Skillet Brisket Queso (Easy Leftover Brisket Recipe)

Skillet Brisket Queso

This delicious queso dip variation starts with leftover brisket diced into small pieces. Then, I combined it with yellow and white American cheese, diced jalapenos, pico de Gallo, and a little milk to create a smooth, creamy queso dip that’s full of beefy, spicy, cheesy goodness and perfect for any occasion. I love to serve it at parties and potlucks, and of course, it’s great to have on hand for Taco Tuesdays!

Why You’ll Love This Brisket Queso Recipe

• It’s delicious and the combination of the smoky brisket, melted cheese, and Pico de Gallo is simply irresistible.
• It’s easy to make and the ingredients are simple using leftover brisket and a couple more ingredients.
• It is versatile and can be served with tortilla chips, crackers, or bread, and can use different cheeses like gouda, pepper jack cheese, or velveeta cheese.
• It’s made in a cast iron skillet which is known for its ability to heat evenly and retain heat, which results in perfectly melted, gooey queso.
• This brisket queso can also be made on the smoker.

Skillet Brisket Queso Ingredients

You’ll only need a handful of basic ingredients to make this recipe. They’re all at your local grocery store!

• Leftover brisket is a delicious, smoky meat that adds tremendous flavor to the queso.
• Yellow American cheese is a good melting cheese that helps create a smooth and creamy texture that is mild and does not overpower the other ingredients.
• White American cheese is similar to yellow American cheese and has a slightly milder flavor.
• Pico de Gallo is a fresh and flavorful salsa that adds brightness to the queso and helps balance out the richness of the cheese.
• Diced jalapenos add a bit of heat and spice to the queso.
• Milk helps to thin out the queso.

How to Make Brisket Queso

It doesn’t get much easier than this recipe. It only takes two steps, and it’s ready in about half an hour.

Step 1: Combine the Ingredients

Combine all the ingredients in a cast-iron skillet.

Step 2: Cook

Cook for 20 to 25 minutes at 400 degrees until the cheese is hot, melted, and bubbly, stirring halfway through cooking. Enjoy!

Recipe Tips

• While you can use pre-packaged shredded cheese for this recipe, you’ll get the best results if you grate your own cheese from a block.
• Simply dump all your ingredients into the skillet before cooking. There’s no need to mix until about halfway through cooking when the cheese has started to melt.
• Be sure you dice your brisket into small pieces so it’s easy to dip chips into the dip and get little pieces of meat.

Variations

• You can use ground beef, ground pork, or chorizo in place of brisket.
• I use American cheese, but you can use any of your favorite melting cheeses.
• If you don’t have a cast-iron skillet, you can use a baking dish or a foil pan.

What to Serve with Skillet Brisket Queso

This delicious dip makes a great topping for nachos, and it’s perfect with all your favorite dipping items. Try:

• Potato chips
• Tortilla chips
• Corn chips
• Pretzels
• Pita chips
• Toasted baguette slices

Recipe FAQ

What kind of cheese goes with brisket?

The best cheeses to pair with brisket are:

• Sharp white cheddar
• Sharp cheddar
• Provolone
• Pepper Jack cheese
• Monterey Jack
• Gruyere
• Pimiento
• American cheese

Which brisket is best?

There’s no best cut of brisket, only the best cut for what you need. If you’re making something like corned beef, then flat cut is the way to go. On the other hand, smoking or slow cooking is best done with point brisket because it has more fat marbling.

How to cook Tex-Mex queso with brisket from HEB?

HEB queso comes pre-packaged in a container suitable for baking or grilling. Simply add ½ cup of liquid of your choice and bake at 400 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes or grill on medium-high heat over indirect heat for 7 to 10 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees. In either case, stir until smooth after cooking.

How long will skillet brisket queso last in the fridge?

This queso dip will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Can you freeze brisket queso?

You can. This brisket queso will last for up to 3 months in the freezer.

How to Store and Reheat Leftover Brisket Queso

Store this dip for up to 4 days in the refrigerator in an airtight container. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months in an airtight, freezer-safe container.

To reheat the dip, place it in a saucepan and cook over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until heated through.

Try This Delicious Skillet Brisket Queso Today

This skillet brisket queso dip is ridiculously easy to make and absolutely delicious. With all that tender brisket, two kinds of cheeses, Pico de Gallo, and that kick of heat from the jalapenos, this is one Tex-Mex dip that you have to try. Once you do, I know it will be a permanent part of your recipe rotation.

More Delicious Dip Recipes You’ll Enjoy

Homemade Guacamole – Loaded with flavor, this delicious guacamole is made with avocados, red onions, cilantro, jalapeños and more, seasoned perfectly, and is always a favorite appetizer perfect for tortilla chips, flautas, burritos, and more.

Crock Pot Queso with Italian Sausage – Loaded with all the classic queso ingredients, plus the addition of Italian sausage, makes a delicious dip recipe that will be requested over and over again.

Jalapeno Cilantro Dip – Made with roasted jalapenos, fresh cilantro, cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise and more, this delicious dip is perfect for tortilla chips, toppings for tacos, flautas, chicken and so much more. 

And, here is an Avocado Bacon Cream Cheese Dip from Great Grub, Delicious Treats that you will definitely enjoy as well.