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A hand dips a tortilla chip into a skillet of cowboy queso dip, lifting out a portion of melted cheese and ground meat with gooey cheese stretching.

Cowboy Queso Dip

Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with flavor, cowboy queso dip is made right on the stovetop with ground beef, cheddar, cream cheese, and spicy tomatoes with green chilies. It’s the perfect appetizer for game days, parties, or weekend hangouts. Grab some tortilla chips or nachos and dig in—this one’s hard to stop eating.
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Course: Appetizer, Dips
Cuisine: American
Keyword: cowboy queso dip
Servings: 8
Calories: 303kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 10 ounce can diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • 8 ounce block cream cheese softened
  • 2 cups cheddar cheese shredded
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh chopped cilantro for garnish
  • Tortilla chips for serving

Video

Instructions

  • In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with the diced onion and minced garlic until the beef is browned and the onion is softened. Drain any excess fat.
    1 pound ground beef, 1 small onion, 2 cloves garlic
  • Stir in the diced tomatoes with green chilies, cream cheese, and shredded cheddar. Mix until the cheese is fully melted and the dip becomes smooth and creamy.
    10 ounce can diced tomatoes with green chilies, 8 ounce block cream cheese, 2 cups cheddar cheese
  • Add chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine, then let the dip simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
    1 teaspoon chili powder, ½ teaspoon ground cumin, Salt and black pepper
  • Remove from heat. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro if desired. Serve warm with tortilla chips.
    Fresh chopped cilantro, Tortilla chips

Notes

  • Best skillet to use: A cast iron skillet gives even heat and makes a great serving dish too.
  • Cheese: Cheddar is classic, but pepper jack, Monterey jack, or colby jack all melt well and taste great. Shredding your own cheese melts better than pre-shredded.
  • Meat swaps: Try ground chicken, turkey, or chopped chorizo instead of beef.
  • Too thick: Add a splash of milk if the dip starts to tighten up and get too thick. It smooths it right out.
  • Add heat: Add hot sauce or diced jalapeños for a little kick.
  • Extra add-ins: Black beans, corn, or pinto beans add protein and texture.
  • Keeping it warm: Use a slow cooker on low heat while serving to keep it warm and melty.
  • Make ahead: Make it a day in advance, then reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

 

Storage and Reheating Instructions

  • Fridge: Let it cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll keep for 3–4 days.
  • Reheat: When you're ready to reheat, warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat or microwave it in 30-second bursts, stirring each time. Add a splash of milk if it needs help getting back to that creamy consistency.

Nutrition

Calories: 303kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 72mg | Sodium: 430mg | Potassium: 350mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 416IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 327mg | Iron: 2mg
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