The Cozy Cook

Book cover graphicThe Cozy Cookbook is here! Order Now!

Velveeta Queso – (Cowboy Queso!)

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!

A hand dipping a tortilla chip into a skillet filled with Queso Dip with black beans, beef, and tomatoes.

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.

Ground Beef in a skillet with beer being added to make queso dip.

Add Velveeta and Cheddar Jack Cheese, let it melt and stir until smooth.

Add Black Beans, Cilantro, and Red Onions. Stir to combine.

A skillet with cheese being melted and cilantro, onions, and black beans being added to make queso dip.

Add Rotel tomatoes and any excess tomato juice until desired consistency is reached.  Stir to combine and serve!

Tomatoes being added to a skillet full of Cowboy queso dip.

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.

A bowl filled with queso dip with black beans and tomatoes, with a hand dipping a tortilla chip in it.

Try These Next!

Get My Free Meal Plan

I’ve got a Free Meal Plan with 7 of my super popular recipes (complete with grocery list)! Sign up for my email list and I’ll send it over now along with weekly dinner recipes!

And follow me on FacebookInstagram, and Pinterest!

A hand dipping a Tortilla Chip into Velveeta Queso

Velveeta Queso

4.99 from 68 ratings
This Velveeta Queso recipe is filled with smooth Velveeta cheese, Rotel tomatoes, black beans, beer, beef, and so much more! Otherwise known as Cowboy Queso, this loaded dip is sure to please!

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

Beer Substitution Options:
  • 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

Calories: 352kcal, Carbohydrates: 17g, Protein: 26g, Fat: 18g, Saturated Fat: 10g, Cholesterol: 66mg, Sodium: 1276mg, Potassium: 489mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 6g, Vitamin A: 860IU, Vitamin C: 0.7mg, Calcium: 519mg, Iron: 1.5mg
Did you try this recipe?Mention @TheCozyCook on Instagram or tag #thecozycook!

Recipe Adapted from The Cookie Rookie

A warm and savory queso dip with your favorite ale, ground beef, tomatoes, black beans, and fresh cilantro. | The Cozy Cook | #dip #appetizer #football #mexican #cheese #gameday #queso #blackbeans #beef #recipe #fingerfood #easyrecipes #partyfood #snacks

Order The Cozy Cookbook!

Easy Recipes. Extra Comfort.

Order your copy today!

Leave a Comment & Rate this Recipe

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Click the Stars to Rate This Recipe




253 comments on “Velveeta Queso – (Cowboy Queso!)”

  1. Could I substitute the velveta cheese for regular mild cheddar cheese? Can’t wait to try this out! Sounds yummy 

    • Hi Michelle!! You sure can!! If you get a big orange block of cheddar and shred it yourself it will melt really well!

  2. Hand down the best queso I have ever eaten! So delicious! I will be making this again real soon. 

  3. Would it be possible to substitute bacon for the beef?

  4. This looks so good! Is there anything you could substitute instead of beer?

    • Hey Kelsey! Sure! You can omit it altogether and the dip would still taste great, or you can substitute it with beef or chicken broth, or even some root beer or coke if you’re feeling daring 😉

    • Try chicken stock instead of beer.  I add chicken stock to my “plan” cheese dip and it gives it a great flavor.

  5. Do you think I could make this then keep it warm in a dip crock pot for a holiday party?

  6. Has any one tried making this in a crock pot? Obviously I would brown the ground beef in a skillet, drain any grease and then use the crock pot for the rest of the steps….Ideas on temp & time?

  7. I have to say that I agree with your husband on this one. The sausage would’ve overtaken the flavor. Looks delicious!!! 😍

    • Man, I hate admitting when he’s right but you are SO right, sausage is very flavorful and this dip has a lot going on as it is! 🙂 I hope you get to try this, it’s THE BEST.

  8. I’m so excited to make this recipe for book club this week! Your photo looks like you’ve added red onion; Was this just a topping or have you cut it out of the recipe?

    • Hi Irina! Ohhhhhhhh boy, you’re going to make some friends at book club this week! So the red onions that you see in the picture were are actually from some pico de gallo that I had on hand and decided to use as a garnish. However, I’ve updated the recipe to use 1/4 cup finely diced red onions as a main ingredient because it tasted so good with them in there!

  9. I’d love to make this for a party. Any recommendations for making and then transporting it? 

    • Hi Kelli! You can put this in an oven-safe container, (preferably one with a cover, otherwise you can use foil and just be careful that it doesn’t spill when transported), then pop the top off and reheat it in a 350 degree oven for about 25 minutes! 🙂

  10. It’s funny how very little of the 2-3 hours of a football game is active game time. Oh well, it just means we get to linger over good food that much longer! This queso looks so cheesy and delicious!! I’ll have to make this the next time I “watch” a game 🙂

As Seen On…