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Cowboy Queso Recipe
Ash Tyrrell

Cowboy Queso Recipe

I made this Cowboy Queso last weekend, and I’ve got to say—it completely stole the show. Everyone at my housewarming party gathered around the skillet like it was gold.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Servings: 8

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef – adds a savory meaty bite that makes this queso super hearty
  • 16 oz Velveeta cheese cubed – gives the dip that classic creamy, melty texture
  • 1 cup shredded Pepper Jack cheese – adds a bit of heat and sharper cheese flavor
  • ¾ cup pale ale or beer of your choice – deepens the flavor; broth works too if avoiding alcohol
  • 1 10 oz can Rotel tomatoes (with green chilies) – brings zesty freshness and spice
  • 1 cup canned black beans drained and rinsed – adds protein and a creamy texture
  • ½ cup diced red onion – adds crunch and a hint of sweetness
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro – gives a fresh finish and bright color

Method
 

  1. First, I heated a large skillet over medium-high heat and added the ground beef. I broke it apart with a spoon and let it brown until fully cooked. I seasoned it lightly with salt, pepper, and a dash of red pepper flakes to give it a little kick. Once cooked, I drained off any extra fat.
  2. Next, I poured in the beer and let it bubble for around 5 minutes. This helps the flavors blend and gives the beef a rich, tangy twist. You can really smell the depth it adds as it simmers down—so good!
  3. With the heat lowered to medium, I stirred in the cubed Velveeta and shredded Pepper Jack. I made sure to stir frequently so nothing stuck. The cheese slowly transformed into a velvety smooth sauce. This step alone made the kitchen smell heavenly!
  4. Once the cheese was fully melted and gooey, I added the Rotel tomatoes, drained black beans, red onion, and fresh cilantro. I gave everything a good stir so the ingredients were evenly combined. It looked super colorful and festive—just what you want for a party dip.
  5. I transferred the finished queso to a serving dish and garnished it with a little more cilantro on top. You can keep it in a small slow cooker to stay warm during a party. I served it with tortilla chips, but veggies work great too if you're going low-carb.

Notes

  • Use freshly shredded cheese instead of bagged—trust me, it melts smoother
  • Add the cheese slowly and stir constantly to prevent clumping
  • Don’t let the dip boil after adding cheese or it might separate
  • For parties, serve it in a mini crockpot to keep it melty and warm
  • Thin it out with a splash of beer or broth if it thickens too much