Home » Appetizers + Snacks » Velveeta Queso – (Cowboy Queso!)
by Stephanie on March 29, 2020 (Updated August 20, 2024)259*This post may contain affiliate links. Read more »
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This Velveeta Queso is loaded with smooth Velveeta and everything a Cowboy dreams of, including Beef, Beer, Black Beans, andmore.
Pair this with my homemade salsa and guacamole, and try my easy White Queso recipe next!
Velveeta Queso
We have been making this Velveeta Queso dip for years,it instantly became one of our favorite recipes when we first made it.
Of all of my appetizer recipes, I think I’ve made this one the most. You can even make this in the Crock Pot AND up to 2 days ahead of time. Score.
How to Make it
See recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.
Brown the ground beef and drain any excess grease. Add beer and simmer for 4-5 minutes.
Add Velveeta and Cheddar Jack Cheese, let it melt and stir until smooth.
Add Black Beans, Cilantro, and Red Onions. Stir to combine.
Add Rotel tomatoes and any excess tomato juice until desired consistency is reached. Stir to combine and serve!
PRO TIP: I like to use my 10-inch cast iron skillet for this recipe. Cast iron conducts heat really well and makes everything super flavorful.
Meat Variations
- Ground Turkey, Ground Sausage, and Bacon are all great meat variations!
- OR- You can go meatless if you’d like!
Beer Substitutes
- Chicken or beef broth make great beer substitutes in this recipe.
- Root beer or co*ke adds interesting flavors in place of beer as well.
Crock Pot Method
Can you make Velveeta Queso in the Crock Pot? Absolutely!
- Brown the meatfirst, then add all remaining ingredients. Heat on highfor 2-3 hours or on lowfor 4-5 hours.
This is the Crock Pot that I have which allows you to sear/brown meat on the stove top within the crock pot dish which eliminates cleaning an extra pan. It also automatically switches to warm if once the time is up!
Make-Ahead Method
This is an excellent dip to fully prepare ahead of time.
- After it’s prepared, let it cool, and refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to3 days.
- Reheat it overlowheat on the stove top and serve once heated through.
- This dip also fits perfectly in this 1.5 quart crock pot. Be sure to stir it on occasion if reheating in this crock.
Try These Next!
- Homemade Salsa
- Jalapeño Poppers
- Pizza Dip
- Chili Cheese Dogs
- White Queso Dip
- Baked Tacos
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Velveeta Queso
Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes minutes
4.99 from 69 ratings
Servings: 6
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This Velveeta Queso recipe is filled with smooth Velveeta cheese, Rotel tomatoes, black beans, beer, beef, and so much more! Otherwise known as Cowboy Queso, this loaded dip is sure to please!
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
Cook and crumble the ground beef over medium-high heat in a large, high-walled skillet. Drain any grease once cooked through.
Add in the crushed red pepper flakes, salt/pepper, and beer. Let the beer reduce for about 4-5 minutes.
Reduce heat to medium-low. Add in the cheese and let it melt, stirring occasionally.
Once the cheese is melted, stir in the beans, red onions, and cilantro.
Add the tomatoes. You may also add some of the juice if you prefer a thinner consistency.
Let it continue to heat through for about 5 minutes, then serve!
Crock Pot Instructions
Brown the meat and drain the grease, then add all remaining ingredients to the Crock Pot. Heat on high for 2 hours or on low for 4-5 hours.
This is the Crock Potthat I have which allows you to sear meat on the stove top within the crock pot dish which eliminates cleaning an extra pan. It also automatically switches to warm if once the time is up!
Notes
Beer Substitution Options:
- Chicken or beef broth make great beer substitutes in this recipe.
- Root beer or co*ke adds interesting flavors in place of beer as well.
Nutrition
Calories: 352kcal, Carbohydrates: 17g, Protein: 26g, Fat: 18g, Saturated Fat: 10g, Cholesterol: 66mg, Sodium: 1276mg, Potassium: 489mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 6g, Vitamin A: 860IU, Vitamin C: 0.7mg, Calcium: 519mg, Iron: 1.5mg
Did you try this recipe?Mention @TheCozyCook on Instagram or tag #thecozycook!
