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What Great Grandma Ate / Recipes / Appetizers / Dairy Free Queso Dip with Ground Beef (Paleo, Whole30, Keto)

Dairy Free Queso Dip with Ground Beef (Paleo, Whole30, Keto)

Last Updated on January 30, 2020 by Jean Choi

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This dairy free queso dip with ground beef is made with cauliflower and cashews, but you’ll never know it by its amazing taste and texture! Perfect for the Super Bowl or any game day get-together.

There’s nothing I love more than game day recipes during this time of the year. I just can’t get enough and they are some of the most addicting dishes on the planet. I mean, what’s not to love about chips and dips and all the wings? Absolutely nothing.

When I didn’t realize that I was sensitive to dairy years ago, beef nachos were my go-to when my husband and I would go to soccer games. There’s just something magical when ground beef and cheese come together, and I knew I had to recreate that flavor with this beef queso dip.

Dairy Free Queso Dip with Ground Beef Recipe

Not only is this cheesy dip dairy free, it’s a paleo and keto queso recipe packed with veggies that you can’t even taste. Hey, if I’m going to be indulging in an addicting dip that I can’t stop eating, might as well make it a bit healthier. I promise, you can’t detect all the veggies that are in this cauliflower queso and I love that it doesn’t make me feel bloated afterwards.

Tips for Making This Paleo Queso with Ground Beef

The most important part of this cauliflower queso is the texture. To make it taste like the real ooey gooey cheesy queso, I suggest you follow these simple tips:

  • Using a high powered blender will yield the best results. If you don’t own one, I recommend you soak the cashews overnight than just an hour. Otherwise, the texture of this paleo queso might turn slightly gritty.
  • I recommend using 85% or 90% lean ground beef. If you have a higher fat content than this, there will be too much liquid that drains out during the cooking process and may alter the texture of the beef queso dip.
  • Turmeric powder is completely optional and you won’t taste it much. I like to add it for the yellow cheesy color that it gives, but you can just leave it out to make a white queso with ground beef. The nutritional yeast will give it a slightly yellow hue as well to make it look yummy.
  • This keto queso recipe makes a big batch and you’ll end up with about 7 cups of it. I don’t mind leftovers and I can never get sick of this stuff, but if you are serving it for a smaller party, you can just halve the recipe.

What to Serve With Dairy Free Queso with Ground Beef

If you are in the middle of your Whole30 challenge, these are some ways you can enjoy this yummy paleo queso with ground beef:

  • Dip raw veggies in it like baby carrots, zucchini sticks, cucumber slices, jicama sticks, celery sticks, and more.
  • Serve over baked potatoes or sweet potatoes.
  • Dip kale chips in it.
  • Drizzle over eggs, YUM.
  • Eat it straight with a spoon! Trust me, you won’t regret it.

If you aren’t doing the Whole30, you can enjoy this cauliflower queso with ground beef with your standard chips! For paleo and grain free options, I love Siete Foods tortilla chips or plantain chips.

Hope you serve this yummy and “cheesy” beef queso dip for your next game day get-together. I guarantee it’ll disappear in no time!

Other recipes you might love…

  • Paleo Cauliflower Nacho Cheese
  • Paleo Nacho Casserole
  • Caramelized Onion and Bacon Dip (Paleo, Whole30, Keto)
  • Whole30 Buffalo Chicken Dip (Paleo, Keto)
  • Paleo Crab Dip (Whole30, Keto)

Dairy Free Queso Dip with Ground Beef (Paleo, Whole30, Keto)

This dairy free queso dip with ground beef is made with cauliflower and cashews, but you'll never know it by its amazing taste and texture! Perfect for the Super Bowl or any game day.
5 from 2 votes
Print Pin
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: beef queso dip, cauliflower queso, keto queso recipe, paleo queso, paleo super bowl snacks, whole30 appetizer
Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes minutes
Cashew soaking time: 1 hour hour
Servings: 14 servings – makes about 7 cups
Calories: 102kcal

