This Velveeta Queso is loaded with smooth Velveeta and everything a Cowboy dreams of, including Beef, Beer, Black Beans, and more.
Pair this with my homemade salsa and guacamole, and try my easy White Queso recipe next!
Velveeta Queso
We have been making this Velveeta Queso dip for years, it instantly became one of our favorite recipes when we first made it.
Of all of my appetizer recipes, I think I’ve made this one the most. You can even make this in the Crock Pot AND up to 2 days ahead of time. Score.
How to Make it
See recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.
Brown the ground beef and drain any excess grease. Add beer and simmer for 4-5 minutes.
Add Velveeta and Cheddar Jack Cheese, let it melt and stir until smooth.
Add Black Beans, Cilantro, and Red Onions. Stir to combine.
Add Rotel tomatoes and any excess tomato juice until desired consistency is reached. Stir to combine and serve!
PRO TIP: I like to use my 10-inch cast iron skillet for this recipe. Cast iron conducts heat really well and makes everything super flavorful.
Meat Variations
- Ground Turkey, Ground Sausage, and Bacon are all great meat variations!
- OR- You can go meatless if you’d like!
Beer Substitutes
- Chicken or beef broth make great beer substitutes in this recipe.
- Root beer or coke adds interesting flavors in place of beer as well.
Crock Pot Method
Can you make Velveeta Queso in the Crock Pot? Absolutely!
- Brown the meat first, then add all remaining ingredients. Heat on high for 2-3 hours or on low for 4-5 hours.
This is the Crock Pot that I have which allows you to sear/brown meat on the stove top within the crock pot dish which eliminates cleaning an extra pan. It also automatically switches to warm if once the time is up!
Make-Ahead Method
This is an excellent dip to fully prepare ahead of time.
- After it’s prepared, let it cool, and refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat it over low heat on the stove top and serve once heated through.
- This dip also fits perfectly in this 1.5 quart crock pot. Be sure to stir it on occasion if reheating in this crock.
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Velveeta Queso
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb. ground beef
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Pinch of Red Pepper Flakes, optional
- 3/4 cup Pale Ale, I use Tuckerman Pale Ale
- 1/2 cup Pepper Jack cheese, shredded
- 16 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 1 14.5 oz. 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
Instructions
- Cook and crumble the ground beef over medium-high heat in a large, high-walled skillet. Drain any grease once cooked through.
- Add in the crushed red pepper flakes, salt/pepper, and beer. Let the beer reduce for about 4-5 minutes.
- Reduce heat to medium-low. Add in the cheese and let it melt, stirring occasionally.
- Once the cheese is melted, stir in the beans, red onions, and cilantro.
- Add the tomatoes. You may also add some of the juice if you prefer a thinner consistency.
- Let it continue to heat through for about 5 minutes, then serve!
Crock Pot Instructions
- Brown the meat and drain the grease, then add all remaining ingredients to the Crock Pot. Heat on high for 2 hours or on low for 4-5 hours.This is the Crock Pot that I have which allows you to sear meat on the stove top within the crock pot dish which eliminates cleaning an extra pan. It also automatically switches to warm if once the time is up!
Notes
- Chicken or beef broth make great beer substitutes in this recipe.
- Root beer or coke adds interesting flavors in place of beer as well.
Nutrition
Recipe Adapted from The Cookie Rookie
I used ground beef and a little chorizo. Excellent!
I’m so happy to hear that Jamie! A little chorizo sounds excellent! Thanks so much for the great comments and review!😍
Made this with orynx meat… very very good
I’m so happy to hear that! Thanks so much for taking the time to comment!😍
So. Good.
Thank you Meghan!😃
I used breakfast sausage instead of ground beef. Everyone thought it was delicious. Great recipe for queso with something “extra”.
Hi Amanda! I’ve never made this with breakfast sausage before and it sounds SO good, I’ll definitely have to give that a try, I’m so happy that you enjoyed the recipe!! 🙂 -Stephanie
Hi! I do not have beer or chicken or beef broth on hand but i do have coke… I think i am going to try it with that 😅
Doooo it!!! Let me know what you think!!
Delicious
I’m so happy to hear that Deb!😃 Thanks so much for taking the time to comment!
Ive made this several times and it’s always a big hit! I’ve also made it meatless and it’s just as good. Thanks for this recipe.
You’re very welcome! I’m happy to hear this is a hit in your house. I’ll be making this a lot now that football season is starting. Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a review!😍
I was wondering if it is ok to omit the beer ? I’m expecting so I don’t feel comfortable including the beer.
Hi Marlee, yes, you can leave it out or substitute it with chicken or beef broth!
Made this tonight with tacos, flautas, and baked pretzels. SO YUMMY!!!! Allllllll the kids loved it. Thank you!
I’m so happy to hear that! It’s so much fun with baked pretzels! Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a review!😍
Do you think I can make this without the meat? Would I still need to use the beer?
Hey Jennifer! I think it would be fine without the meat! I would still add the beer and let it reduce! 🙂