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!
- Homemade Salsa
- Jalapeño Poppers
- Pizza Dip
- Chili Cheese Dogs
- White Queso Dip
- Baked Tacos
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![A hand dipping a Tortilla Chip into Velveeta Queso](https://thecozycook.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Velveeta-Queso-Featured-200x200.jpg)
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
What brand of beer did you use?
I use Tuckerman Pale Ale and it’s SO good in this dip!!
This recipe is amazing!!!
So happy you loved it Renee!!!!!
This recipe sounds so good, decided to make it in my Insta pot. I made a few changes to make it my own I added a Modelo dark, chorizo And a poblano pepper. Thank you You can check it out on Pinterest
Hey Elizabeth! I love the variations you created for this recipe, sounds fantastic! Thank you so much for taking the time to let me know how it came out!! -Stephanie
Is it possible to make this without meat?
Hi Elle! You sure can! Enjoy!
this dip is better when you DO NOT DRAIN the fat from the hamburger. my bar customer’s agree.
Okay cool! Some prefer less greasy! Sometimes beef can give off a ton of grease. 😁
I made this tonight for a Super Bowl party at work. It turned out AMAZING!!! I plan on making again for Super Bowl Sunday get together. It puts regular queso to shame!!!!
Thanks for the great recipe!
You totally made my day Debbie!!!!! YAYYYY!!! I have to agree, this ones a keeper! Thank you so much for taking the time to write and comment!! -Stephanie
I would like to take this to a super bowl party…would you recommend doubling it?
Hi Jen!! Are there going to be quick a few people at the party? It wouldn’t hurt to double it and actually set two different bowls out for serving so that everyone can get their hands on it!!
Can you leave the beer out?
I’m going to quote the post on thins one! I haven’t left it out before but there are substitutes!
What Can I Use for Beer Substitute?
Chicken or beef broth make great beer substitutes in this recipe.
Root beer or coke adds interesting flavors in place of beer as well.
This dip is awesome! Very easy to make. Didnt think everything would fit in my 1.5 slow cooker, but it did. I used ground turkey. Will definitely make again. Thanks for sharing!
Hey Sheri! I’m SO happy you loved this dip! It’s my absolute favorite! Thank you for taking the time to comment and rate it, it means a lot to me! -Stephanie
🥰 Totally loving this recipe for a big New Year’s 🎉 today…I did meat & ale on stove (doubled recipe) & now it’s all in crockpot for the day. Can fried bacon 🥓 bits be added now? We ❤️ our bacon, lol! Also, how long should a big crockpot of this Queso cool on counter before going into the fridge? I always wait till their is no heat to the touch; is that correct? We always get along well with this recipe at our house & taking it to family’s 15 minutes away. The reason i am inquiring more info is because at Christmas we met some new people and they brought a yummy jalapeno-queso in a pot for the stove. They traveled an hour one way before they got to the party, Whatever they did to their Queso me and everybody at the party that ate it got food poisoning!!!! After a couple days I could eat again and have been drinking Pedialyte/ adult pedialyte and store bought water filled with extra electrolytes! When ya get time my curiosity is peaked and just wondered what your thoughts were on it. Just so glad we have NEVER had a problem with our Queso. BTW: A very happy New Year’s to y’all!!!!!
Hi Cheryl! I’m so happy that you love this queso as much as I do, it’s definitely the only queso recipe I’ll ever make! 🙂 You can ABSOLUTELY add bacon to this, (YUM!)… as far as storing it, I wouldn’t let it sit out for more than 2 hours before you refrigerate it, after that point bacteria can make an appearance. I hope your holidays were wonderful! Take care and Happy New Year! -Stephanie