This Whole30 Chili Con Queso Dip is a creamy, spicy delight that’s perfect for dipping! Made with wholesome ingredients like cashews and spices, it brings a kick of flavor without any dairy.
Who knew you could enjoy your favorite cheesy dip while sticking to Whole30? Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be scooping it up with veggies in no time. My friends devour it every time! 🥳
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef or Turkey: You’ll want a lean option, but turkey works great for a lighter dip. If you’re vegetarian or vegan, consider using lentils or mushrooms for a chewy texture.
Olive Oil or Avocado Oil: Either oil works, but I prefer avocado oil for its higher smoke point. You can also use coconut oil for a hint of sweetness.
Coconut Cream: This is what gives the dip its creaminess! If you don’t have coconut cream, you can use full-fat coconut milk, just reduce the amount to keep it thick.
Cashews: Soaking them makes them creamy when blended. For nut-free options, use sunflower seeds instead or skip them entirely. It’ll still be tasty!
Spices: Adjust the heat to your liking! If you prefer milder flavors, leave out the cayenne pepper or use sweet paprika instead.
How Can I Make the Creamy Dip Smooth?
To achieve that velvety texture, properly blending the cashews and coconut cream is key. Here’s how:
- Soak the cashews in hot water for at least 20 minutes to soften them. Drain before blending.
- Add the soaked cashews, coconut cream, and broth to your blender. Blend on high speed until completely smooth with no chunks left!
- If the mixture seems too thick, don’t hesitate to add a splash more broth to get your desired consistency.
This will create a creamy, cheesy-like texture that makes the dip irresistible!
Whole30 Chili Con Queso Dip
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup canned diced tomatoes (no added sugar)
- 1/2 cup coconut cream (from full-fat canned coconut milk)
- 1/4 cup raw cashews (soaked in hot water for 20 minutes)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Sliced fresh jalapeños (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Whole30 Chili Con Queso Dip will take about 10 minutes of prep time and around 15 minutes of cooking time. In total, you’ll need about 25 minutes to have this delicious dip ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Meat:
In a skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the ground beef or turkey and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces. Once cooked, remove the meat from the skillet and set aside, leaving the fat in the pan.
2. Sauté the Veggies:
In the same skillet, add the diced onion and red bell pepper. Sauté for about 4-5 minutes or until they are softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it smells delicious.
3. Combine with Spices and Tomatoes:
Return the cooked meat to the skillet. Stir in the diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if you want some heat), salt, and pepper. Cook this mixture for 3-4 minutes, letting those flavors blend together.
4. Blend the Creamy Ingredients:
While the meat mixture is simmering, drain the soaked cashews and add them to a blender with the coconut cream and chicken broth. Blend everything together until it’s nice and smooth.
5. Mix It All Together:
Pour the creamy cashew mixture into the skillet with the meat and veggies. Stir well to combine everything and let it simmer gently for 5-7 minutes until the dip thickens and becomes super creamy.
6. Taste and Adjust:
Give the dip a taste and adjust the seasoning if you need to. Add more salt or spices according to your preference.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Remove the skillet from heat and transfer the dip to a serving bowl or skillet. Top with fresh chopped cilantro and sliced jalapeños for that extra flair.
8. Enjoy with Dippers:
Serve your delicious Whole30 Chili Con Queso Dip warm, paired with compliant crackers or fresh veggie sticks for dipping. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and creamy texture!
Dig in and savor your spicy, creamy Whole30 Chili Con Queso Dip that’s both dairy-free and oh-so-delicious!
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Can I Use a Different Type of Meat?
Absolutely! You can substitute the ground beef or turkey with ground chicken or even plant-based alternatives like lentils or mushrooms for a vegetarian option. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time if using different meats.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
To make this dip vegan, simply replace the ground meat with cooked lentils or mushrooms and ensure your broth is vegetable broth. You can skip the cashews if you prefer a nut-free version—just adjust the coconut cream to maintain creaminess!
Can I Prepare This Dip Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make the dip ahead of time! Prepare it, let it cool, and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, reheat it gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth if it thickens too much.
What Should I Serve with This Dip?
This dip is perfect with Whole30-compliant crackers, fresh veggie sticks like celery, carrots, or bell peppers. You could also serve it with sliced cucumbers or jicama for a refreshing crunch!