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Velveeta Queso – Cowboy Queso Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 66 reviews

Velveeta Queso, also known as Cowboy Queso, is a rich, creamy, and flavorful cheese dip featuring melted Velveeta, spicy Rotel tomatoes, ground beef, and a hint of beer. This hearty queso is perfect for parties, game days, or anytime you crave a cheesy, indulgent dip that pairs perfectly with tortilla chips. The recipe offers both stovetop and slow cooker methods for convenience.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1/2 lb. ground beef
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Pinch of Red Pepper Flakes, optional
  • 3/4 cup Pale Ale (I use Tuckerman Pale Ale)
  • 1/2 cup Pepper Jack cheese, shredded
  • 16 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
  • 1 14.5 oz. can Rotel Tomatoes, partially drained
  • 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Instructions

  1. Cook the Beef: In a large, high-walled skillet over medium-high heat, cook and crumble the ground beef until fully browned. Drain any excess grease.
  2. Season and Add Beer: Add the crushed red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper to taste. Pour in the pale ale and allow it to reduce for about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally to combine flavors.
  3. Melt the Cheese: Reduce heat to medium-low and add the cubed Velveeta cheese along with the shredded Pepper Jack cheese to the skillet. Stir occasionally until the cheese has melted into a smooth, creamy sauce.
  4. Add Beans and Vegetables: Stir in the black beans, finely diced red onion, and chopped cilantro, mixing well to incorporate.
  5. Mix in Tomatoes: Add the partially drained Rotel tomatoes to the skillet. For a thinner consistency, add some of the reserved tomato juice.
  6. Heat Through and Serve: Continue heating the queso over medium-low heat for about 5 minutes, until everything is warm and flavors meld. Serve hot with tortilla chips.
  7. Crock Pot Option: After browning and draining the ground beef, add all ingredients to the Crock Pot. Heat on high for 2 hours or low for 4-5 hours, stirring occasionally if possible. This method is perfect for hands-off preparation and keeps your queso warm for serving.

Notes

  • You can adjust the spiciness by adding or omitting red pepper flakes or using a hotter variety of Rotel tomatoes.
  • Use fresh pale ale or any light beer that you enjoy; the beer adds depth and complexity to the queso.
  • For a vegetarian version, omit ground beef and consider adding sautéed mushrooms or extra beans.
  • The queso thickens as it cools; reheat gently and stir if needed to restore creaminess.
  • Serve immediately for best flavor and texture with tortilla chips, fresh vegetables, or warm soft pretzels.

Keywords: Velveeta Queso, Cowboy Queso, cheese dip, ground beef dip, game day recipe, party appetizer, crock pot queso

Find it online: https://mixitwitjoe.com/velveeta-queso-cowboy-queso-recipe/