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American, Mexican
Author: Stephanie
Recipe Adapted from The Cookie Rookie
30 Minute Meals Appetizers + Snacks Beef Recipes Dips Make Ahead Recipes Mexican New Years Recipes Our Favorite Recipes Popular Sausage Recipes
posted by Stephanie on March 29, 2020 — 259 Comments »
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259 comments on “Velveeta Queso – (Cowboy Queso!)”
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Wayne — May 14, 2024 @ 9:51 pm Reply
Substituted chorizo for beef, used Monday Night Blind Pirate IPA for the beer, and put the whole thing in our slow cooker on low for about an hour. Result was amazing, another winner from one of my favorite cooking sites.
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Stephanie — May 15, 2024 @ 7:56 am Reply
I’m so happy to hear that Wayne! My husband would love that beer choice. Thanks so much for your support!
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Haylee Butler — April 7, 2024 @ 5:42 pm Reply
With the beer, can kids eat this or is it a strong alcohol flavor? Wanting to make a Queso for my kids bday party (4 & 1).
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Stephanie — April 8, 2024 @ 11:13 am Reply
Hi Haylee!! There isn’t a strong flavor in my opinion, I’ve had readers comment that their kids really loved it! There are alternative options to beer as well, in case you didn’t see those, just as another option! Enjoy!! 🙂
-Chicken or beef broth make great beer substitutes in this recipe.
-Root beer or co*ke adds interesting flavors in place of beer as well.-
Maria — April 17, 2024 @ 10:35 pm
Or “zero” beer can be used, just to give it the authentic flavor. There are many nonalcohol beers to choose from these days.
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Stephanie — April 18, 2024 @ 10:35 am
Yup! But this reader was wondering about the flavor of the beer itself, which would be a concern with non-alcoholic beer as well.
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Kat — March 9, 2024 @ 8:24 am Reply
This recipe replaced my other crock pot queso recipes. It’s so delicious!
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Stephanie — March 9, 2024 @ 11:48 am Reply
That makes me so happy Kat, thanks so much for the great review!💗
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Jill — February 16, 2024 @ 11:07 pm Reply
Best queso EVER! Love love love! Thank you!
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Stephanie — February 17, 2024 @ 10:18 am Reply
You’re very welcome Jill! I’m so happy you’re enjoying it so much. Thank you for taking the time to leave a comment and review!❤️
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Catherine Heck — February 11, 2024 @ 3:51 pm Reply
Made it for the first time and it’s a hit!
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Stephanie — February 11, 2024 @ 3:54 pm Reply
Excellent!! I’m so happy that you love it Catherine!! Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review!! 🙂
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Carol Cerni — February 2, 2024 @ 2:10 pm Reply
Loved this recipe! Can u freeze it?
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Stephanie — February 2, 2024 @ 7:12 pm Reply
I’m so glad that you loved it Carol! I honestly haven’t tried freezing this before, but I think it would be okay given the kinds of cheeses that are in it!
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Auburn — January 26, 2024 @ 11:18 am Reply
We use Gardein beef crumbles and beef broth and it’s so good!
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Stephanie — January 26, 2024 @ 2:02 pm Reply
I’m so happy that you love it Auburn! I was just thinking about making this recipe this weekend! 🙂 Thank you so much for the review!
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Natalia — January 8, 2024 @ 5:28 pm Reply
Hi. I only could find diced tomatoes 14/5 ounces hunt company or Rotel tomatoes with green chiliesv10 ounces. Which one should I use? Thank you!
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Stephanie — January 8, 2024 @ 6:28 pm Reply
Hi Natalia! I would use the Rotel with green chilies!
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Stephanie Carter — January 7, 2024 @ 9:20 pm Reply
Best dip, my family loved it, will be in my game day and party rotation recipes. YUMMY!
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Stephanie — January 7, 2024 @ 9:33 pm Reply
I’m so happy your family loved it Stephanie! It really is such a great game day/party food. We make it every year for the Super Bowl. Thanks so much for the review!❤️
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Blaire — December 20, 2023 @ 12:17 pm Reply
Absolutely amazing! Best queso recipe I’ve had! My husband and my son and his friends love it! 😊
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Stephanie — December 20, 2023 @ 12:25 pm Reply
I’m so happy that it was a hit Blaire! I have never seen this queso last long! Thank you so much for the review!! 🙂 -Stephanie
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