The BEST Queso

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp chipotle chili powder
• 1/2 tsp oregano
• 1/2 tsp red chili flakes
• Salt to taste
• 1 medium onion
• 1 jalapeño
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can rotel tomatoes, 15 oz
• 1.5 cups heavy cream
• 1.5 cups milk
• 8 oz pepper jack, cubed
• 12 oz sharp cheddar
• Cilantro to finish

Instructions

1. In a hot oiled pan, start cooking down the ground beef and break it down with a wooden spoon.
2. When the beef is browned, squeeze in the tomato paste and season with paprika, chipotle chili powder, oregano, red chili flakes, and salt.
3. Remove the beef from the heat.
4. In the same pan, add chopped onions and jalapeño, cooking for a few minutes.
5. Add minced garlic and the same spices as earlier.
6. When the mixture is fragrant, add the Rotel tomatoes.
7. Once the moisture is almost evaporated, add in the heavy cream and the same amount of milk.
8. As the mixture heats up, add in chunks of pepper jack cheese and most of the ground beef.
9. When lightly bubbly, add in the shredded sharp cheddar.
10. Top with a layer of cheese and sprinkle the remaining ground beef in the center.
11. Broil for a couple of minutes.
12. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.