Spicy Baked Queso Fresco & Veggies

Spicy Baked Queso Fresco & Veggies

I love one pot meals – they’re pretty much my mealtime life raft! Yes – sometimes dinnertime feels like a life and death issue in my household! That’s what makes the current viral baked feta trend so amazing, everything comes together in one baking dish – what a simple meal solution!

With all the testimonies and replications, I couldn’t let this cool hack fade away before I put my own spin on it! Check out the details for my Spicy Baked Queso Fresco & Veggies.

ingredients for baked queso fresco
assembled pre-baked queso fresco

Baked Queso Fresco INSPO

My inspiration recipe (that viral baked feta) looks delicious but when I looked more closely at the recipe, I craved more. More flavor, more creaminess and a few more veggies!

So that’s what I’ve created. With very little effort, I am excited to present a one pan, saucy pasta recipe that’s ready in under 30 minutes! Full of flavor, packed with veggies, creamy, cheesy and crave-worthy!

Simple Ingredients

For my twist, you’ll need :

  • Queso Fresco
  • cherry tomatoes
  • sliced and diced bell peppers + jalapeños
  • sliced and diced onions
  • chopped cilantro
  • minced garlic
  • chili powder
  • cumin
  • Mexican oregano
  • crushed red pepper
  • sea salt
  • cream
  • olive oil

Assemble, Bake & Serve!

Add all ingredients to a baker and bake until bubbly.

Serve with pasta or chips + crackers.

baked queso fresco served with pasta

Spicy Baked Queso Fresco & Veggies

  • 1 blk Queso fresco 
  • 4 oz cream cheese
  • 1 bell pepper, sliced
  • 1/2 medium sweet onion sliced
  • 6 oz cherry tomatoes 
  • 2 cloves garlic chopped
  • 2 t Mexican oregano
  • 1 t cumin powder
  • 1 t chili powder
  • 1/2 t salt
  • 1/2 t black pepper
  • 1/4 t crushed red pepper 
  • 2 oz heavy whipping cream 
  • 3 oz pico de gallo (more for garnish)
  • 2 oz olive oil
  • .75-1 lb cooked pasta

Preheat oven to 425°.

Add everything except the pasta to a 8×12 baker.

Place baker on upper middle oven rack. Bake for 25 minutes. While cheese and veggies are baking, prepare pasta according to package directions.

Once cheese is is melty, veggies are golden and sauce is bubbly, remove from oven, stir in pasta and serve!

(Add additional s+p to taste.)

Looking for another favorite one-pot meal? Try this :