Spicy Cheesy Southwest Cowboy Queso
A delightful dip blending melted cheese, zesty jalapeños, and hearty ground beef, perfect for game days and parties.
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil For cooking
- 1 small onion, diced Adds sweetness and texture
- 2 cloves garlic, minced For flavor
- 1 pound ground beef Can substitute with chorizo or turkey
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin For warmth and depth
- 1 teaspoon chili powder Adds spice
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika For smokiness
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 can diced tomatoes with green chiles (10 oz), drained Provides moisture and zest
- 1 can black beans (15 oz), drained and rinsed Adds fiber
- 1 can corn kernels (15 oz), drained For sweetness and texture
- 1 package Velveeta cheese (16 oz), cubed Creates creaminess
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese For extra cheesiness
- 2 jalapeños, diced (remove seeds for less heat) For spice
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro For freshness
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions For garnish
- to taste tortilla chips for serving For serving
Instructions
Cooking
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and cook until soft, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart as it cooks until browned.
- Mix in the ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Stir in the drained diced tomatoes, black beans, and corn, combining all the ingredients.
- Lower the heat and add the Velveeta cheese and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until melted and creamy.
- Finally, mix in the diced jalapeños, cilantro, and sliced green onions.
- Serve warm with tortilla chips.
Notes
To enhance flavor, consider adding a squeeze of lime juice before serving. Customize with different meats or serve with salsa or guacamole for extra flavor. For a vegetarian version, use sautéed bell peppers and mushrooms instead of beef.