Warm, cheesy, meaty dip that’s always a crowd favorite.
Hey There!
You’re gonna love this Crockpot Cowboy Queso Dip. It’s cheesy, creamy, meaty, and has just the right amount of spice. Perfect for parties, game nights, or even lazy weekends when you just want to scoop something good onto a chip. I’ve made this more times than I can count and it always disappears fast.
What You’ll Need
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb spicy breakfast sausage (like Jimmy Dean hot)
- 16 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 8 oz pepper jack cheese, shredded
- 1 (10 oz) can Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies), undrained
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
- 1/4 cup diced pickled jalapeños
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (for topping)
- Tortilla chips (for serving)
Why I Love This Recipe
I make this for every big game, potluck, and even on cozy nights when friends drop by. It’s the kind of dip that makes people come back for thirds.
- You toss everything in the crockpot and walk away.
- It’s loaded with flavor, protein, and cheesy goodness.
- Always a hit with friends.
- You can adjust the spice level super easily.
Servings & Time
Servings: About 10-12 people
Cook Time: 2 hours on high or 4 hours on low
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
- Velveeta melts like a dream because it’s designed to stay smooth when heated.
- Pepper jack adds real cheese flavor with a little spice.
- Rotel and jalapeños bring acidity and heat, which balances all the rich, cheesy flavors.
- Beans and corn give it texture and make it more filling.
Meal Plan Ideas
- Serve with tortilla chips and a big salad for a casual dinner.
- Stuff leftovers in burritos or quesadillas.
- Spoon over nachos and bake.
- Use it as a cheesy topping for baked potatoes.
Common Mistakes
- Not draining the corn or beans – too much liquid makes it runny.
- Adding cheese too early to the meat – it can clump if not stirred into warm meat properly.
- Overcooking it – after it’s melted and combined, just keep it warm.
- Not seasoning enough – taste and adjust before serving.
What to Serve With
- Tortilla chips
- Warm flour tortillas
- Pretzel bites
- Veggie sticks (carrots, bell peppers)
- Nachos or baked potatoes
Tools You’ll Need
- Large skillet
- Crockpot (slow cooker)
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Cheese grater
- Can opener
- Knife and cutting board
- Strainer
Substitutions and Variations
- Swap beef for ground turkey or plant-based crumbles.
- Use mild sausage if you don’t like spice.
- Add diced onions or bell peppers for extra veggies.
- Swap Velveeta for cream cheese + shredded cheddar (stir often!).
Make Ahead Tips
- Cook the meat the day before and refrigerate.
- Shred the cheese and store in a container.
- Assemble everything in the crockpot insert and refrigerate overnight. Just turn it on the next day.
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Meat
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and spicy sausage over medium heat until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess grease.
Step 2: Load Up the Crockpot
After the meat is cooked and drained, add it to your crockpot.
Then add the rest of the ingredients:
- Cubed Velveeta cheese
- Shredded pepper jack cheese
- 1 can Rotel (including the juice)
- Black beans, rinsed and drained
- Corn, drained
- Diced pickled jalapeños
- Chili powder
- Cumin
- Garlic powder
- Salt and pepper
Give everything a quick stir to mix it up.
Step 3: Cook
Cover and cook on HIGH for 2 hours or LOW for 4 hours. Stir halfway through to mix it up.
Step 4: Stir & Serve
Stir everything together until smooth and fully combined. Top with chopped green onions and serve with chips.
Leftovers & Storage
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.
- Add a splash of milk if it gets too thick when reheating.
FAQ
Can I freeze queso dip?
You can, but the texture may change. It’s best fresh or from the fridge.
Can I make it less spicy?
Yes! Use mild sausage, regular Rotel, and skip the jalapeños.
Can I double the recipe?
Totally. Just use a 6+ quart crockpot.
Can I use all real cheese instead of Velveeta?
You can, but it won’t be as smooth. Add a splash of milk and stir often to help it stay creamy.
Wrap Up
If you’re looking for a cheesy, hearty dip that practically makes itself, you’ve gotta try this Crockpot Cowboy Queso Dip. It’s the perfect mix of bold flavors, gooey cheese, and a little heat. Let me know how yours turns out in the comments—I’d love to hear what you think or help with any questions!
