Can you make Cowboy Queso without beer?

Yes, you can skip the beer completely. Many people use milk, broth, or even water to thin the cheese and get the same smooth, creamy texture. You’ll still get all the bold flavor that Cowboy Queso is known for.

What type of cheese works best for Cowboy Queso?

Velveeta melts the smoothest, but shredded Monterey Jack, cheddar, or Pepper Jack add great flavor too. Combining processed cheese with a natural cheese gives the dip that classic silky texture while keeping a rich, savory taste.

How do you keep Cowboy Queso warm for parties?

A slow cooker on the warm setting works incredibly well. It keeps the queso melted and scoopable for hours without overcooking. Just stir occasionally if you’re serving a large crowd.

Can you make Cowboy Queso ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can prepare it a day or two early, refrigerate it, and reheat it slowly with a splash of milk or broth. The dip holds its flavor well, and the texture becomes creamy again as it warms.

Cowboy Queso: 7 Irresistible Reasons This Bold Dip Wins Every Time

Description

A rich and hearty Cowboy Queso made with melty cheeses, seasoned ground beef, black beans, corn, tomatoes, and jalapeño for a bold, crowd-pleasing dip.

Ingredients

Ground beef: 1 pound
Yellow onion, diced: 1 small
Garlic, minced: 3 cloves
Velveeta cheese, cubed: 16 ounces
Monterey Jack cheese, shredded: 1 cup
Black beans, drained and rinsed: 1 cup
Sweet corn, drained: 1 cup
Diced tomatoes with green chiles: 1 can (10 ounces)
Jalapeño, seeded and diced: 1
Milk or broth: 1/2 cup
Chili powder: 1 teaspoon
Cumin: 1/2 teaspoon
Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
Black pepper: 1/4 teaspoon
Cilantro for garnish: 2 tablespoons chopped

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Instructions

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and brown the ground beef.
Add diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened.
Drain excess fat from the skillet.
Lower heat and add cubed Velveeta with milk or broth, stirring as it melts.
Mix in shredded Monterey Jack until smooth and creamy.
Stir in black beans, corn, tomatoes with green chiles, and diced jalapeño.
Season with chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper.
Simmer until thickened, adjusting consistency with extra liquid if needed.
Garnish with cilantro and serve warm.

Notes

Adjust consistency with additional milk or broth as needed.
Serve warm and keep heated in a slow cooker for parties.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup