Tuco's Queso Fundido Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 lb. chorizo sausage, casing removed
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced
- 1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced
- 1 green bell pepper, seeded and diced
- 1 can (14 oz.) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 lb. Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- 1 lb. queso blanco cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup milk
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Tortilla chips or warm tortillas, for serving

Special equipment needed:
- Cast-iron skillet or oven-safe skillet

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.

2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook chorizo until browned and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.

3. In the same skillet, sauté onion, garlic, jalapeño, and bell peppers until tender.

4. Add diced tomatoes and cooked chorizo to the skillet. Stir to combine.

5. In a large bowl, mix together shredded Monterey Jack cheese, queso blanco cheese, and milk.

6. Spread half of the cheese mixture over the chorizo mixture in the skillet.

7. Repeat with the remaining cheese mixture.

8. Bake in preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.

9. Serve hot with tortilla chips or warm tortillas.


- Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 20 minutes
Temperature:
- Oven temperature: 375°F
Serving size:
- 6-8 servings

Nutritional information:
- Calories: 520
- Fat: 41g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Protein: 31g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Chorizo sausage can be substituted with ground beef, ground pork, or turkey sausage.
- Monterey Jack cheese can be substituted with cheddar cheese or pepper jack cheese.
- Queso blanco cheese can be substituted with queso fresco or feta cheese.

Variations:
- Add cooked diced potatoes or black beans to the chorizo mixture for a heartier dish.
- Top with sliced avocado, chopped cilantro, or diced tomatoes before serving.

Tips and tricks:
- Use an oven-safe skillet to make this recipe easier to transfer from stovetop to oven.
- Shred the cheese yourself for better melting and flavor.
- Serve with a side of guacamole or salsa for dipping.

Storage instructions:
- Store any leftover queso fundido in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
- Reheat in the oven at 375°F for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve in the skillet for a rustic presentation.
- Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with chopped cilantro or sliced jalapeños.

Garnishes:
- Chopped cilantro
- Sliced jalapeños
- Diced tomatoes
- Sliced avocado

Pairings:
- Margaritas or Mexican beer
- Salsa or guacamole
- Tortilla chips or warm tortillas

Suggested side dishes:
- Mexican rice
- Refried beans
- Grilled vegetables

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the cheese is not melting evenly, stir the mixture gently to distribute the heat.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the chorizo sausage thoroughly before adding it to the skillet.
- Store any leftovers in the refrigerator and consume within 3 days.

Food history:
- Queso fundido is a popular Mexican dish that originated in the northern state of Chihuahua.

Flavor profiles:
- Spicy, cheesy, savory, and slightly tangy.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve as an appetizer or as a main dish with sides.

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Region: Mexican

Taste: Spicy, Cheesy, Savory, Tangy, Smoky