Cowboy Queso is the ultimate party dip, loaded with cheese, hearty ingredients, and bold Tex-Mex flavors. This creamy, smoky, and savory dish is perfect for game days, potlucks, or any gathering where you want to impress a crowd.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef (or substitute with chorizo or sausage)
1 (10-oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (e.g., Rotel)
1 (15-oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15-oz) can corn, drained
1/4 cup diced pickled jalapeños (optional, for heat)
16 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
8 oz cream cheese, cubed
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup milk (optional, for thinning)
1 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Cook the Meat
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula. Drain any excess grease.
Combine Ingredients in a Crockpot or Skillet
If using a Crockpot: Transfer the cooked meat to the Crockpot. Add diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, jalapeños, Velveeta, cream cheese, and shredded cheddar cheese. Sprinkle with chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika.
If using a skillet: Keep everything in the skillet and add the same ingredients as above.
Melt the Cheese
Crockpot: Cook on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally, until all the cheese is melted and the dip is creamy.
Skillet: Heat over medium-low, stirring frequently, until the cheese is fully melted and the mixture is smooth.
Adjust Consistency
If the queso is too thick, stir in milk a little at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
Serve and Garnish
Transfer the queso to a serving dish or keep it warm in the Crockpot. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve hot with tortilla chips, crusty bread, or veggies.
Tips for Success
Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly grated cheddar melts better than pre-shredded cheese.
Add Spice: For a spicier dip, use hot Rotel and add extra jalapeños or hot sauce.
Mix Proteins: Combine ground beef with cooked bacon or sausage for extra flavor.
Keep Warm: Serve the queso in a warming dish or slow cooker to keep it creamy and smooth.
Variations
Veggie Version: Skip the meat and load up with sautéed bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms.
Tex-Mex Twist: Add a splash of salsa, diced avocado, or a dollop of sour cream before serving.
Seafood Spin: Substitute ground beef with cooked shrimp or crab for a coastal flair.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with tortilla chips, pretzels, or sliced baguette.
Pair with a side of guacamole, salsa, or pico de gallo for a Tex-Mex platter.
Use as a topping for nachos, baked potatoes, or tacos.
This Cowboy Queso recipe is a creamy, cheesy crowd-pleaser with just the right balance of smoky and spicy flavors. Perfect for dipping, sharing, and savoring!
Easy Cowboy Queso Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or substitute with chorizo or sausage
- 1 10-oz can diced tomatoes with green chilies (e.g., Rotel)
- 1 15-oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 15-oz can corn, drained
- 1/4 cup diced pickled jalapeños optional, for heat
- 16 oz Velveeta cheese cubed
- 8 oz cream cheese cubed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk optional, for thinning
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Fresh cilantro chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Meat
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula. Drain any excess grease.
- Combine Ingredients in a Crockpot or Skillet
- If using a Crockpot: Transfer the cooked meat to the Crockpot. Add diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, jalapeños, Velveeta, cream cheese, and shredded cheddar cheese. Sprinkle with chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika.
- If using a skillet: Keep everything in the skillet and add the same ingredients as above.
- Melt the Cheese
- Crockpot: Cook on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally, until all the cheese is melted and the dip is creamy.
- Skillet: Heat over medium-low, stirring frequently, until the cheese is fully melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Adjust Consistency
- If the queso is too thick, stir in milk a little at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
- Serve and Garnish
- Transfer the queso to a serving dish or keep it warm in the Crockpot. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve hot with tortilla chips, crusty bread, or veggies.