Cowboy Queso Crock Pot Recipe

Cowboy Queso is the ultimate crowd-pleaser for any gathering, combining creamy cheese with hearty ingredients like sausage, beans, and spices. Using a crock pot to make this dish ensures that it’s not only easy to prepare but also stays warm and delicious throughout your event. Let’s dive into this mouth-watering recipe!

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground sausage
• 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 (10-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (4-ounce) can diced green chilies
• 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, cubed
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Preparation Steps

Preparing the Ingredients

1. Cook the Sausage:
   • In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground sausage until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess grease.
2. Cube the Cream Cheese:
   • Cut the cream cheese into small cubes for easier melting.

Setting Up the Crock Pot

1. Layer the Ingredients:
   • Place the cooked sausage, diced tomatoes with green chilies, black beans, diced green chilies, cubed cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, shredded pepper jack cheese, and milk into the crock pot.
2. Add the Spices:
   • Sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, ground cumin, and smoked paprika over the top of the ingredients.

Cooking the Queso

Combining the Ingredients

1. Stir the Ingredients:
   • Gently stir the ingredients together to begin combining them.

Cooking Time and Temperature

1. Set the Crock Pot:
   • Set the crock pot to low heat and cook for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally to ensure the cheese melts evenly and the flavors blend together.
2. Check Consistency:
   • After 2 hours, check the consistency of the queso. If it’s too thick, add a little more milk to reach your desired consistency.

Serving Suggestions

Presentation Tips

1. Garnish the Queso:
   • Once the queso is fully melted and smooth, sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro on top for a burst of color and flavor.

Suggested Accompaniments

1. Serve with Dippers:
   • Serve the Cowboy Queso with tortilla chips, sliced baguette, or fresh vegetables like celery and carrot sticks.

Nutritional Information

Calorie Count

• The calorie count will vary based on portion sizes and specific ingredient brands, but this dish is generally high in protein and fats from the sausage and cheese.

Nutritional Benefits

• This dish provides a good balance of protein from the sausage and cheese, along with fiber from the black beans.

Conclusion

Cowboy Queso is an easy and delicious dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of creamy cheese, savory sausage, and spicy chilies creates a flavorful dip that everyone will love. Give this recipe a try at your next gathering and watch it disappear in no time!

FAQs

1. Can I use different types of cheese?

• Yes, you can mix and match your favorite cheeses. Try using Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a bit of blue cheese for a unique flavor.

2. What if I don’t have a crock pot?

• You can make this recipe on the stovetop. Cook the sausage and then combine all ingredients in a large pot. Cook on low heat, stirring frequently, until the cheese is melted and smooth.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

• Yes, you can prepare the queso in advance and reheat it in the crock pot or on the stovetop before serving.

4. How do I store leftovers?

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the crock pot or microwave.

5. Can I add other ingredients?

• Absolutely! Feel free to add ingredients like corn, jalapeños, or even cooked ground beef for extra flavor and texture.

Yield: 6

Cowboy Queso Crock Pot Recipe

Print

Cowboy Queso is the ultimate crowd-pleaser for any gathering, combining creamy cheese with hearty ingredients like sausage, beans, and spices. Using a crock pot to make this dish ensures that it's not only easy to prepare but also stays warm and delicious throughout your event. Let's dive into this mouth-watering recipe!

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 1/2 lb. ground beef
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Pinch of Red Pepper Flakes, optional
• 3/4 cup Pale Ale, I use Tuckerman Pale Ale
• 1/2 cup Pepper Jack cheese, shredded
• 16 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
• 1 14.5 oz. can Rotel Tomatoes, partially drained
• 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Instructions

• Cook and crumble the ground beef over medium-high heat in a large, high-walled skillet. Drain any grease once cooked through.
• Add in the crushed red pepper flakes, salt/pepper, and beer. Let the beer reduce for about 4-5 minutes.
• Reduce heat to medium-low. Add in the cheese and let it melt, stirring occasionally.
• Once the cheese is melted, stir in the beans, red onions, and cilantro.
• Add the tomatoes. You may also add some of the juice if you prefer a thinner consistency.
• Let it continue to heat through for about 5 minutes, then serve!

Crock Pot Instructions

• Brown the meat and drain the grease, then add all remaining ingredients to the Crock Pot. Heat on high for 2 hours or on low for 4-5 hours.This is the Crock Pot that I have which allows you to sear meat on the stove top within the crock pot dish which eliminates cleaning an extra pan. It also automatically switches to warm if once the time is up!