Easy Cottage Cheese Queso With Ground Beef
This cottage cheese queso with ground beef is a creamy, cheesy, protein-rich twist on queso con carne. Made with five simple ingredients, it's a hearty dip that's also delicious served over nachos or low-carb bowls. Check the step-by-step photos and expert tips above for the best results.
Equipment
Sauteing pan/frying pan (non-stick),
Blender or stick blender,
Cilicone or wooden spoon or spatula,
Measuring cups
Ingredients
- ½ cup raw ground beef beef mince
- ½ cup low-fat cottage cheese drained
- ½ cup shredded Mexican-style cheese
- 2 teaspoons taco seasoning divided
- ⅛ teaspoon xanthan gum
Instructions
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and 1 teaspoon of taco seasoning. Cook for 5–8 minutes, breaking the meat into small pieces, until fully cooked and lightly browned. Cook off any excess liquid.
- Drain any visible excess liquid from the cottage cheese. Transfer to a blender or food processor with the remaining 1 teaspoon of taco seasoning and xanthan gum. Blend until completely smooth.
- Add Mexican shredded chees to the mixture and combine well with a spoon.
- Microwave: Transfer the mixture to a microwave-safe bowl and add the cooked ground beef. Mix everything well with a spoon. Microwave for 30 seconds, stir thoroughly, then heat for another 30 seconds. Stir again until the cheese is melted and the queso is creamy and heated through. Adjust the time according to your microwave's wattage.
- Stovetop: Leave the cooked ground beef in the same non-stick skillet. Reduce the heat to low, then add the blended cottage cheese mixture and shredded cheese. Stir gently until the cheese melts and the queso is creamy and heated through. Avoid overheating.
- Optionally, once the queso is heated through, top with two tablespoons of Mexican shredded cheese and put under the broiler or oven grill to create a golden top.
Notes
Xanthan gum: I use ⅛ teaspoon to help keep the cottage cheese queso creamy during heating. Too much can make the mixture gummy.
Microwave: The 60-second heating method uses an 1100 W microwave. Adjust the time according to your microwave's wattage.
Golden cheese topping: Transfer the heated queso to a larger oven-safe ramekin, sprinkle with approximately 1 tablespoon of extra shredded Mexican-style cheese and place under the oven grill (broiler) for 3–5 minutes, until golden.
Cheese: A shredded pizza cheese blend also works well.
Seasoning: I use Mingle Mexican Fiesta Taco Seasoning. Other brands vary in saltiness and heat, so adjust to taste.
Nutrition: Values are approximate and calculated for 2 servings. Each serving contains approximately 260 calories, 23 g protein and 4.5 g net carbs. The full batch can also serve as one hearty meal. Optional toppings and tortilla chips are not included.
Nutrition
Calories: 260kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 23gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 650mgPotassium: 250mgSugar: 3gCalcium: 250mgIron: 1.5mg
Tried this recipe?Let me know how it was in the comments below.