This Ground Beef Queso Dip is a party classic. If you need a quick appetizer or a game day snack, this recipe has you covered with two cooking options: making it in a skillet (for when you need queso ASAP) or making it in a slow cooker (perfect for holiday gatherings or all-day munching).

This slow cooker beef queso dip is a classic from my childhood. It was at every party, potluck, and get-together, from Thanksgiving to the Superbowl.
There's a reason this dip is so popular – it's really good! The meat, cheese, spices, and tomatoes all come together to make a creamy, meaty queso dip that pretty much everyone loves.
You can make this ground beef queso dip recipe in a skillet (in about 30 minutes) and serve it right away, or you can make it in a crock pot (about 1 hour and 20 minutes, including prep) and keep it warm, which is perfect for parties!
If you want more savory appetizer recipes, try my Sausage Balls (no Bisquick needed) or this Southern Deviled Egg recipe.
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Ingredients & Substitutions
- Ground Beef - If you use 80/20 ground beef, drain the fat. If you use 90/10 or higher, you won't need to. You can also use ground sausage in this recipe.
- Onion - This adds flavor and texture. You can use any kind of onion or omit it if you prefer. White or yellow onions work best.
- Velveeta - Provides that classic, smooth queso texture.
- Monterey Jack - Adds a mild, creamy flavor. You can also use cheddar cheese for a sharper taste or Pepper Jack for some extra heat.
- Ro-Tel Tomatoes - Brings a refreshing touch to the queso cheese dip. Drain the can well. You can also use salsa instead - if you do, reduce the milk to ½ cup and use 1 cup of salsa.
- Milk - Helps to smooth out the queso. You can also use a non-flavored milk alternative or beef or chicken broth in place of the milk. Each one will give the queso a slightly different taste, but it shouldn't change it too much.
- Seasonings - To give this easy beef queso dip its signature Tex-Mex flavor, you'll use a mix of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and salt. If you have one tablespoon of taco seasoning in a packet, you can also use it.
Full ingredient list with quantities in the recipe card below
How to Make Beefy Queso Dip
Step 1 | Cook the Ground Beef and Onion
Cook ground beef and diced onions in a large skillet over medium heat. Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
Option 1 | Make In a Skillet
Reduce the heat to low. Add all remaining ingredients (except cilantro) to the skillet. Stir until the cheese has completely melted. Serve immediately with tortilla chips and garnished with chopped cilantro.
Option 2 | Make In Slow Cooker
Transfer the cooked beef and onion mixture to a slow cooker. Add all remaining ingredients (except cilantro) to the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low heat for 1 hour, stirring every 15-30 minutes.
Once the queso is smooth, reduce the temperature to the "warm" setting. Serve with tortilla chips and garnished with chopped cilantro.
Tips & Notes
If the queso is too thick, add a few tablespoons of milk until it reaches your desired consistency.
Don't rush the melting process – low and slow is the key to smooth, creamy queso.
Variations
- Add Green Chile: Add two cans of diced green hatch chiles for extra flavor and mild heat.
- Spicy Queso: Add heat to your queso by adding hot sauce, pickled jalapeños, or swapping the Monterey Jack cheese for Pepper Jack cheese.
- Turn Them Into Nachos: Scoop some of the cheese dip over a plate of tortilla chips to make nachos.
Common Questions About Ground Beff Queso Dip
This beef queso freezes well for me. The texture is not as thick after it defrosts, but the flavors and texture of the queso are still good!
Absolutely! I love making this with ground pork too. Both versions taste pretty similar to me, so feel free to use whichever you prefer or have on hand.
You can keep the queso warm in the slow cooker on the "warm" setting for up to 4 hours. Just give it a stir every 30 minutes or so to prevent a skin from forming on top.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Beloved Recipe: This Velveeta cheese dip is perfect for potlucks, football season, family gatherings, or parties.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare in advance and keep warm in the crock pot for a stress-free, easy party appetizer.
Have you tried this recipe yet? I'd love to know how it turned out! Leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review below or tag @MeganVsKitchen on social.
Ground Beef Queso Dip (Slow Cooker & Skillet)
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef 80/20 or 90/10
- 1 medium white onion diced
- 16 ounces Velveeta cheese cubed
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 10-oz can diced tomatoes with green chiles drained
- ¾ cup milk any kind
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon table salt
- fresh cilantro chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the diced onion and ground beef together. Cook until the beef is fully browned and the onion is translucent (about 8-10 minutes). Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
Make in a Skillet
- Reduce the heat to low. Add all remaining ingredients (except cilantro) to the skillet with the beef and onion mixture. Stir until the cheese has completely melted and the queso is smooth (about 5-7 minutes). Serve immediately, garnished with chopped cilantro.
Make in a Slow Cooker
- Transfer the cooked beef and onion mixture to a slow cooker. Add all remaining ingredients (except cilantro) to the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low heat for 1 hour, stirring every 15-30 minutes. Once the queso is smooth, reduce the temperature to the "warm" setting. Serve garnished with chopped cilantro.
Notes
Nutrition
The nutritional information provided is an estimate and may vary based on the ingredients used.
Did you make this recipe? Let me know!