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Cowboy Queso Recipe

4.4 from 59 reviews

This hearty Cowboy Queso is a deliciously creamy and spicy cheese dip loaded with savory sausage, melted Velveeta, pepper jack cheese, Rotel tomatoes, black beans, and fresh cilantro. Perfect for game day or casual gatherings, it combines bold flavors with a smooth, cheesy texture that will keep your guests coming back for more.

Ingredients

Scale

Sausage Mixture

  • ½ pound hot or regular pork sausage, casing removed (such as Jimmy Dean)
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • ¾ cup Pale Ale beer (or your favorite beer)

Cheese and Veggies

  • 16 ounces Velveeta, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • ½ cup freshly shredded pepper jack cheese
  • 1 (14.5-ounce) can Rotel tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro

Instructions

  1. Brown the Sausage: In a medium skillet over medium heat, brown the sausage, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Use a wooden spatula to break the sausage into crumbles as it cooks until fully cooked through and nicely browned.
  2. Simmer with Beer: Once the sausage is cooked, pour in the beer and let it simmer for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally to reduce the liquid slightly and meld the flavors together.
  3. Melt the Cheeses: Add the Velveeta cubes and shredded pepper jack cheese to the skillet, stirring continuously until all the cheese is melted into a smooth, creamy mixture, about 3 to 5 minutes.
  4. Combine Tomatoes, Beans, and Cilantro: Stir in the undrained Rotel tomatoes, drained black beans, and chopped fresh cilantro. Mix everything well until evenly combined and heated through.
  5. Serve Immediately: Transfer the dip to a serving bowl and serve immediately with your favorite homemade chips, tortilla chips, or crackers. Enjoy this flavorful and comforting Cowboy Queso dip!

Notes

  • Use mild or spicy sausage depending on your heat preference.
  • Pale Ale beer adds depth of flavor but can be substituted with any lager or even non-alcoholic beer.
  • Velveeta ensures the queso is extra creamy and smooth; you can use processed cheese alternatives if needed.
  • For a vegetarian version, omit the sausage and substitute with sautéed mushrooms or plant-based protein crumbles.
  • Serve immediately for best texture; queso thickens as it cools but can be gently reheated.

Keywords: Cowboy Queso, sausage queso dip, cheese dip recipe, Tex-Mex appetizer, game day dip, Velveeta queso