The Cozy Cookbook is here! This Velveeta Queso is loaded with smooth Velveeta and everything a Cowboy dreams of, including Beef, Beer, Black Beans, and more.
Pair this with my homemade salsa and guacamole, and try my easy White Queso recipe next!
Velveeta Queso
We have been making this Velveeta Queso dip for years, it instantly became one of our favorite recipes when we first made it.
Of all of my appetizer recipes, I think I’ve made this one the most. You can even make this in the Crock Pot AND up to 2 days ahead of time. Score.
How to Make it
See recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.
Brown the ground beef and drain any excess grease. Add beer and simmer for 4-5 minutes.
Add Velveeta and Cheddar Jack Cheese, let it melt and stir until smooth.
Add Black Beans, Cilantro, and Red Onions. Stir to combine.
Add Rotel tomatoes and any excess tomato juice until desired consistency is reached. Stir to combine and serve!
PRO TIP: I like to use my 10-inch cast iron skillet for this recipe. Cast iron conducts heat really well and makes everything super flavorful.
Meat Variations
- Ground Turkey, Ground Sausage, and Bacon are all great meat variations!
- OR- You can go meatless if you’d like!
Beer Substitutes
- Chicken or beef broth make great beer substitutes in this recipe.
- Root beer or coke adds interesting flavors in place of beer as well.
Crock Pot Method
Can you make Velveeta Queso in the Crock Pot? Absolutely!
- Brown the meat first, then add all remaining ingredients. Heat on high for 2-3 hours or on low for 4-5 hours.
This is the Crock Pot that I have which allows you to sear/brown meat on the stove top within the crock pot dish which eliminates cleaning an extra pan. It also automatically switches to warm if once the time is up!
Make-Ahead Method
This is an excellent dip to fully prepare ahead of time.
- After it’s prepared, let it cool, and refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat it over low heat on the stove top and serve once heated through.
- This dip also fits perfectly in this 1.5 quart crock pot. Be sure to stir it on occasion if reheating in this crock.
Try These Next!
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- Homemade Salsa
-
- Jalapeño Poppers
-
- Pizza Dip
-
- Chili Cheese Dogs
-
- White Queso Dip
-
- Baked Tacos
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Velveeta Queso
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb. ground beef
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Pinch of Red Pepper Flakes, optional
- 3/4 cup Pale Ale, I use Tuckerman Pale Ale
- 1/2 cup Pepper Jack cheese, shredded
- 16 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 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 and crumble the ground beef over medium-high heat in a large, high-walled skillet. Drain any grease once cooked through.
- Add in the crushed red pepper flakes, salt/pepper, and beer. Let the beer reduce for about 4-5 minutes.
- Reduce heat to medium-low. Add in the cheese and let it melt, stirring occasionally.
- Once the cheese is melted, stir in the beans, red onions, and cilantro.
- Add the tomatoes. You may also add some of the juice if you prefer a thinner consistency.
- Let it continue to heat through for about 5 minutes, then serve!
Crock Pot Instructions
- Brown the meat and drain the grease, then add all remaining ingredients to the Crock Pot. Heat on high for 2 hours or on low for 4-5 hours.This is the Crock Pot that I have which allows you to sear meat on the stove top within the crock pot dish which eliminates cleaning an extra pan. It also automatically switches to warm if once the time is up!
Notes
- Chicken or beef broth make great beer substitutes in this recipe.
- Root beer or coke adds interesting flavors in place of beer as well.
Nutrition
Recipe Adapted from The Cookie Rookie
Hello! I really want to make this for my work Dip-Off but I need to go into work at 7am. What is the best way to make this ahead of time and serve for the next day? Also do you recommend adding the extra liquids when putting canned food in? Thanks in advance.
Hi Abby, I would prepare it all as outlined, let cool, and refrigerate. (The extra liquid is added when the tomatoes are added in step 6, that won’t change.) And then I’d just let it reheat over warm heat in a small crock pot or dip crock! 🙂
I served this at our latest house concert and everyone loved it!! I left out the red pepper flakes to be sensitive to those that don’t like spicy (like me). I’ll be making again very soon.
I’m so happy to hear that Susan! Sounds like a fun time, thanks so much for the great review!💖
If you get it a little too thin is there a good way to thicken it a little?
The longer it simmers uncovered, the thicker it will get as excess liquid will evaporate! 🙂
I love this combo! I added chorizo, it’s a spicy Mexican sausage. I did it crock pot style but I left it ready in the fridge overnight… just so I don’t stress so much the day of. I threw on the warm option 4 hours before the party started the next day and it was phenomenal! Thank for sharing!
I love Chorizo! I’m so happy you enjoyed this one Brenda, thanks for the great comments!💖
We hate the taste of ANY beer, would this be good without the Pale Ale
Hi Cindy! (Pasting from the notes section of the recipe card)- Chicken or beef broth make great beer substitutes in this recipe. Root beer or coke adds interesting flavors in place of beer as well. Enjoy!
I have never made this dip before but I was trying to figure out dinner on the cheap and grabbed the velveta and googled a recipe to make hot cheese dip with velvet-a. So glad I chose this one! It’s was so good! I added sliced olives and used shredded Mexican cheese. I like it hot, my husband doesn’t so I put Chili flakes on mine….really good! Already snooping for more things to make off this site. Lots on my list already…
I’m so happy you liked it Rose! By all means, snoop around! I can’t wait for you to try other recipes😃
I followed the recipe exactly & turned out perfect. I put it on FF. So good! Cant wait to try out more of your recipes!
I’m so happy to hear that kathy, thanks so much for the great review!💖
I froze leftovers in small batches so nothing would go to waste, hopefully.
I did a slow warm in the microwave, stirring it every minute or so, and it turned out perfect!
I’m so happy you’re enjoying frozen leftovers Barbara, nice work! Thanks so much for the great review!💗
This was a hit at our card club last night. I did not have Pale Ale so used beef broth. It was delicious.
I’m so happy that you loved it Sandi, this is always a popular one with guests! 🙂
Amazing and quick to prep! I used the crockpot directions and took it for a work potluck! Everyone enjoyed!
Perfect recipe for a potluck Shana, sounds like fun! Thanks so much for the great comments and review!💖
Hey Shana, I am also bringing to work for a potluck! Did you make it the night before or day of?