Cowboy Queso Recipe
This Cowboy Queso recipe features a hearty blend of ground beef, melted cheeses, black beans, and diced tomatoes, all simmered with beer and seasoned with spices. It makes a rich, creamy, and flavorful dip perfect for gatherings or game day snacks, combining a smoky and slightly spicy taste with a smooth cheesy texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 4 to 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dip
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American Southwestern
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Seasonings
- 1/2 lb. ground beef
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
Liquids
- 3/4 cup Pale Ale (such as Tuckerman Pale Ale)
Cheeses
- 1/2 cup Pepper Jack cheese, shredded
- 16 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
Vegetables and Beans
- 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 the Ground Beef: Heat a large, high-walled skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook it until browned, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Once fully cooked, drain off any excess grease to prevent the queso from becoming oily.
- Season and Add Beer: Return the skillet to heat and add salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if using. Pour in 3/4 cup of Pale Ale. Allow the beer to simmer and reduce for about 4 to 5 minutes, concentrating its flavor and melding it with the beef.
- Incorporate the Cheeses: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the shredded Pepper Jack and cubed Velveeta cheese to the skillet. Stir occasionally as the cheeses melt slowly into the beef and beer mixture, creating a smooth, creamy base.
- Mix in Beans and Vegetables: Once the cheese has fully melted, fold in the drained black beans, finely diced red onion, and chopped fresh cilantro. These ingredients add texture and a fresh bite to the queso.
- Add Tomatoes and Heat Through: Stir in the partially drained can of Rotel tomatoes. For a thinner queso, add some of the tomato juice as well. Let the mixture continue to warm on low heat for about 5 minutes, allowing all flavors to meld together.
- Serve: Once heated through, remove from heat and serve the cowboy queso warm with chips, tortillas, or your favorite dippers.
Notes
- You can substitute the Pale Ale with another light beer for different flavor notes.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes based on desired spice level or omit for milder taste.
- Use fresh jalapeño or green chilies instead of Rotel tomatoes for varied heat.
- For a vegetarian version, omit ground beef and add sautéed mushrooms or additional beans.
- Serve immediately for best texture; queso tends to firm up as it cools.
Keywords: cowboy queso, queso dip, cheese dip, ground beef dip, southwestern dip, beer queso, game day dip, cheesy dip
Find it online: https://miarosetti.com/cowboy-queso-recipe/