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup raw cashews soaked for at least 1 hour to overnight
  • 2 tsp ghee or your favorite cooking oil, divided
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 4 cups cauliflower florets about 1 medium cauliflower head
  • 3 cups almond milk or your favorite non-dairy milk
  • 1/2 cup nutritional yeast
  • 1/2 medium onion diced
  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 2 tsp sea salt
  • 2 tsp mustard powder
  • 1 1/2 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric powder optional, for color
  • 1 14.5 oz can of diced tomatoes drained
  • 1 4 oz can of diced green chili
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • Cilantro, for garnish optional

Instructions

  • Before you begin cooking, make sure to soak cashews for at least 1 hour to overnight.
  • Heat 1 tsp of ghee over medium high heat in a medium saucepan with a lid.
  • Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
  • Add in cauliflower florets and almond milk, and bring to a boil.
  • Reduce heat to medium low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until the cauliflower is tender.
  • Remove from heat and transfer to a high powered blender. Add in soaked and drained cashews and nutritional yeast, and blend until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
  • In the same saucepan, heat 1 tsp of ghee over medium high heat.
  • Add onion and cook stirring until soft, about 5 minutes.
  • Add in ground beef, sea salt, mustard powder, chili powder, cumin, and turmeric, and cook for about 10 minutes until the meat is browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon.
  • Pour in the blended cauliflower, drained diced tomatoes, green chili, and apple cider vinegar, and stir together.
  • Let the whole thing simmer uncovered for 10-15 minutes until thickened to your liking.
  • Sprinkle with cilantro, if desired, before serving
Nutrition Facts
Dairy Free Queso Dip with Ground Beef (Paleo, Whole30, Keto)
Amount Per Serving (1 serving – about 1/2 cup)
Calories 102 Calories from Fat 45
% Daily Value*
Fat 5g8%
Saturated Fat 2g13%
Cholesterol 22mg7%
Sodium 444mg19%
Potassium 277mg8%
Carbohydrates 5g2%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 1g1%
Protein 10g20%
Vitamin A 42IU1%
Vitamin C 14mg17%
Calcium 79mg8%
Iron 1mg6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
What Great Grandma Ate / Jean Choi is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

Regarding other affiliate links and affiliate relationships: In order for me to support my blogging activities, I may receive monetary compensation or other types of remuneration for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial and/or link to any products or services from this blog. Thank you for your support and understanding.

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By Jean Choi | January 30, 2020

Comments

  1. Laura McCracken says

    January 31, 2020 at 6:48 am

    This looks excellent! Grabbing ingredients today… Do you think if I leave out the tomatoes, it will still be tasty? My husband is allergic to tomatoes 😩

    PS- Please keep sharing these awesome recipes!

    • Jean Choi says

      January 31, 2020 at 7:43 am

      Yay! Hope you enjoy!!! Yes, you can leave out the tomatoes. It won’t have as many “chunky bits” in it but I think it’ll still be tasty.

    • Brooke says

      January 25, 2023 at 3:19 pm

      Because I’m doing the AIP, I can’t do tomatoes either, so I like to sub roasted red peppers instead, so still nice and chunky😋

  2. Jean says

    May 5, 2020 at 10:21 am

    This queso looks amazing!!
    I have your cookbook which is full of wonderful things to make, and I appreciate you sharing other recipes on Instagram and through your blog!

    • Jean Choi says

      May 6, 2020 at 9:20 pm

      Aw you are so sweet. Thank you so much!

  3. Sadie Shindelar says

    August 17, 2020 at 1:49 pm

    How long would this keep in the fridge? Thank you for sharing this recipe!

    • Jean Choi says

      August 17, 2020 at 4:49 pm

      I would eat it within 3-4 days. Enjoy!

  4. Devon says

    October 14, 2020 at 3:48 pm

    5 stars
    Your note about eating this straight with a spoon is no joke! This is AMAZING! I stood over the Tupperware with leftovers, having every intent to put some on eggs for breakfast, but I ended up finishing the whole thing – still cold! A fervent, 5 out of 5, delicious, uses-ingredients-I-tend-to-have-on-hand, A+ recipe.

