Cowboy Queso is a warm, cheesy dip packed with tasty goodies like ground beef, tomatoes, and green chilies. Perfect for parties or movie nights, it’s a crowd-pleaser!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: A classic for this queso! If you’re looking for a lighter option, consider using ground turkey or even plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian twist.
Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives a great flavor, but feel free to mix it up! Pepper jack adds a nice kick if you love spice, or you could use mozzarella for a milder taste.
Cream Cheese: This lends creaminess to the dip. Neufchâtel is a great low-fat alternative. If dairy is a concern, try a vegan cream cheese for a plant-based option.
Diced Tomatoes & Green Chilies: Rotel is perfect, but if you can’t find it, simply use regular canned tomatoes and add some chopped jalapeños or hot sauce for heat!
Beans & Corn: Black beans are my go-to, but pinto beans work too. If you’re not a fan of corn, you can skip it or use bell peppers for some crunch.
How Do I Make Sure My Queso Stays Creamy and Smooth?
To keep the queso creamy, gradual melting is key! Make sure to lower the heat when adding cream cheese and other cheeses, as high heat can make the cheese clump.
- Stir constantly while adding cheese to ensure it melts evenly.
- If your queso thickens too much, add milk gradually until it’s the consistency you like.
- Don’t forget to taste and adjust the seasonings; sometimes a little extra salt or seasoning can make a big difference!
How to Make Cowboy Queso
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Queso:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (such as Rotel)
- 1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies (optional for extra heat)
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 8 oz cream cheese, cubed
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup milk (adjust for desired consistency)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- For Garnish:
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Fresh diced tomatoes
- Fresh sliced jalapeños
- Tortilla chips, for serving
- Lime wedges, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty Cowboy Queso takes about 15 minutes to prepare and another 15 minutes to cook. You’ll spend a short amount of time chopping and cooking, then it’s all about letting the flavors meld together and enjoying your delicious dip!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Ground Beef:
In a large cast iron skillet or a heavy-bottomed pan, heat over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it’s fully browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. If there is extra fat, drain it off to keep the dip from being greasy.
2. Sauté Onions and Garlic:
Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the browned beef. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion is nice and soft.
3. Mix in the Goodies:
Now, stir in the diced tomatoes with green chilies, diced green chilies (if you like it spicy), black beans, corn, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Let everything cook together for about 2-3 minutes so the flavors can mingle!
4. Add the Cream Cheese:
Lower the heat to medium-low and add the cream cheese cubes. Stir continuously as the cheese melts and combines with everything else for a creamy texture.
5. Melt the Cheddar and Monterey Jack:
Gradually add the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses to the mixture, stirring until all the cheese has melted beautifully.
6. Pour in the Milk:
Next, pour in the milk a little bit at a time, stirring often until your queso reaches the consistency you love. You can add more milk if you want it creamier!
7. Season to Taste:
Give your queso a taste and add more salt and pepper as needed. This is where you can make it just right for you!
8. Garnish and Serve:
Top off your warm queso with chopped fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, and sliced jalapeños for a fresh pop of flavor. It looks great and tastes even better!
9. Dig In:
Serve the queso warm right from the skillet with tortilla chips for dipping and lime wedges for some zesty flavor. Enjoy every cheesy bite!
Now you have a delicious Cowboy Queso dip that’s perfect for parties, game day, or just a cozy night in!
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be a great lean alternative to ground beef. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as needed, since they can brown quicker than beef.
Can I Make Cowboy Queso Spicier?
Yes! To add more heat, you can include extra diced jalapeños, spicy diced tomatoes, or even a splash of hot sauce. Adjust to your liking!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover queso in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk if it thickens too much.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
You can prepare a lot of the ingredients in advance, like cooking the beef and chopping vegetables. Once everything is prepped, just warm it up and add the cheese right before serving for the creamiest results.
