Ingredients
Meat
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- ½ pound lean ground beef
- 2 teaspoons taco seasoning
Cottage Cheese Queso
- 16 oz low-fat cottage cheese (about 2 cups)
- 3 teaspoons taco seasoning
- 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast (optional)
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large 9-inch skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and sprinkle with 2 teaspoons of taco seasoning. Stir to break the meat into small pieces and cook, stirring frequently, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Prepare the Cottage Cheese Mixture: While the meat cooks, add the cottage cheese, 3 teaspoons taco seasoning, and grated cheddar cheese to a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed.
- Combine and Warm the Queso: Once the meat is cooked, reduce the heat to low and add the cottage cheese mixture and nutritional yeast (if using) to the skillet. Stir well to combine and cook on very low heat until just warmed through, stirring frequently to prevent simmering and separation.
- Serve Warm: Add any desired toppings and serve the queso warm directly from the skillet. Alternatively, transfer to a 4-quart slow cooker set to “warm” for easy serving.
Notes
- For a vegan twist, omit ground beef and use plant-based meat alternatives.
- Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor and extra nutrients but is optional.
- Avoid boiling the queso as it may separate; gentle warming is key.
- Great served with tortilla chips, over nachos, or spooned onto rice bowls.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dip
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
- Diet: Low Fat
