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Best Loaded Game Day Queso with Chorizo (Easy 20-Minute Recipe)

loaded game day queso with chorizo - featured image

This loaded game day queso with chorizo is a quick, indulgent dip ready in 20 minutes. Smoky chorizo, melty cheese, and a kick of green chiles make it the perfect party centerpiece.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground chorizo
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 cup finely diced yellow onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chiles (Ro-tel)
  • 1 (4-ounce) can diced green chiles
  • 1 pound processed American cheese (like Velveeta), cubed
  • 8 ounces Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • For serving and garnish:
  • Tortilla chips
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Fresh jalapeño, sliced
  • Pico de gallo or salsa fresca
  • Sour cream

Instructions

  1. Cook the Chorizo: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and let it shimmer. Add ground chorizo and break it up into small pieces. Cook for 5-7 minutes until fully cooked and slightly crispy. Transfer chorizo to a plate lined with paper towels, leaving about 1 tablespoon of rendered fat in the pan.
  2. Sauté the Aromatics: Reduce heat to medium. Add diced onion to the skillet with chorizo fat. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Build the Cheese Base: Transfer sautéed onions and garlic to a medium saucepan over low heat. Add cubed Velveeta, shredded Monterey Jack, and whole milk. Stir gently and constantly until cheese is about halfway melted.
  4. Add the Tomatoes and Spices: Add undrained diced tomatoes with green chiles and diced green chiles. Sprinkle in ground cumin and smoked paprika. Stir and continue cooking over low heat, stirring frequently, until all cheese is melted and mixture is smooth and glossy (about 5-7 minutes total).
  5. Combine and Finish: Add cooked chorizo back into the pot. Stir to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning with black pepper and a pinch of salt if needed. Add hot sauce or cayenne for extra heat if desired.
  6. Serve Immediately: Transfer queso to a serving bowl. Garnish with fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeño, and pico de gallo or salsa fresca. Serve with sturdy tortilla chips.

Notes

Use low heat when melting cheese to avoid graininess. Grate your own Monterey Jack for smooth melting. For parties, transfer queso to a slow cooker on warm to keep it dippable. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days; reheat gently with a splash of milk.

Nutrition

Keywords: queso, chorizo, game day, dip, loaded queso, easy queso, 20-minute recipe, party dip