides

Corn and Black Bean Salsa

• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chiles, drained
• 1/2 cup frozen corn, thawed
• 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
• 1/2 cup chopped red onion
• 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 diced avocado
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped

Mix all ingredients in a bowl. Chill for up to 24 hours before serving with tortilla chips.

Avocado Crema

• 1 diced avocado
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Blend all ingredients in a blender until smooth. Spoon over Campfire Queso or Corn and Black Bean Salsa.

Candied Jalapenos

For an extra kick, top your Campfire Queso or Corn and Black Bean Salsa with spiced jalapeno rings.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 4422
• Total Fat: 330g (423% DV)
• Saturated Fat: 168g (841% DV)
• Cholesterol: 975mg (325% DV)
• Sodium: 8501mg (370% DV)
• Total Carbohydrate: 141g (51% DV)
• Dietary Fiber: 26g (94% DV)
• Total Sugars: 47g
• Protein: 233g (466% DV)
• Vitamin C: 177mg (196% DV)
• Calcium: 3321mg (255% DV)
• Iron: 19mg (104% DV)
• Potassium: 5016mg (107% DV)

Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

The Story Behind Campfire Queso

Campfire Queso is a modern twist on traditional Mexican cheese dips, designed for outdoor cooking and communal enjoyment. While queso itself has roots in Mexican cuisine, where melted cheese dishes have been popular for centuries, the "campfire" version emerged from the American outdoor lifestyle. Inspired by tailgating, camping trips, and backyard gatherings, this dish was popularized in the early 2000s when food enthusiasts began experimenting with portable, easy-to-prepare recipes that could be cooked over an open flame. Social media, especially platforms like TikTok, later helped the trend spread nationwide, turning it into a staple for casual outdoor entertaining.

Regional Variations

While the base ingredients of Campfire Quesocheese, tomatoes, peppers, and sometimes meatremain consistent, regional adaptations reflect local tastes. In the Southwest United States, jalapeos and green chiles are prominent, lending a smoky heat typical of Tex-Mex cuisine. In the Midwest, versions may incorporate creamier cheeses like Colby or even add beer for extra richness. Southern interpretations sometimes include smoked sausage or bacon, emphasizing a heartier, smoky flavor that complements outdoor cooking over wood or charcoal.

How It Differs from Similar Dishes

Unlike traditional queso dip served in restaurants, Campfire Queso emphasizes rustic preparation and bold, layered flavors. Standard queso often relies on a smooth cheese sauce with a single heat level, while the campfire version includes sauted meats, fresh vegetables, and beans, creating a more textured, hearty dish. It is also distinct from nachos or chili con queso, which are plated rather than served straight from the cooking vessel, and often lack the combination of cream cheese, diced avocado, and fresh cilantro that adds richness and freshness to the campfire variation.

Typical Serving Occasions

Campfire Queso is most commonly served at outdoor gatherings such as camping trips, tailgates, backyard parties, and barbecues. Its communal nature encourages sharing straight from a cast-iron skillet or foil-covered pan. It pairs naturally with tortilla chips, corn and black bean salsa, or candied jalapeos, making it ideal as an appetizer or snack for large groups. Some families even enjoy it during casual indoor game nights, though the flavor is especially enhanced when cooked over an open flame.

Interesting Facts

• Despite being a modern recipe, Campfire Queso borrows heavily from traditional Mexican cheese dishes, combining multiple types of cheese for depth of flavor.
• The addition of beans, corn, and avocado transforms it into a more balanced, nutrient-rich snack, making it popular among campers and hikers seeking protein and energy.
• Cooking it in a cast-iron skillet not only improves heat retention but also imparts a subtle smoky flavor that cannot be replicated in conventional stovetop preparation.
• The dish has been featured in viral food trends, inspiring variations that include vegan cheeses, plant-based proteins, and creative spice blends.
• Campfire Queso exemplifies the blending of American outdoor culture with Mexican culinary traditions, symbolizing how food evolves when shared across regions and lifestyles.

FAQ about Campfire Queso Recipe

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