NutritionSortLoading...
Loading...

½ pound bulk spicy pork sausage

1 cup pale ale or other light beer

1 package (16 ounces) Velveeta, cubed

½ cup shredded pepper jack cheese

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

½ teaspoon cayenne pepper

1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with mild green chiles, undrained

1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained

¼ cup minced fresh cilantro

Optional: jalapenos and tortilla or corn chips

Select allAdd

NOTES:

Simply put, cowboy queso is a loaded cheese dip full of southwestern flavors, hence the “cowboy” in the title! It usually includes American cheese or Velveeta, plus beans, tomatoes, spices and ground meat simmered together in a light beer. Seriously, what’s not to love?

We usually serve cowboy queso with tortilla or corn chips. To create a trio of appetizer dips, serve this recipe alongside guacamole and salsa roja. But you don’t have to serve this cheesy concoction as a dip. Pour the queso over a baking sheet loaded with chips to create queso baked nachos. Or pour it over potatoes to make loaded tater tots or stuffed baked potatoes.

1. In a large skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat until no longer pink, about five minutes, crumbling the meat as you go.

2. Add the beer, and cook until reduced slightly, three to four minutes, stirring occasionally.

3. Add the Velveeta, pepper jack cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and cayenne. Editor's Tip: Cube the Velveeta (or tear it into smaller pieces with your hands) before adding it to the skillet. The smaller chunks will melt more evenly than a whole block.

4. Stir occasionally until melted. Editor's Tip: Continue to use medium heat. You don't want to burn the cheese by trying to melt it too quickly.

5. Stir in the tomatoes, beans and cilantro.

6. Garnish with jalapenos and additional cilantro if desired. Serve with tortilla or corn chips.

Can you make cowboy queso in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can easily turn cowboy queso into a slow-cooker dip. Brown the meat as directed, then transfer the remaining ingredients to a slow cooker. Cook, covered, on low until heated through, two to three hours, stirring halfway through cooking.

What dishware can you serve cowboy queso in?

We usually serve cowboy queso in a cast-iron skillet. These skillets retain heat well, so they should keep the dip warm longer than a regular bowl or pan could. You can also use a slow cooker on the warm setting (but be sure to stir it every so often so no bits burn on the bottom).

Do you have to use beer in cowboy queso?

Beer adds flavor and complexity to cowboy queso, but you can substitute nonalcoholic beer for an alcohol-free cheese dip. Milk or chicken broth are also suitable substitutes.