Name: Cowboy Queso Recipe: Cheesy Tex-Mex Dip for Your Gatherings Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1/2 cup diced onion; 1/2 cup diced bell pepper; 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies; 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 cup corn, frozen or canned; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup cream cheese; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp chili powder; Salt and pepper to taste

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Introduction

Cowboy Queso is a hearty, cheesy dip packed with savory ground beef, beans, and bold Tex-Mex flavors. Perfect for parties or casual gatherings, this warm dip pairs wonderfully with tortilla chips or fresh veggies for dipping.

A close-up view shows a black skillet filled with a creamy, thick dip made from melted cheese mixed with browned ground meat and black beans. The dip has a warm orange-yellow color with specks of green herbs sprinkled on top, along with freshly chopped red tomatoes scattered across the surface. A woman's hand is holding a triangular yellow corn chip dipped into the cheese mixture, lifting it slightly above the skillet, with some chunks of tomatoes and herbs on the dip-covered chip. Two green jalapeños are blurred in the background on a white marbled texture surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup corn, frozen or canned
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup cream cheese
1/2 cup diced onion
1/2 cup diced bell pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp chili powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
Step 2: Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet and sauté until softened, about 4-5 minutes.
Step 3: Stir in the diced tomatoes with green chilies, black beans, corn, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
Step 4: Reduce the heat to low and add the cream cheese. Stir continuously until the cream cheese is melted and incorporated into the mixture.
Step 5: Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until fully melted and the dip is creamy.
Step 6: Serve the Cowboy Queso warm with tortilla chips or fresh vegetables for dipping.

Tips & Variations

For a spicier kick, add chopped jalapeños or a splash of your favorite hot sauce.
You can prepare this dip in a slow cooker to keep it warm and ready for serving at your next party.
Try swapping cheddar cheese for pepper jack for extra flavor.

Storage

Store any leftover Cowboy Queso in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

How to Serve

A close-up of cheesy dip in a black skillet with three main layers: the creamy, melted cheese layer in bright orange and smooth texture at the base, a layer with browned ground meat and black beans scattered evenly, and a fresh topping of small diced red tomatoes and chopped green herbs spread over the top. A woman's hand is dipping a yellow, triangular tortilla chip into the dip, lifting a scoop that shows the creamy and chunky mix of cheese, meat, and beans. The background is a white marbled texture with some blurred green peppers visible. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make Cowboy Queso ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dip a few hours in advance and reheat it before serving. Keeping it warm in a slow cooker works well for gatherings.

What can I serve with Cowboy Queso?

This dip is delicious with tortilla chips, sliced bell peppers, carrot sticks, or even warm pita bread for dipping.