Whole30 Chili Con Queso Dip

This Whole30 Chili Con Queso Dip is an easy appetizer or fast dinner. It’s perfect for football games, parties, or just a 30-minute fun dinner on a busy weeknight!

One of my boys is all about the nacho cheese but we eat dairy-free as a family. He was so excited for this recipe and insisted it make an appearance when we watch the Super Bowl next week.

Why We Love This Whole30 Chili Con Queso Dip

First, because not only is it Whole30, it’s Paleo, Keto, gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free, and egg-free, with vegan and Plant-based Whole30 options! Love how allergen-friendly this dip is.

Second, my Whole30 Chili Con Queso Dip is SO easy! It’s ready in under 30 minutes with minimal prep involved. No complicated cheese sauce to soak or blend, just ingredients simmered in a pan to creamy deliciousness.

Also, it’s budget-friendly! I was able to find all the ingredients at my local Walmart. Though nutritional yeast might be new to you, they sell it not only at Trader Joe’s and natural food stores, Walmart and Target both carry it now too!

Finally, because it is such a fun football or party appetizer! It’s awesome when you have an appetizer that works for your dietary needs but also can be enjoyed by all who are there. Plus, it also can make just a nourishing, fast, kid-friendly weeknight dinner. 

Ingredients

• Ground beef – We love this dip with ground beef. This post was created with gifted US Wellness Ground Beef. You could also use other ground meats that work for you. Or, need a vegan option? You can either use vegan ground “beef” crumbles, like these Whole30 Approved ones from Abbot’s Butcher that I can find at Target. OR, just saute the onions and garlic in 2 teaspoons oil, and then add in 2 cans of rinsed black beans with the sauce. 
• Onion – Half of a large white or yellow onion, finely diced. Or a whole small onion.
• Garlic – I prefer to by my garlic pre-minced, like this one from Walmart, but you can use garlic cloves, minced as well! 
• Rotel Canned Tomatoes – You can find these at most grocery stores, like here at Walmart, but they are basically canned petite diced tomatoes with green chilies in them. We used the “original” Rotel tomatoes which are medium heat and loved it, but you can also grab the mild version or the hot version. 

• Canned Coconut Milk – Make sure you grab canned, full-fat, unsweetened for this recipe! I love canned coconut milk because it is creamier and thicker than most dairy-free milks. I prefer the Thai Kitchen Brand here for smooth consistency and reusable cap. You can substitute another dairy-free milk, but add an additional 2 teaspoons of starch or flour to make the result thick enough when using a thinner milk. 
• Nutritional Yeast – Nutritional Yeast is not the same as bakers yeast. Though its derived from bakers yeast, its been deactivated and cannot make things rise. Instead, its a commonly used for a cheesy dairy-free flavor. Dont leave it out of this sauce its essential to make it have that cheesy flavor! I get mine at Trader Joe’s (best flavor and cheapest), but you can also find it at Walmart. 
• Chili powder – I buy my spices in bulk at Winco or Sam’s Club. Can use additional chili powder if you want more of a kick!
• Paprika – I buy my spices in bulk at Winco or Sam’s Club.
• Salt – Basic table salt works here!
• Chips, to serve – If you are on a Whole30, no store-bought chips (even with compatible ingredients) are allowed. I recommend making Tostones or Homemade Plantain Chips for a delicious Whole30 compatible option. If not on a Whole30, we love Siete Tortilla Chips for a Paleo, grain-free option. Trader Joe’s also sells pre-made tostones which are delicious. Or, use your favorite tortilla chips of choice! 

Instructions

• In a large saute pan over medium heat, cook ground beef, onions, and minced garlic until beef is cooked through and onions are translucent, about 10 minutes.
• While ground beef is cooking, in a medium mixing bowl whisk together the coconut milk, starch or flour, nutritional yeast, and all the seasonings.
• Once beef is cooked, add canned tomatoes and mixed sauce into the pan. Simmer, stirring regularly, for 10 minutes – until sauce has thickened and flavors have combined.
• Serve queso dip with your favorite chip of choice. 
• Store leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 1 week or the freezer for up to 3 months.

Whole30 Chili Con Queso Dip

Autumn @wholefoodfor7

A dairy-free version of an appetizer classic. Perfect for the big game, a party, or just a fast + fun dinner!

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Course Appetizer, Main Course

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 4 people

Calories 681 kcal

1/2x1x2x3x

• 1 pound ground beef see notes for Vegan option!
• 1/2 large white or yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic or 2-3 cloves finely minced
• 2 10oz cans Rotel Tomatoes with diced green chilies
• 3 cups coconut milk (unsweetened, canned, full-fat)
• 1/2 cup nutritional yeast
• 1/4 cup tapioca, arrowroot, or potato starch or flour
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1 batch tostones or chips of choice if not on a Whole30, see notes.

• In a large saute pan over medium heat, cook ground beef, onions, and minced garlic until beef is cooked through and onions are translucent, about 10 minutes.

• While ground beef is cooking, in a medium mixing bowl whisk together the coconut milk, starch or flour, nutritional yeast, and all the seasonings.

• Once beef is cooked, add canned tomatoes and mixed sauce into the pan. Bring to a boil then simmer, stirring regularly, for 10-12 minutes – until sauce has thickened and flavors have combined.

• Serve queso dip with your favorite chip of choice. If you are on a Whole30, no store-bought chips allowed, see notes for links to tostones or homemade plantain chip recipes.

• Store leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 1 week or the freezer for up to 3 months.

VEGAN OPTION: You can either use vegan ground “beef” crumbles, like these Whole30 Approved ones from Abbot’s Butcher. OR, just saute the onions and garlic in 2 teaspoons oil, and then add in 2 cans of rinsed black beans with the sauce.
See the Ingredients section of the blog post above for possible substitutions, details on the tostones I use to keep this Whole30, and links to favorite brands/products.
Note: Nutrition facts do not include the tostones or chips of choice.

Calories: 681kcalCarbohydrates: 16gProtein: 26gFat: 59gSaturated Fat: 41gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 81mgSodium: 698mgPotassium: 851mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 421IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 62mgIron: 9mg

Keyword budget-friendly, dairy-free, easy, egg-free, gluten-free, keto, kid-friendly, main dish, nut-free, paleo, plant-based, vegan, whole30