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Hearty Cowboy Queso with ground beef, pico de gallo, and cilantro

Cowboy Queso


  • Author: Emma Hart
  • Total Time: 30
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x

Description

A warm, hearty, and ultra-creamy cheese dip loaded with seasoned ground beef, black beans, onion, and zesty tomatoes. Made with Velveeta and Pepper Jack, it’s the ultimate party appetizer for bold, cheesy flavor.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • ½ tsp kosher salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • ⅛ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • ¾ cup beef broth
  • ½ cup shredded Pepper Jack cheese
  • 16 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
  • 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
  • ¼ cup red onion, finely diced
  • 1 small jalapeño, seeded and finely diced
  • 1 (10-oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilis, drained
  • Diced fresh tomatoes, for garnish
  • Chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish
  • Tortilla chips, for serving

Instructions

  1. Cook ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it apart. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Drain excess grease.
  2. Return skillet to medium heat. Add beef broth, scraping up browned bits.
  3. Reduce heat to low. Stir in Velveeta and Pepper Jack cheese continuously until completely smooth and creamy.
  4. Add black beans, red onion, jalapeño, and diced tomatoes with green chilis. Stir until combined and heated through.
  5. Simmer on low for a few minutes to meld flavors. Thin with a splash of beef broth if needed.
  6. Garnish with fresh tomatoes and cilantro. Serve immediately with tortilla chips.

Notes

Velveeta ensures an ultra-smooth, classic queso texture.

Drain canned ingredients well to prevent watery dip.

Adjust spice by including jalapeño seeds or omitting red pepper flakes.

Keep warm in a slow cooker on the “warm” setting for parties.

Reheat leftovers gently on stove with a splash of milk or broth.

  • Prep Time: 10
  • Cook Time: 20
  • Category: Appetizer, Dip
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Tex-Mex / American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/8 recipe
  • Calories: 360
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 980mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 11g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: cowboy queso, velveeta beef dip, spicy cheese dip, game day queso, hearty party appetizer