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Cowboy Queso is loaded with Velveeta, ground beef, corn and simple seasoning. It is the perfect party dip that everyone will love.

Cowboy queso in a cast iron skillet with small bowls of chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes and tortilla chips
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If you are looking for the perfect appetizer to serve for all your football parties or the holidays, make Cowboy Queso. This queso dip is creamy, loaded with flavor and always a family favorite.

Queso is always on the menu when we have friends and family over. If you love this queso, then you will love Copycat Qdoba Queso Recipe and Best Mexican White Cheese Dip Recipe.

Why We Love This Recipe

We love how everything cooks and melts easily over medium heat in the cast iron skillet. Using the velveeta cheese and cream cheese combination makes this queso cheese dip so creamy and cheesy.

This queso is loaded with flavor and is easy to make.

Ingredients

  • Ground Beef – Substitute with Spicy Pork Sausage or Ground Turkey
  • Red Onion – See Best Onion Substitute if you are out
  • Diced Tomatoes with Green Chiles – We usually use a can or Rotel Tomatoes

Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe in the recipe card.

Variations Ideas

  • Add Beans – You can add beans such as chili beans, black beans or pinto beans
  • Seasoning – Change the seasoning by adding in taco seasoning with cumin and garlic powder.
  • Spicy – This Cowboy Queso Dip is delicious with a kick of spice. You can add in hot sauce, chopped jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or cayenne pepper.

How to Make Cowboy Queso

A white frying pan contains two portions of raw ground beef being browned with a wooden spatula. The pan is on a light gray surface with a beige and white striped cloth placed to the side, preparing the perfect base for a Tex-Mex Cowboy Queso dip.

Step 1 – Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium high heat.  Break up the beef as it cooks and drain off any excess grease. 

A white cast iron skillet containing ground beef and diced red onions being stirred with a wooden spatula, ready for a hearty Cowboy Queso. The skillet rests on a light gray surface, with a striped kitchen towel partially visible beside it.

Step 2 – Add in the diced onion and sauté for a few minutes until the onions are soft. 

Corn, diced tomatoes topped ground beef in a skillet with a wooden spoon

Step 3 – Stir in the diced tomatoes with green chilies and corn.  Cook for 2 minutes. 

Ground sausage mixture topped with diced cream cheese, diced velveeta and shredded cheese in a skillet with a wooden spoon

Step 4 – Reduce heat to low. Add in cubed Velveeta cheese, cream cheese, pepper jack cheese and milk. Stir constantly until the cheese is fully melted and mixture is smooth.

  • Step 5 – If the queso is too thick, add more milk, a tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
  • Step 6 – Stir in the black beans and most of the chopped cilantro (reserve some for topping). 
  • Step 7 – Serve topped with the remaining cilantro and enjoy!  

Expert Tips

  • Velveeta Cheese – Cube the Velveeta into small pieces for faster, more even melting.
  • Queso Consistency – The queso will thicken as it cools. Keep it warm over low heat, stirring occasionally, and add milk as needed to maintain desired thinness.
  • Skillet Recommendation – I like making this queso in a cast iron skillet for the best flavor and texture.
Tortilla Chips dipped into queso

Serving Suggestions

This cheese dip is delicious served for many occasions such as game day or the holidays. Serve this loaded cheese dip with your favorite dippers.

  • Tortilla Chips
  • Frito Chips
  • Raw Vegetables
  • French Bread Pieces

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make Cowboy Queso in the Slow Cooker?

Yes, this queso cooks easily in the slow cooker. Brown the meat in a skillet then add to the crockpot with the other ingredients. Cook on low 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. This is a great way to serve to a crowd and it stay warm.

Can I Make Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can prepare as the recipe indicates then allow it to cool. Then store in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat in the slow cooker or on the stovetop.

How to Store Leftover Queso

Store the leftover cowboy queso in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Cowboy Queso topped with tortilla chips on a plate

More Queso Recipe

We love to hear from you. If you make Cowboy Queso Recipe, please leave us a comment or a star review.

Cowboy Queso

5 from 1 vote
Cowboy Queso is loaded with Velveeta, ground beef, corn and simple seasoning. It is the perfect party dip that everyone will love.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 8
Cuisine American
Course Appetizer
Calories 365

Ingredients

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Instructions

  • Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium high heat.  Break up the beef as it cooks and drain off any excess grease.
  • Add in the diced onion and sauté for a few minutes until the onions are soft.
  • Stir in the diced tomatoes with green chilies and corn.  Cook for 2 minutes.
  • Reduce heat to low. Add in cubed Velveeta cheese, cream cheese, pepper jack cheese and milk. Stir constantly until the cheese is fully melted and mixture is smooth.
  • If the queso is too thick, add more milk, a tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
  • Stir in the black beans and most of the cilantro (reserve some for topping).
  • Serve topped with the remaining cilantro and enjoy!

Recipe Notes

Cube the Velveeta into small pieces for faster, more even melting.
The queso will thicken as it cools. Keep it warm over low heat, stirring occasionally, and add milk as needed to maintain desired thinness.

Nutrition Facts

Calories 365kcal, Carbohydrates 21g, Protein 24g, Fat 21g, Saturated Fat 12g, Polyunsaturated Fat 1g, Monounsaturated Fat 5g, Trans Fat 0.3g, Cholesterol 72mg, Sodium 1057mg, Potassium 557mg, Fiber 3g, Sugar 7g, Vitamin A 962IU, Vitamin C 7mg, Calcium 483mg, Iron 2mg

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About the Author

Hi, I’m Carrie. Welcome to Eating on a Dime!

I’m on a mission to help you cook delicious meals without busting your budget. Together we are going to cook real food… for real families!

5 from 1 vote

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Comments

  1. Casey says:

    5 stars
    This was the best Game Day Dip!