Name: Smoked Philly Cheesesteak Queso
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 2 pounds of shaved beef (ribeye steak preferred); 1 red bell pepper; 1 green bell pepper; 1 sweet onion; 16 oz queso blanco Velveeta; 1 block of cream cheese; 1 cup of 2% milk; 8 oz provolone cheese; 2 tbsp SPG (salt, pepper, garlic) or your favorite steak seasoning; Tortilla chips or toasted hoagie rolls for serving

How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Queso: A Cheesy Fusion of Two Classics

When you think of comfort food, two beloved dishes come to mind: the classic Philly cheesesteak and warm, cheesy queso dip. What happens when you fuse these two fan-favorites together? You get Philly Cheesesteak Queso, a delicious, melty, and savory appetizer that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Whether you’re hosting game day or just looking for a satisfying snack, this cheesy dip is perfect served with toasted hoagie rolls, tortilla chips, or even as a side dish.

In this blog post, we’ll walk you through a step-by-step recipe to create a flavorful Philly Cheesesteak Queso.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

With ingredients like shaved beef, cream cheese, and provolone, this queso brings the best of a classic Philly cheesesteak sandwich into a dip form.

Before you start cooking, gather the following ingredients to make the ultimate Smoked Philly Cheesesteak Queso:

2 pounds of shaved beef
1 red bell pepper
1 green bell pepper
1 sweet onion
16 oz queso blanco Velveeta or White American Cheese
1 block of cream cheese
1 cup of 2% milk
8 oz provolone cheese
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp SPG (salt, pepper, garlic) or your favorite steak seasoning
Tortilla chips or toasted hoagie rolls for serving

Cheesesteak queso ingredients. — *Photos from this recipe are from Brittany Scott (Instagram:* @the_salted_bite)

Prep Your Ingredients

To start off, you’ll need to prep your vegetables. Slice the red and green bell peppers and sweet onion into small, bite-sized pieces with a sharp knife.

The combination of these vibrant vegetables not only adds flavor but also gives your queso a touch of color. You can also shred or thinly slice your provolone cheese to make it easier to melt later.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Philly Cheesesteak Queso

Now that your ingredients are ready, let’s go through the cooking process. Follow these simple steps to create a cheesy dip that tastes just like a classic Philly cheesesteak sandwich.

1. Sauté the Peppers and Onions

The first step is to caramelize your peppers and onions. Heat up a large cast-iron skillet or griddle to medium-high heat and add 1 tbsp oil. Once the skillet is hot, toss in your diced green and red bell peppers, along with the sweet onions.

Stir occasionally, cooking the veggies for about 5-7 minutes until they soften and begin to char. The slight char gives them a smoky flavor, making the final dish even more delicious.

Remove the cooked vegetables from the skillet and set them aside. These will be added back later to enhance the flavor of your Philly Cheesesteak Queso.

2. Cook the Shaved Beef

In the same large skillet, add your 2 pounds of shaved ribeye steak. Season the beef with SPG or your favorite steak seasoning.

Let the beef cook for 5-7 minutes, until browned and fully cooked through. A ribeye steak is ideal for this dish because it has a rich, beefy flavor and tender texture. However, you can use another cut of steak if shaved ribeye isn’t available.

Once the beef is cooked, add slices of provolone cheese on top and allow it to melt into the beef. The sharpness of the provolone complements the rich flavor of the shaved beef, giving the dip that authentic Philly cheesesteak taste.

3. Combine All Ingredients

With the beef, sautéed onions, and peppers ready, it’s time to combine all the ingredients into one cheesy masterpiece.

In a foil pan, serving dish, or a cooled-down cast iron skillet, add the cooked beef and vegetable mixture. Then, add your cream cheese, 16 oz of queso blanco Velveeta, and 1 cup of 2% milk.

4. Smoke the Queso

For a twist of flavor, we’re going to smoke the Philly Cheesesteak Queso. Set your smoker to a medium heat of 325°F and use cherry wood to infuse a subtle smoky aroma into the dip.

Place the dish on the smoker for 30 minutes, stirring the mixture every 10 minutes to ensure the cheeses melt evenly and the queso achieves a smooth, creamy consistency.

