Smoked Queso Recipe

This Smoked Queso is creamy, cheesy, smoky, and loaded with seasoned beef, melty Velveeta, and Rotel tomatoes. It's one of the tastiest appetizers you can make with just 3 ingredients. Serve this smoked queso dip recipe with tortilla chips, fresh vegetables, or spoon it over nachos, baked potatoes, burgers, and tacos.

Be sure to check out these Air Fryer Sausage Balls, Bacon Wrapped Cod, and Healthy Buffalo Chicken Dip for more great appetizers!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Just 3 simple ingredients
• Easy smoker recipe
• Perfect for game day
• Great for parties and tailgates
• Rich, cheesy, smoky flavor
• Ready in about an hour
• Easy to customize

Before You Get Started

• Drain the Rotel well so the dip isn't too thin.
• Cube the Velveeta for faster melting.
• Cook and drain the ground beef before assembling.
• Stir every 20 minutes for the smoothest texture.

Ingredients 

• Ground beef - Brown and drain before adding to the smoker. Ground sausage or chorizo also work well.
• Velveeta cheese - Cubed so it melts quickly. Velveeta Queso Blanco is a great option for white queso.
• Rotel tomatoes with green chilies - Drain thoroughly before mixing into the dip. You can use mild or medium (original) Rotel.

See the recipe card for measurements.

How to Make Smoked Queso

Step One: Preheat your smoker to 250°F. Combine the cooked beef, cubes of Velveeta, and drained Rotel in an 8x8 disposable aluminum pan or cast iron skillet.

Step Two: Place the pan on the smoker and cook for about 1 hour.

Step Three: Stir every 20 minutes until the cheese is completely melted and the dip is smooth and creamy. If needed, see the common questions section for tips on thickening the dip.

Step Four: Serve immediately with tortilla chips, crackers, pretzels, or fresh vegetables.

Variations 

• Spicy Smoked Queso - Add diced jalapeños, serranos, cayenne, or hot sausage.
• Extra Cheesy - Stir in shredded sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, pepper jack cheese, or even smoked gouda. Pre-shredded cheese saves on prep.
• Cream Cheese Queso - Add a block of cream cheese (or Smoked Cream Cheese) for an even richer dip.
• Loaded Queso - Add black beans, corn, diced onions, or cooked bacon. Or top with cilantro, green onions, guacamole, and extra cheese.
• Chorizo Queso - Replace the ground beef with Mexican chorizo.
• Brisket Queso - Swap in Traeger Brisket for an amazing smoked queso recipe.

Equipment

A pellet grill, Traeger, electric smoker, or charcoal smoker all work well. You'll also need an aluminum pan or cast iron skillet and a sturdy spoon for stirring.

Storage

Store leftover smoked queso in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. Stir in a splash of milk if it's too thick.

You can also use leftover smoked queso to make Queso Chicken.

Common Questions

Can I make smoked queso in the oven?

Yes. Bake at 350°F for about 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes. It won't have the same smoky flavor, but adding a little smoked paprika or liquid smoke helps.

Can I make it in a slow cooker?

Absolutely. Combine everything in the slow cooker and cook on Low for 1-2 hours or High for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally.

How can I make the dip thicker?

Drain the tomatoes well before adding them. You can also stir in more shredded cheese, cream cheese, or additional cooked ground beef to thicken the consistency.

What should I serve with smoked queso?

Tortilla chips are the classic choice, but it's also delicious with pretzels, crackers, vegetables, baked potatoes, nachos, tacos, burgers, or poured over fries.

What wood pellets work best?

Pecan, oak, cherry, or hickory all pair well with queso. Mesquite can be a little too strong for this recipe.

Recipe

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Originally Published on December 12, 2022. Revised and Republished July 16, 2026.