Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with savory bacon and seasoned beef, this Bacon Cheeseburger Queso Dip is the ultimate game-day crowd-pleaser. It melts together all the best parts of a bacon cheeseburger into one dip that’s rich, gooey, and wildly comforting. Fun fact: queso dips started as a Tex-Mex snack and quickly evolved into a playground for bold flavor mashups—this version is basically a cheeseburger masquerading as party food.
This recipe is special because it’s ridiculously simple, quick to make, and universally loved by kids and adults alike. If you enjoy hearty party dips or want an easy crowd-pleaser, this will become a staple. For a different take on burger-inspired comfort food, check out this homemade twist on a classic Hodads Bacon Double Cheeseburger. Get your tortilla chips ready and let’s dive in — you’re about to create something seriously addictive.
What is Bacon Cheeseburger Queso Dip?
What’s in a name? Bacon Cheeseburger Queso Dip is exactly what it sounds like: the flavors of a bacon cheeseburger transformed into a creamy queso-style dip. Who wouldn’t want a dip that answers the question: why choose between burgers and chips when you can have both? Maybe someone joked that “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and someone else decided to prove it with bacon and cheese—hence this decadent dip. Give this a try and see if it wins your heart (and appetite) too.
Why You’ll Love This
This dip is irresistible for three big reasons. First, the main highlight is the combination of melty cheeses and savory, seasoned ground beef that creates a luxurious, silky texture with punchy burger flavor. Second, making it at home is cost-effective compared to takeout or store-bought party platters—ground beef and cheese go a long way and are easy to buy in bulk. Third, the toppings like crispy crumbled bacon and fresh parsley lift the dip from good to unforgettable with added crunch and freshness.
If you’re into loaded comfort dishes, this recipe pairs nicely with other burger-inspired recipes like Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Onion Rings for a full spread. Ready to impress your guests? This dip is your new secret weapon—make it and watch it disappear.
How to Make
Quick Overview
This recipe is easy, fast, and deeply satisfying. You’ll brown the beef, whisk together a creamy cheese sauce, and combine everything for a dip that’s smooth, rich, and studded with crispy bacon. The standout element is the ultra-creamy sauce that coats every chip, while the crumbled bacon adds a salty, crunchy contrast. Expect about 10 minutes prep and 15 minutes cooking—roughly 25 minutes from start to finish.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef, raw
1/2 lb cooked bacon, crumbled (cook until crisp and crumble)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, freshly shredded for best melting
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, freshly shredded for best melting
1/2 cup cream cheese, room temperature for smooth melting
1/2 cup sour cream, full-fat for richness
1/2 cup milk, add more for thinner consistency if needed
1 tablespoon taco seasoning, store-bought or homemade
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley to garnish, chopped
Tortilla chips for dipping
Directions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add 1 lb ground beef. Break the beef apart with a spatula and cook until fully browned, about 6 to 8 minutes. Stir occasionally for even cooking.
- Once the beef is browned, drain any excess fat using a colander or tilt the pan and use paper towels—this keeps the dip from getting greasy.
- Return the drained beef to the skillet and add 1 tablespoon taco seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon onion powder. Stir to combine and cook for 1 to 2 more minutes to bloom the spices.
- In a medium saucepan over low heat, add 1/2 cup cream cheese. Stir constantly until it begins to soften and melt, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add 1/2 cup sour cream and 1/2 cup milk to the saucepan, stirring until smooth and combined. Keep the heat low to prevent scorching.
- Gradually add 1 cup shredded cheddar and 1 cup shredded mozzarella to the cream mixture, stirring constantly until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is silky and lump-free. This should take 3 to 5 minutes.
- Stir the cooked, seasoned beef and 1/2 lb crumbled bacon into the cheese sauce until everything is evenly combined and heated through. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Transfer the dip to a serving bowl or oven-safe dish. Garnish with extra crumbled bacon and chopped fresh parsley. Serve hot with plenty of tortilla chips for dipping.
What to Serve With
Serve this dip with sturdy tortilla chips for scooping, pretzel bites, sliced baguette, or veggie sticks like bell peppers and celery to balance richness. Pair it with simple side salads—an easy arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette or a crisp coleslaw helps cut the richness. For drinks, serve cold beer, sparkling water with lime, or a refreshing iced tea. Add pickled jalapeños or a fresh pico de gallo on the side if you want some acidity and heat.
Top Tips for Perfecting
- Ingredient substitutions: Swap half-and-half for milk for a richer dip, or use pepper jack instead of mozzarella for a spicy kick.
- Cheese tips: Freshly shred the cheeses yourself; pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect meltiness.
- Timing: Cook the beef fully and drain well—this prevents a greasy dip. Add bacon at the end so it stays crunchy.
- Flavor boosts: Stir in a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a teaspoon of Dijon mustard for deeper umami.
- Common mistakes: Don’t rush melting the cream cheese—low heat prevents grainy texture. If the dip thickens too much, stir in a little warm milk to loosen it.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Refrigeration: Store leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. Cool completely before sealing.
Freezing: You can freeze leftover dip for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Note that texture may change slightly after freezing.
Reheating: Reheat gently over low heat on the stovetop, stirring frequently and adding small amounts of milk to restore creaminess. You can also reheat in a 325°F oven in a covered dish until warmed through, or microwave in short 30-second bursts stirring in between to prevent overheating.
FAQs
Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare the dip fully, cool it, then refrigerate in an airtight container. Reheat gently before serving. You may need to add a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
Is it possible to make this vegetarian?
Absolutely. Substitute plant-based ground crumbles for the beef and use vegetarian bacon or smoked tempeh for the bacon element. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Can I use different cheeses?
Yes. Cheddar and mozzarella offer creaminess and melt. For different flavor profiles try pepper jack, Monterey Jack, or a sharp white cheddar.
How can I make this spicier?
Stir in diced jalapeños, a few dashes of hot sauce, or swap taco seasoning for a spicier blend. Crushed red pepper flakes also work well.
What’s the best way to keep the bacon crispy?
Cook the bacon separately until very crisp, crumble it, and reserve some for garnishing on top just before serving to maintain crunch.
Conclusion
This Bacon Cheeseburger Queso Dip is a simple, crowd-pleasing recipe that brings together creamy cheese, seasoned beef, and crispy bacon in one unforgettable dip—perfect for parties, game days, or a cozy night in. It’s easy to make, affordable, and endlessly customizable, so give it a try and share it with family and friends. For another version and inspiration from fellow home cooks, check out this recipe: Bacon Cheeseburger Queso Dip | Just A Pinch Recipes
Bacon Cheeseburger Queso Dip
Equipment
- Skillet
- Saucepan
- Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground beef Raw
- 1/2 lb Bacon Cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup Shredded cheddar cheese Freshly shredded for best melting
- 1 cup Shredded mozzarella cheese Freshly shredded for best melting
- 1/2 cup Cream cheese Room temperature for smooth melting
- 1/2 cup Sour cream Full-fat for richness
- 1/2 cup Milk Add more for thinner consistency if needed
- 1 tablespoon Taco seasoning Store-bought or homemade
- 1/2 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Onion powder
- to taste Salt
- to taste Pepper
- 1/4 cup Fresh parsley Chopped, for garnish
- 1 bag Tortilla chips For dipping
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add ground beef. Break the beef apart with a spatula and cook until fully browned, about 6 to 8 minutes. Stir occasionally for even cooking.
- Once the beef is browned, drain any excess fat using a colander or tilt the pan and use paper towels.
- Return the drained beef to the skillet and add taco seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir to combine and cook for 1 to 2 more minutes.
- In a medium saucepan over low heat, add cream cheese. Stir constantly until it begins to soften and melt, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add sour cream and milk to the saucepan, stirring until smooth and combined.
- Gradually add shredded cheddar and mozzarella to the cream mixture, stirring constantly until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is silky.
- Stir the cooked, seasoned beef and crumbled bacon into the cheese sauce until everything is evenly combined and heated through.
- Transfer the dip to a serving bowl or oven-safe dish. Garnish with extra crumbled bacon and chopped fresh parsley. Serve hot with tortilla chips for dipping.