Hey there, friends!
Craving something cheesy and delicious? You’re in for a treat!
Today, I’m excited to share my favorite ground turkey queso dip.
It’s rich, creamy, and packed with flavor. Perfect for game day or just a cozy night in.
Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again! Let’s dive in!
Suggestions for Ingredient Substitution
Ground turkey can be replaced with lean ground beef or plant-based meat alternatives for different dietary preferences. Adjust cooking time as needed, as beef may require longer to cook through. For a vegetarian option, use crumbled firm tofu or finely chopped mushrooms, cooking until moisture evaporates.
Velveeta cheese can be substituted with a combination of shredded cheddar and cream cheese for a more natural option. Use 24 oz cheddar and 8 oz cream cheese, melting slowly over low heat. For a dairy-free alternative, try cashew-based vegan cheese sauce, adjusting consistency with plant-based milk.
Medium salsa can be replaced with canned diced tomatoes and additional spices for a customizable heat level. Use 24 oz diced tomatoes and add minced onions, garlic, and fresh cilantro to taste. For a smoky flavor, consider using fire-roasted tomatoes or adding a small amount of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce.
| Preparation Time | 10-15 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 30-45 minutes |
| Total Time | 40-60 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Easy |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 3200-3500
- Protein: 200-220 g
- Fat: 210-240 g
- Carbohydrates: 70-80 g
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs ground turkey
- 16 oz ground turkey sausage
- 32 oz velveeta cheese
- 24 oz medium salsa
- 1 – 1 1/2 cups milk
- 4 oz pickled jalapeños
- Tony chachere’s seasoning
- Crushed red pepper flakes
Step 1: Brown the Meats
Begin by browning 1.5 pounds of ground turkey and 16 ounces of ground turkey sausage in a pot over medium heat.
As the meat cooks, add Tony Chachere’s seasoning and crushed red pepper flakes to taste for added flavor.
Once the meat is fully browned, remove it from the pot and let it drain on a separate plate or colander to remove excess grease.
Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Sauce
In the same pot used for browning the meat, add 32 ounces of Velveeta cheese and 1 cup of milk.
Melt the cheese and milk together over medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent burning or scorching.
If the mixture isn’t thin enough for your liking, gradually add more milk until you reach the desired consistency.
Step 3: Incorporate Salsa and Jalapeños
Add 24 ounces of medium salsa to the melted cheese mixture.
If your salsa does not have pickled jalapeños, add 4 ounces of diced pickled jalapeños to give the queso dip an extra kick.
Mix well to ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Step 4: Combine Meat and Cheese Mixture
Return the browned meat to the pot with the cheese and salsa mixture.
Stir everything together thoroughly until the meat is fully incorporated into the cheese sauce.
Ensure all ingredients are well mixed and heated through.
Step 5: Serve the Queso Dip
Serve the queso dip warm in a bowl with your choice of tortilla chips or vegetable sticks.
Enjoy the rich and spicy flavors of this delicious dip.
For an added touch, you can garnish with fresh chopped cilantro or diced tomatoes.
Step 6: Optional Crock Pot Version
If you prefer using a crock pot, brown the meats as instructed, and then combine all the ingredients, including the drained meat, in the crock pot.
Set the crock pot to low and cook for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally until everything is melted and well incorporated.
Serve directly from the crock pot to keep the dip warm.
