Garlicky Beef and Queso Dip

Ingredients

• 2 tsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef
• 1/4 cup salted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp chili powder
• 1 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 2 cups milk (3.25%)
• 2 cups shredded Tex Mex cheese
• 1 cup chunky salsa
• 1/4 cup roughly chopped fresh cilantro, optional*
• 1/4 cup crumbled queso fresco, optional*

Directions

1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic, and cook, stirring constantly, until slightly golden and fragrant, about 1 minute. Add ground beef and cook, breaking up with a wooden spoon, until browned, 5 - 6 minutes. Strain fat off beef and discard; reserve beef in a separate bowl.
2. Return pan to medium heat and melt butter. Add flour, chili powder, cumin, and salt and stir until completely combined. Cook, stirring constantly, until light golden in colour, about 2 minutes.
3. Slowly pour in milk while whisking constantly, until fully incorporated. Cook, stirring, until mixture is thickened, 4 - 5 minutes. Add cheese and stir until melted completely. Remove from heat and fold in beef and salsa.
4. Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with cilantro and queso fresco, if desired. Serve with tortilla chips.