Skillet Queso with Charred Salsa

What is better than queso? Queso made over an open fire in a cast iron skillet with homemade charred salsa! Check out the full recipe and video below from Over The Fire Cooking.

Ingredients:

For the Charred Salsa:

• 4 medium tomatoes
• 2 jalapeño peppers
• 1 large onion, peeled and halved
• 3 cloves garlic, unpeeled
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• Juice of 1 lime
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Skillet Queso:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 lb ground beef or chorizo
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 16 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
• 1 cup milk
• 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes and green chilies, drained

For Serving:

• Tortilla chips
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. Char the Vegetables for Salsa:
   • Heat a grill or a cast-iron skillet over high heat.
   • Char the tomatoes, jalapeños, onion, and garlic, turning occasionally, until they are well charred on all sides.
   • Remove the vegetables from the heat. Once cool enough to handle, peel the garlic.
2. Make the Salsa:
   • Finely chop the charred tomatoes, jalapeños, and onion. Mince the garlic.
   • In a bowl, combine the chopped vegetables, cilantro, and lime juice. Season with salt and pepper.
   • Set the salsa aside to let the flavors meld.
3. Cook the Meat for Queso:
   • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
   • Add the ground beef or chorizo and cook until browned. Drain excess grease.
   • Stir in the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened.
   • Add cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika, and stir to combine.
4. Make the Skillet Queso:
   • Reduce the heat to low. Add the cubed Velveeta cheese and milk to the skillet.
   • Stir continuously until the cheese has melted and the mixture is smooth.
   • Stir in the drained diced tomatoes and green chilies.
5. Serve:
   • Serve the skillet queso hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.
   • Accompany with the charred salsa and a bowl of tortilla chips for dipping.

Enjoy your Skillet Queso with Charred Salsa, a dish full of bold flavors and perfect for sharing. The creamy, cheesy queso combined with the smoky, fresh salsa makes for an irresistible combination that’s sure to be a hit at any gathering!