Cowboy Queso
Cowboy Queso is a bold and flavorful Tex-Mex cheese dip perfect for parties, game days, or any gathering where comfort food is a must! Made with creamy melted cheeses, seasoned ground beef, black beans, and Rotel tomatoes, this dip combines rich, cheesy goodness with a hint of spice and texture. A splash of beer (or broth) takes the flavor up a notch, making it the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Serve it warm with crunchy tortilla chips for dipping, and watch it disappear in minutes!
Ingredients
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 3/4 cup pale ale beer (or substitute with beef broth)
- 16 ounces Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 1/2 cup Pepper Jack cheese, shredded
- 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies (e.g., Rotel), partially drained
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1 small jalapeño, seeded and finely diced (optional, for extra heat)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Tortilla chips, for serving
Instructions
Cook the Ground Beef:
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
Add Beer and Simmer:
- Pour in the pale ale beer (or beef broth) and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for about 4-5 minutes, allowing the liquid to reduce slightly.
Melt the Cheeses:
- Reduce heat to medium-low. Add the cubed Velveeta and shredded Pepper Jack cheese to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cheeses are fully melted and the mixture is smooth.
Incorporate Remaining Ingredients:
- Stir in the partially drained diced tomatoes with green chilies, black beans, diced red onion, and diced jalapeño (if using). Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until all ingredients are heated through.
Serve:
- Transfer the queso to a serving dish or keep it warm in a slow cooker set to low. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro. Serve immediately with tortilla chips for dipping.