If you don’t have a smoker, you can use your oven or slow cooker at the same temperature, although smoking the queso adds a unique depth of flavor. Stir everything together every 10 minutes until the cheeses begin to melt and blend into the beef and veggies.

5. Garnish and Serve

Once the queso is creamy and fully melted, remove it from the smoker. Reserve a portion of the caramelized onions, peppers, and beef to garnish the top of the queso for an eye-catching presentation.

You can serve your Philly Cheesesteak Queso with tortilla chips or toasted hoagie rolls to stay true to the cheesesteak theme.

Storage Tips

If you have any leftovers (though it’s doubtful!), make sure to store the queso in an air-tight container and refrigerate. It should last for 3-4 days, and you can reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave. Just be sure to stir occasionally as you reheat to ensure it stays creamy and doesn’t separate.

The Perfect Pairing: Serving Suggestions

Philly Cheesesteak Queso is delicious on its own, but pairing it with the right dippers takes it to another level. Here are a few ideas to serve alongside your cheesy dip:

1. Toasted Hoagie Rolls or Baguette Slices

Since we’re channeling the spirit of a classic Philly cheesesteak sandwich, why not serve your queso with sliced and toasted hoagie rolls? The warm, crusty bread is the perfect vehicle for scooping up that rich, cheesy dip. Plus, it pays homage to the traditional hoagie roll used in Philly cheesesteaks.

2. Tortilla Chips

Tortilla chips are a great option if you’re looking for a crunchy contrast to the creamy queso. Their sturdiness makes them ideal for holding up to the richness of the melted cheese and beef mixture.

3. Veggie Sticks

For a lighter option, consider serving veggie sticks like carrots, celery, or bell pepper strips. The fresh crunch from the vegetables balances out the rich and cheesy flavor of the dip.

Why This Recipe is a Crowd-Pleaser

Philly Cheesesteak Queso combines the best of both worlds: the beefy, cheesy goodness of a cheesesteak and the creamy indulgence of queso. Here’s why this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit:

Rich, Melty Cheese: Using a combination of provolone, Velveeta queso blanco, and cream cheese creates a creamy, luxurious texture that’s perfect for dipping.
Savory Shaved Beef: The ribeye steak gives the queso an authentic cheesesteak flavor, making it more than just your average cheese dip.
Flavorful Veggies: The caramelized onions and charred bell peppers add depth, sweetness, and smokiness to the dip, mimicking the toppings of a traditional cheesesteak sandwich.
Versatile Serving Options: Whether you prefer toasted hoagie rolls, tortilla chips, or veggie sticks, this dip is versatile enough to please everyone at the party.

Final Thoughts

This Philly Cheesesteak Queso recipe is the ultimate fusion of comfort food, perfect for parties, game days, or a special snack.

With its creamy cheese base, flavorful shaved beef, and caramelized veggies, it’s sure to be a favorite at any gathering. Serve it with your choice of dippers, and enjoy a cheesy dip that pays tribute to the beloved classic Philly cheesesteak sandwich.

So, fire up your griddle, gather your ingredients, and get ready to make a dish that’s sure to impress!

Looking for other delicious party food ideas?

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Street Corn Queso is a fusion of creamy queso and the vibrant flavors of Mexican street corn. Loaded with roasted corn, fresh cilantro, lime juice, and a hint of chili powder, this dip is a fiesta in every scoop, offering a perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and spicy notes.

Buffalo Chicken Dip brings the bold flavors of Buffalo wings into a creamy, spicy dip. Made with shredded chicken, tangy Buffalo sauce, and melted cheese, it’s the ultimate game day snack that’s packed with heat and flavor. Serve it with celery sticks, crackers, or chips for a crowd-pleasing treat.

Bacon Cheeseburger Queso is a hearty, indulgent dip that combines the savory flavors of a classic bacon cheeseburger with creamy, melted queso. Loaded with ground beef, crispy bacon, and cheddar cheese, this dip is a meaty, cheesy delight that’s perfect for satisfying those burger cravings in dip form.