Loaded Venison Queso Dip
Queso dip is a beloved staple at many gatherings, offering a creamy and flavorful accompaniment to chips and other dippables. By incorporating venison, this recipe elevates the traditional queso dip, adding a rich, savory element that sets it apart. Venison, known for its lean quality and gamey flavor, complements the creamy cheese and robust spices perfectly. This Loaded Venison Queso Dip is sure to be a crowd-pleaser, blending the rustic charm of wild game with the comfort of melted cheese.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground venison
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies (such as Ro-Tel), undrained
- 1 can (4 ounces) diced green chilies
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 pound Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 jalapeño, sliced (optional, for garnish)
- Tortilla chips, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Venison
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground venison and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
- Once the venison is fully cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Combine Ingredients
- Return the cooked venison to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Stir in the diced tomatoes with green chilies, diced green chilies, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine all the flavors.
- Melt the Cheese
- Reduce the heat to low and add the cubed Velveeta cheese to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cheese is completely melted and smooth.
- Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until fully melted and incorporated.
- If the mixture is too thick, gradually stir in the milk until the desired consistency is reached.
- Finish the Dip
- Once the cheese is fully melted and the dip is smooth, stir in the chopped fresh cilantro.
- Transfer the queso dip to a serving bowl and garnish with sliced green onions and jalapeño slices if using.
- Serve
- Serve the loaded venison queso dip warm with tortilla chips on the side.
Tips for the Perfect Queso Dip
- Quality Venison: Ensure that your venison is fresh and properly handled. Venison can have a stronger flavor if not prepared correctly, so trimming any excess fat and using ground meat from a reputable source can enhance the dish.
- Cheese Choices: Velveeta cheese provides a smooth and creamy base that melts easily, but adding sharp cheddar cheese gives the dip a richer flavor. For a different twist, you could substitute or add pepper jack cheese for an extra kick.
- Spice Level: Adjust the spices to your taste. If you prefer a milder dip, reduce the amount of chili powder and omit the jalapeño garnish. For more heat, consider adding a dash of hot sauce or a finely diced fresh jalapeño to the mix.
- Consistency: If the dip thickens too much as it cools, you can thin it out with a bit more milk. Warm the dip gently over low heat while stirring in the milk to achieve a smooth consistency.
- Add-Ins: Feel free to get creative with additional ingredients. Black beans, corn, or even a splash of beer can add unique flavors and textures to the dip.
- Serving Suggestions: While tortilla chips are a classic pairing, this dip also works well with fresh vegetables, pretzels, or even as a topping for baked potatoes or nachos.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 230
- Protein: 14g
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 670mg
This Loaded Venison Queso Dip not only offers a delicious and hearty option for your next gathering but also provides a unique way to enjoy venison. The combination of creamy cheese, savory venison, and aromatic spices creates a dip that is rich, flavorful, and satisfying. Whether you’re hosting a game day party, a family get-together, or just looking for a tasty appetizer, this dip is sure to impress. Enjoy the warm, gooey goodness and the compliments that come with serving such a delectable dish!
Source: primalpioneer.com
Loaded Venison Queso Dip
Queso dip is a beloved staple at many gatherings, offering a creamy and flavorful accompaniment to chips and other dippables. By incorporating venison, this recipe elevates the traditional queso dip, adding a rich, savory element that sets it apart. Venison, known for its lean quality and gamey flavor, complements the creamy cheese and robust spices perfectly. This Loaded Venison Queso Dip is sure to be a crowd-pleaser, blending the rustic charm of wild game with the comfort of melted cheese.
- 1 lb. ground venison
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- 1 tsp. cumin
- 1/4 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. pepper
- 1/2 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
- 16 oz. Velveeta
- 14.5 oz can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 4 oz. can diced green chiles
- 15 oz. can black beans – rinsed and drained
- 1/4 – 1/2 cup beer
- Add the ground venison, red onion, cumin, salt, and pepper to a deep skillet and brown over medium heat.
- Once fully cooked, add in the shredded pepper jack and Velveeta cheese, frequently stirring until cheese is fully melted.
- Add in the fire-roasted tomatoes, green chiles, and rinsed black beans, stir to combine. Reduce heat to low and let heat for about 5 minutes.
- Add in 1/4 cup beer to reduce the consistency. Add additional beer until you get the consistency you prefer.
- Remove from heat and serve with tortilla chips or vegetables.
- For additional heat, add in a couple of diced jalapeños.
- Any beer will work
- To make in a slow cooker, once the meat is browned, add all of the remaining ingredients into the slow cooker and heat on medium or high until the cheese has fully melted, frequently stirring, then reduce to low.