Cowboy Queso

Name: Cowboy Queso
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1.5 pounds ground beef (lean preferred); 16 ounces Velveeta cheese (cut into cubes); 10 ounces diced tomatoes with green chilies (undrained); 1 cup black beans (rinsed and drained); 1 pkg taco seasoning (1 ounce package)

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By: Maria
Posted: 01/04/2025

Cowboy Queso is the ultimate party dip, packed with bold flavors and a creamy texture that will have everyone coming back for more. Loaded with spicy sausage, diced tomatoes, jalapeños, and gooey melted cheese, this dip is perfect for game day, potlucks, or any gathering where you want to impress your guests with a delicious appetizer.

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Ingredients

1 lb (450 g) spicy sausage, crumbled
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups (225 g) shredded cheddar cheese
2 cups (225 g) shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1 can (10 oz / 283 g) diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
1 small jalapeño, diced (optional, for extra heat)
½ cup (120 ml) whole milk or heavy cream
¼ cup (60 g) fresh cilantro, chopped
Tortilla chips, for serving

Directions

Step 1: Cook the Sausage

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the crumbled sausage and cook until browned and fully cooked. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside, leaving a bit of the fat in the pan.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Melt the Cheese

Reduce the heat to low and gradually stir in the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Slowly add the milk or cream, stirring constantly, until the cheese is fully melted and smooth.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Stir in the cooked sausage, drained diced tomatoes with green chilies, and diced jalapeño. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring well to combine all the flavors.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Remove from heat and stir in the fresh cilantro. Transfer the queso to a serving bowl and serve immediately with tortilla chips.

Notes

For a smokier flavor, use smoked sausage instead of regular sausage.
You can swap out the cheddar and Monterey Jack with a Mexican cheese blend for an extra kick.
Keep the queso warm by serving it in a slow cooker set on low heat.

Conclusion

Cowboy Queso is a cheesy, savory dip that brings bold flavors to any occasion. It’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy. Whether you’re hosting a party or looking for a fun snack, this queso is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Serve it up with crunchy tortilla chips and get ready to dip into deliciousness!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this Cowboy Queso ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the queso ahead of time. You can cook the sausage and sauté the aromatics (onion and garlic) up to 2 days in advance and store them in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat the sausage and aromatics in the skillet, then proceed with melting the cheese and combining all the ingredients. For best results, assemble the entire queso and keep it warm in a slow cooker on low heat for up to 2 hours before serving.

What are some good substitutions for the sausage, cheese, or other ingredients?

Absolutely! You can substitute the spicy sausage with ground beef (1 lb) or ground turkey (1 lb) for a different flavor profile. For a vegetarian option, use plant-based sausage crumbles. You can also swap the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses with a Mexican cheese blend (4 cups total) or pepper jack cheese for added spice. If you don’t have fresh cilantro, you can use dried cilantro (1 tablespoon), though fresh is always recommended for the best flavor.

How do I know when the Cowboy Queso is perfectly cooked and ready to serve?

The queso is perfectly cooked when the cheese is completely melted and smooth, and all the ingredients are well combined. Visually, the mixture should be creamy and slightly thick. The sausage should be fully cooked and browned. The diced tomatoes and jalapeños should be heated through. Aromatic cues include the fragrant smell of melted cheese, cooked sausage, and sautéed onions and garlic. The queso should be hot and bubbly, but not burnt, when served.

Can I double or triple this recipe for a larger crowd?

Yes, you can easily scale this recipe up! To double the recipe, simply double all the ingredient amounts. Use a larger skillet or consider cooking the sausage and aromatics in batches to avoid overcrowding. For a triple batch, increase all ingredients by a factor of three and use a very large skillet or even a large pot. Cooking times may need to be slightly adjusted, so keep an eye on the cheese melting and the overall consistency. Be sure to have a large serving bowl or slow cooker to keep the larger batch warm.

What are the nutritional benefits of the Cowboy Queso?

This Cowboy Queso provides protein from the sausage and cheese, which is essential for muscle building and repair. The tomatoes and green chilies contribute vitamins A and C, as well as antioxidants. The dairy products provide calcium for bone health. While this dip is delicious, remember it is also rich in calories and fat, so enjoy it in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

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Cowboy Queso

This delicious Cowboy Queso recipe combines spicy, cheesy goodness in one dish that's perfect for any gathering.

Prep : 10 Total : 25 minutes

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Ingredients

Main Ingredients

1.5 pounds ground beef lean preferred
16 ounces Velveeta cheese cut into cubes
10 ounces diced tomatoes with green chilies undrained
1 cup black beans rinsed and drained
1 pkg taco seasoning 1 ounce package

Instructions

Preparation Steps

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked.
Drain excess grease and stir in the taco seasoning.
Add Velveeta cheese cubes and diced tomatoes with green chilies to the skillet. Cook until cheese is melted.
Stir in black beans and heat through. Serve warm.