Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Cowboy Queso is the perfect blend of creamy, cheesy goodness with just the right amount of heat and heartiness. Packed with ground beef (or sausage), melty cheese, and a mix of savory spices, this dip is a crowd-pleaser for parties, game day, or any casual get-together. I first made it when I was craving something hearty to dip tortilla chips into, and it quickly became my go-to recipe for entertaining. The richness of the melted cheese pairs so well with the smoky spices and tender meat, and the bonus of peppers, onions, and tomatoes adds freshness and flavor complexity. It’s easy to make, perfect for scooping, and can be customized to suit different tastes—whether you like it spicier or prefer it milder. Best of all, it’s incredibly versatile: serve it with chips, tacos, nachos, or even spoon it over grilled meats.
Print
Cowboy Queso: The Ultimate Cheesy Dip for Any Occasion
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings
Description
Cowboy Queso is a hearty and flavorful dip packed with melty cheese, ground beef, beans, and a kick of spice. Perfect for serving at parties or as a satisfying appetizer.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (e.g., Rotel)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain any excess fat.
- Add diced onion and garlic to the beef and sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened.
- Stir in black beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, chili powder, cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Let simmer for 5 minutes to heat through.
- Reduce heat to low and add sour cream, stirring until well combined.
- Gradually add in the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, stirring continuously until melted and smooth.
- Serve warm with tortilla chips, veggies, or as a topping for tacos or nachos. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add more cayenne pepper or use spicy diced tomatoes.
- Can be made ahead and reheated on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- For a richer flavor, use a combination of pepper jack cheese and cheddar.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ground beef (or sausage) is the base protein. It provides a savory, satisfying bite that makes this queso more substantial than your average dip.
Cream cheese adds a creamy, smooth base that melts perfectly into the queso, making it luxuriously rich.
Cheddar cheese is the hero of the dip, bringing sharpness and meltability that perfectly complement the cream cheese. A combination of sharp and mild cheddar adds depth.
Rotel tomatoes with green chilies introduce tang, spice, and juiciness to the dip, adding an extra layer of flavor.
Onions and bell peppers enhance the dip with sweetness and freshness. Their flavor softens as they cook and meld with the cheese.
Garlic, cumin, chili powder, and paprika season the dip with a smoky, slightly spicy kick that balances the richness of the cheese.
Jalapeños (optional) provide additional heat and spice for those who like their queso with a little extra punch.
Tortilla chips, fresh veggies, or even crackers make great dippers for this cheesy, savory dip.
Directions
In a large skillet or pan, brown the ground beef (or sausage) over medium heat. Once browned, drain any excess fat and set the meat aside.
In the same skillet, add the diced onions, bell peppers, and garlic. Cook for about 5 minutes until softened. Add the Rotel tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Lower the heat to medium-low and add the cream cheese to the pan. Stir frequently until it has melted completely and blended with the vegetables.
Add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted and smooth. If the dip gets too thick, add a splash of milk or broth to reach your desired consistency.
Stir in the cooked meat, cumin, chili powder, paprika, and any optional jalapeños. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Once everything is well combined and heated through, serve the queso hot with tortilla chips, tacos, or your favorite dipper.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 6 to 8 people as an appetizer or dip.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Storage/reheating
Store any leftover Cowboy Queso in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stove, adding a little milk or cream to return the smooth, creamy texture.
Variations and Customizations
This Cowboy Queso recipe is highly customizable based on your preferences and dietary needs:
- Spicy Version: Add more jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or a dash of hot sauce to increase the heat.
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the meat and add black beans, corn, or sautéed mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian dip.
- Cheese Options: Swap out the cheddar for a mix of Monterey Jack or pepper jack for extra meltiness and spice.
- Slow Cooker Option: If you prefer a hands-off approach, you can make this in the slow cooker. Simply add all ingredients to the slow cooker, set on low for 2-3 hours, and stir occasionally until everything is melted and smooth.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 |
| Protein (g) | 17 |
| Carbs (g) | 7 |
| Fat (g) | 26 |
| Saturated Fat (g) | 12 |
| Fiber (g) | 1 |
| Sugar (g) | 4 |
| Sodium (mg) | 550 |
Expert Tips & Customizations
- Don’t Overheat: Avoid cooking the queso on high heat to prevent the cheese from separating or becoming oily.
- Keep Stirring: Stir frequently as the cheese melts to create a smooth, creamy texture.
- Consistency Control: If your queso is too thick, gradually add milk or broth to thin it out to your preferred texture.
- Serve Immediately: For the best experience, serve this dip while it’s hot and bubbly for the ultimate cheesy indulgence.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese?
Yes, you can experiment with other cheeses like Monterrey Jack, Velveeta, or even cream cheese for a different flavor and texture.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dip in advance and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Is this dip spicy?
It can be, but you control the heat! Add more or fewer jalapeños or omit them entirely for a milder version.
How can I make this dip healthier?
To lighten up the recipe, use lean ground turkey or chicken, reduced-fat cream cheese, and skip the optional jalapeños or add just a little for flavor.
Can I freeze Cowboy Queso?
Yes, you can freeze this dip! However, the texture of the cheese may change slightly once frozen. To freeze, let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container. Reheat on the stove, adding a little milk to adjust the consistency.
What can I serve with Cowboy Queso?
Tortilla chips are classic, but you can also serve it with fresh veggies like carrots, cucumber, and bell peppers, or even pour it over nachos, baked potatoes, or tacos.
Conclusion
Cowboy Queso is the ultimate cheesy, savory dip that brings a party to any occasion. With its combination of melt-in-your-mouth cheese, hearty beef, and vibrant vegetables, it’s an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing recipe that everyone will love. Whether served at a gathering or enjoyed as a simple snack, this dip is guaranteed to be a hit!
Hungry for more? Visit our website for full recipes and follow us on Pinterest for daily foodie inspo you’ll love to pin!