Ultimate Cowboy Queso Dip
This Cowboy Queso Dip is the ultimate comfort food and crowd-pleaser, perfect for any occasion. It's a hearty cheese dip packed with savory ground meat, smoky peppers, and sweet tomatoes, creating a flavor explosion in every bite. Easy to customize and make ahead, this dip will become a family tradition.
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Spoon or spatula
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- serving bowl
- Slow cooker (optional)
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef or ground sausage spicy chorizo recommended
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 bell pepper any color
- 1-2 jalapeños, seeded and finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 pound Velveeta cheese, cubed
- ½ cup milk or half-and-half adjust to consistency
- Optional toppings: chopped cilantro
- Optional toppings: green onions
- Optional toppings: sour cream
- Optional toppings: guacamole
- Tortilla chips, for serving
Instructions
- Brown the meat: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef or sausage. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease.
- Sauté the vegetables: Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and jalapeño to the skillet with the cooked meat. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the spices: Stir in the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook for another minute, stirring constantly, until the spices are fragrant.
- Add the tomatoes: Pour in the can of diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel), undrained. Stir to combine.
- Melt the cheese: Reduce the heat to low and add the cubed Velveeta cheese. Stir constantly until the cheese is completely melted and smooth.
- Adjust the consistency: Gradually add the milk or half-and-half, stirring until the queso reaches your desired consistency. Start with 1/4 cup and add more as needed.
- Serve immediately: Transfer the Cowboy Queso to a serving bowl and garnish with your favorite toppings. Serve with tortilla chips, crackers, or vegetables for dipping.
Notes
For a richer flavor, use a blend of cheeses like Velveeta, Monterey Jack, and pepper jack. To keep the queso warm for a party, transfer it to a slow cooker on the warm setting. Stir occasionally to prevent a skin from forming. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk if needed to restore the creamy consistency. You can also prepare the meat and vegetable mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, simply add the cheese and milk and heat until melted and smooth.