    • Jean Choi says

      October 14, 2020 at 4:23 pm

      Omgoodness, this is the best review ever! Thank you so much, haha. Makes me so happy you love it as much as I do!!

  5. René says

    November 15, 2020 at 2:13 pm

    For a times saver, can organic, raw unsalted cashew butter be subbed for raw cashews? (Artisana). If so, what quantity?

    • Jean Choi says

      November 17, 2020 at 6:21 am

      Yes. About 1/3 cup will work.

  6. Beth says

    January 28, 2021 at 1:45 pm

    Hi! Just wanted to point out that ghee is derived from dairy therefore the recipe is not dairy free as stated. I strongly recommend to remove the dairy free tag.

    • Jean Choi says

      January 30, 2021 at 10:58 am

      It says in the instructions “or your favorite cooking oil” if you can’t use ghee.

  7. Kat says

    March 28, 2021 at 9:58 am

    5 stars
    OMG I am SO grateful for this recipe. Been missing cheesy dips since avoiding dairy/eating Paleo. This REALLY hit the spot. Made it to take to an outdoor gathering with friends/family who actively avoid anything new or healthy (seriously they refused to eat pasta salad made with orzo once b/c it didn’t “look normal”). Figured they’d at least be open to eating queso dip. Made them try it before telling them it was dairy free, full of veggies & much healthier than the conventional stuff. I’ve already made another batch for quick/healthy meal/snacks (paired with veggies and Siete cassava chips for dipping ). I use coconut milk and increased the spices by about 1/3 (33%) to reach our preferred level of seasoning for the beef. Thank you, Jean! ❤️

    • Jean Choi says

      March 29, 2021 at 11:14 am

      Thank you so much!!! That’s why I created it. Thanks for leaving a review.

  8. Reagan says

    July 2, 2021 at 12:54 pm

    Can I use riced cauliflower instead of the florets? Thank you!

    • Jean Choi says

      July 7, 2021 at 5:29 pm

      Yes!

  9. Sherri S says

    November 14, 2021 at 5:54 pm

    5 stars
    Hubby has dairy allergy and we are eating keto. This was great, we loved it!! Especially loved that it did not taste healthy, felt like we were cheating, Thanks so much for sharing! Will be making again, looking forward to the leftovers too!

    • Jean Choi says

      November 15, 2021 at 3:01 pm

      I’m so glad you enjoyed it!! Thank you so much for leaving a review.

  10. Carla says

    June 11, 2022 at 7:56 pm

    I don’t think I can have the nutritional yeast. I know it has a cheesy effect.
    Would it be worth trying it without the yeast?

    • Jean Choi says

      June 13, 2022 at 11:59 am

      It’ll just be a warm dip then, but I bet it’ll still be good!

  11. Nikki says

    July 3, 2023 at 12:31 pm

    This dip was fantastic! Everyone couldn’t get enough we hardly had any leftovers! Could this be frozen? That way we’d have plenty in stock whenever we get a craving & with how good this was it could happen a lot 🙂

    • Jean Choi says

      July 11, 2023 at 12:26 pm

      Amazing. Thank you so much! You can definitely freeze it. It won’t be as creamy once defrosted but should still be delicious! It can freeze for up to a month.

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Hi, I’m Jean!

headshot of Jean Choi - blogger of What Great Grandma Ate

I’m a food lover and recipe developer living in Southern California. I love to share simple and approachable gluten-free recipes that are healthy but never sacrifice on flavor. I hope I can help you feel confident in the kitchen and inspire you to try out some new-to-you dishes!

More About Jean

Recipe Key

  • 3030 Min or Less
  • AIPAIP
  • EFEgg Free
  • LCLow Carb
  • NFNut Free
  • PPaleo
  • VVegan
  • W3Whole 30

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