Description
Cowboy queso brings sizzling Southwestern charm to game day gatherings, melding spicy ground beef with creamy cheese and zesty peppers. Hearty flavors and quick preparation make this crowd-pleasing dip a champion for your next party spread.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 16 ounces (0.45 kilograms) Velveeta cheese (cubed)
- 1/2 pound (0.23 kilograms) ground beef
- 1/2 cup pepper jack cheese (shredded)
Vegetables and Beans:
- 1 14.5 ounces (411 grams) 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)
Seasonings and Liquid:
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
- 3/4 cup Pale Ale (Tuckerman Pale Ale)
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, crumble and brown the ground beef thoroughly, ensuring deep caramelization for rich flavor. Drain excess fat and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes for added zest.
- Pour pale ale into the skillet, allowing liquid to reduce and concentrate flavors for 4-5 minutes until mostly evaporated.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and gradually incorporate Velveeta cubes, stirring consistently until completely melted and smooth, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Sprinkle and fold in Pepper Jack cheese, stirring until fully integrated and creamy.
- Introduce drained black beans, finely diced red onion, and fresh cilantro, mixing thoroughly to distribute ingredients evenly.
- Pour Rotel tomatoes with optional juice into the mixture, gently combining to maintain texture and incorporate additional moisture.
- Simmer the queso for 5 minutes, allowing ingredients to meld and develop a harmonious flavor profile. Taste and adjust seasoning with a potential splash of lime juice for brightness.
- Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with optional fresh cilantro or additional diced onions. Serve immediately with tortilla chips while hot and bubbling.
Notes
- Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian version that keeps the hearty texture and flavor profile.
- Reduce beer quantity if you prefer a less intense alcohol undertone, or substitute with low-sodium chicken broth for a milder taste.
- Create a low-fat alternative by using reduced-fat cheese varieties and lean ground turkey instead of traditional ground beef.
- Enhance nutrition by adding diced bell peppers or corn kernels for extra vegetable content and vibrant color to the queso.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 21 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg