Description
Velveeta Cowboy Queso delivers southwestern comfort with bold cheese and zesty peppers that dance across your palate. Hearty ingredients meld into a creamy dip perfect for game day gatherings, bringing Texas-style flavor right to your table.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 1/2 pound (0.5 lb) ground beef
- 16 ounces (1 pound) Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 1/2 cup Pepper Jack cheese, shredded
Vegetables and Beans:
- 1 14.5 ounces 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 recommended)
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, thoroughly brown the ground beef, breaking it into small crumbles for crispy texture. Drain excess fat completely to prevent an oily consistency.
- Introduce seasoning and beer to the browned meat. Pour in pale ale and allow liquid to reduce for 4-5 minutes, concentrating flavors and eliminating alcohol. Optional: enhance with hot sauce for extra kick.
- Lower heat to medium-low and incorporate cubed Velveeta and shredded Pepper Jack. Gently stir until cheese melts into a smooth, velvety texture, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Fold in black beans, finely diced red onion, and freshly chopped cilantro. These ingredients add depth, providing a balance between creamy cheese and fresh vegetable notes.
- Add Rotel tomatoes, partially draining for desired consistency. If a thinner queso is preferred, include some tomato liquid. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and ingredients to heat thoroughly.
- Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with additional cilantro if desired. Serve immediately while cheese remains warm and creamy, paired with tortilla chips or fresh bread.
Notes
- Adjust the spiciness by controlling red pepper flakes or hot sauce, letting each guest personalize their queso experience.
- Replace pale ale with chicken broth or non-alcoholic beer for family-friendly versions or different flavor profiles.
- Carefully drain beef grease to prevent oily texture, ensuring a cleaner, more appetizing queso consistency.
- Use low, steady heat while stirring occasionally to create smooth, velvety cheese without scorching or separating.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 21 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg