Whether it's a big game or a Summer party, this Smoked Queso Dip with Beef is always a crowd favorite! Seasoned ground beef meets rotel in a creamy velvetta cheese sauce that's impossible to stop eating. Serve it up with some tortilla chips for the perfect appetizer.
This is one of the appetizers that I made on repeat when I first learned how to cook, but I didn't do the smoker version, and I was missing out!
It's so easy to assemble right in an aluminum pan, then it cooks on the Traeger (or any smoker) for an hour. The results are melted gooey cheese with just a touch of smoky flavor.
For more easy dip recipes, try this Pizza Dip with Cottage Cheese, High Protein Buffalo Chicken Dip, Cream Cheese Salsa Dip, and Fried Pickle Dip.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe:
- Easy. Just a few ingredients and you have an appetizer for a crowd.
- Quick prep. Brown ground beef then put everything in an aluminum pan and let the smoker do the work.
- Simple Clean Up. No messy dishes..simply toss the container when it's gone.
- Big on Flavor. A classic appetizer everyone loves for game day, summer bbq's, parties, etc.
For more Smoker recipes, try these Smoked Baby Back Ribs, Smoked Boneless Chicken Thighs, and Smoked Pork Butt.
Ingredients:

Ground Beef: I like to use an 85/15 lean to fat ratio for this recipe. It's a good choice because it stays juicy, but isn't super greasy.
Rotel: I used the fire roasted version, but you can use mild or spicy too.
Velvetta: I don't typically use velvetta, but it's a must for queso because nothing else melts like it.
*You also need a 9x13 disposable aluminum pan (the kind you can throw away after use).
*Find the full recipe ingredients and quantities in the recipe card below.
Substitutions and Variations:
- If you don't want to use the can of Rotel, fresh diced tomatoes and diced jalapeños will work too.
- The ground beef could be substituted with cooked Ground Sausage as well.
- Not big on velvetta? Try this recipe for Slow Cooker Rotel Dip instead.
- A can of corn and/or black beans would be a good addition to this recipe too. Make sure to drain and rinse them well before adding in.
How to Make Smoked Queso Dip:

Step 1: In a skillet over medium heat on the stovetop, brown the ground beef until no longer pink. Sprinkle in the spices and turn off the heat.

Step 2: Preheat the smoker to 300 degrees. Grab the 9x13 disposable tin and layer both cheeses in the bottom. Pour over the drained Rotel and top with ground beef without excess fat. Sprinkle over half the green onions. Cover the aluminum pan with foil and seal around the pan.

Step 3: Place the covered foil dip on the bottom rack of the smoker and close the lid. Smoke for 1 hour. Uncover the foil and stir well. Turn off the smoker.

Step 4: Top with the remaining green onions. Allow to cool for a few minutes, then serve with tortilla chips and watch it disappear. Enjoy!
Expert Tips:
- Drain the excess grease from the meat before adding it into the aluminum tin.
- Remove most of the juices from the Rotel can, but it doesn't have to be perfect.
For more popular appetizer recipes, check out these Taco Wonton Cups, Loaded Baked Potato Skins, Cajun Deviled Eggs, and Fried Cheese Balls.
More Summer Grilling Recipes You'll Love:
If you tried this Smoked Queso Recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it goes in the 📝 comments below. I love hearing from you!
PrintRecipe
Smoked Queso Dip
- Total Time: 1 hour, 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 (9x13) tray 1x
Description
Whether it's a big game or a Summer party, this Smoked Queso Dip with Beef is always a crowd favorite! Seasoned ground beef meets rotel in a creamy velvetta cheese sauce that's impossible to stop eating. Serve it up with some tortilla chips for the perfect appetizer.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef *preference for 85/15
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons taco seasoning *mild
- 16 ounce Velvetta Cheese, cut into small cubes
- 8 ounce Colby Cheese block, cut into small cubes
- 10 ounce can fire roasted Rotel, drained
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives, minced
- 9x13 disposable aluminum tray
- You also need Tortilla Chips for serving
Instructions
- In a skillet over medium heat on the stovetop, brown the ground beef until no longer pink. Sprinkle in the spices and turn off the heat.
- Preheat the smoker to 300 degrees. Grab the disposable tin and layer both cheeses in the bottom. Pour over the drained Rotel and top with ground beef without excess fat. Sprinkle over half the green onions. Cover the aluminum pan with foil and seal around the pan.
- Place the covered foil dip on the bottom rack of the smoker and close the lid. Smoke for 1 hour. Uncover the foil and stir well. Turn off the smoker.
- Top with the remaining green onions. Allow to cool for a few minutes, then serve with tortilla chips and watch it disappear. Enjoy!
Notes
- Drain the excess grease from the meat before adding it into the tin.
- Remove most of the juices from the Rotel can, but it doesn't have to be perfect.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: smoked
- Cuisine: American










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