A lighter, cozy queso I can’t stop making.
I know this recipe might raise a few eyebrows here in Texas, because it starts with… cottage cheese. Very California of me. But I love finding ways to make comfort food feel a little lighter and a little more balanced, and this turned out so much better than I expected.
It’s warm, creamy, and full of flavor, but it doesn’t leave you feeling weighed down. The cottage cheese blends into a smooth, subtle base, and folding it into a skillet of browned 93% ground turkey makes it feel hearty and satisfying. It’s simple, it’s cozy, and it makes the best dip-or-dinner situation.
I served mine with baby bell pepper scoops and a few chips, and it was honestly the perfect combination — fresh and crunchy alongside something warm and creamy. This is one of those recipes you can make on a weeknight, bring to a gathering, or keep in the fridge for easy leftovers.
Nothing fancy, nothing complicated… just a really good, balanced take on queso that fits the way I love to cook.
Ingredients
Servings: 4–5
Queso Base
2 cups Good Culture 2% cottage cheese
1 can fire-roasted diced tomatoes, drained
1 tbsp taco seasoning
¼ tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp onion powder
1 tbsp lime juice
2 tbsp nutritional yeast Salt to taste
1 lb 93/7 ground turkey
Salt + pepper
To Serve
Baby bell pepper scoops Tortilla chips
Directions
Cook the turkey: Heat a skillet and brown the ground turkey. Season with salt, pepper, and a little taco seasoning if you like.
Blend the queso: In a blender, combine the cottage cheese, drained fire-roasted tomatoes, taco seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, lime juice, nutritional yeast, and a pinch of salt. Blend until completely smooth.
Combine and warm: Pour the blended mixture into the skillet with the turkey. Warm over low heat for a few minutes until everything is heated through and slightly thickened.
Adjust to taste: Add more lime, salt, or seasoning if needed. Serve With bell pepper scoops, chips, or spooned over bowls.
Macros
Whole recipe:
Calories: 1105
Protein: 141g
Fat: 42g
Carbs: 17g
Per serving (4 servings):
Calories: 276
Protein: 35g
Fat: 10.5g
Carbs: 4g
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