Description
Discover the ultimate Cowboy Queso Recipe for your next tailgate party or family gathering. Easy to make and delicious to enjoy!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
- 2 jalapeños, seeded and minced (keep seeds for extra heat if desired)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 can (10 oz/283g) diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
- 1 can (15 oz/425g) black beans, rinsed and drained
- 8 oz (225g) American cheese, cubed
- 8 oz (225g) sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
- 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk
- 1/4 cup (60ml) heavy cream
- 1/4 cup (60g) sour cream
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 lime, cut into wedges for serving
- Tortilla chips for serving
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Beef Mixture Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Once hot, add ground beef and cook for about 2 minutes without stirring to develop browning. Break up the meat with a wooden spoon and continue cooking until no pink remains, about 5 minutes total. Add the diced onion and jalapeños, then sauté until the onion becomes translucent, approximately 3 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Step 2: Season and Build Flavors Sprinkle the taco seasoning, cumin, and smoked paprika over the beef mixture and stir to combine. Cook for 1 minute to bloom the spices, releasing their aromatic oils. Add the drained diced tomatoes with green chilies and black beans, stirring to incorporate. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 3-4 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together and any excess liquid to evaporate.
- Step 3: Create the Cheese Base Reduce heat to low. Pour in the milk and heavy cream, stirring to combine with the beef mixture. Begin adding the American cheese a few cubes at a time, stirring constantly until completely melted before adding more. Once the American cheese is fully incorporated, gradually add the shredded cheddar in small handfuls, continuing to stir constantly. The key to silky smooth Cowboy Queso is patience during this stage – resist the urge to rush or increase the heat.
- Step 4: Perfect the Consistency Once all cheese is melted, fold in the sour cream, which adds a subtle tanginess while creating an even silkier texture. If your queso is thicker than desired, add warm milk 1 tablespoon at a time until you reach your preferred consistency. Remember that the dip will thicken slightly as it cools, so aim for a slightly looser consistency than your final goal.
- Step 5: Finish and Serve Remove the skillet from heat and fold in most of the chopped cilantro and green onions, reserving some for garnish. Transfer to a serving dish or keep in the cast-iron skillet for presentation (with a hot pad underneath). Garnish with remaining cilantro, green onions, and a sprinkle of smoked paprika. Serve your Cowboy Queso immediately with tortilla chips and lime wedges on the side, encouraging guests to squeeze fresh lime juice over their portion for a bright finish.
Notes
Fresh ingredients will always yield the best flavor results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 50mg