Name: Slow Cooker Queso Beef Dip
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 2 h
Total time: 2 h 15 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1/2 teaspoon cumin; Salt and black pepper to taste; 16 ounces processed cheese, cubed; 8 ounces cream cheese, cubed; 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained; 1/2 cup milk; 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

I make this Slow Cooker Queso Beef Dip when I want something warm, creamy, and guaranteed to disappear fast. It combines savory ground beef, melty cheeses, and zesty tomatoes with green chilies into a rich, scoopable dip that stays perfectly smooth in the crockpot. I love serving it for game days, family gatherings, or casual weekend snacking.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how easy this dip is to prepare with just a quick stovetop step before the slow cooker does the rest. The combination of processed cheese and cream cheese creates an ultra-creamy texture that stays smooth for hours. I also appreciate how the seasoned ground beef adds heartiness, making it more filling than a typical cheese dip. It is perfect for parties because I can keep it warm in the slow cooker and let everyone serve themselves. The mild heat from the green chilies gives it just enough kick without overpowering the cheesy flavor.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 pound ground beef

1/2 cup onion, finely chopped

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon chili powder

1/2 teaspoon cumin

Salt and black pepper to taste

16 ounces processed cheese, cubed

8 ounces cream cheese, cubed

1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained

1/2 cup milk

1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

Directions

I start by heating a large skillet over medium heat and cooking the ground beef with the chopped onion until the beef is fully browned. After draining the excess grease, I stir in the garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. I let the spices cook for about a minute to deepen their flavor.

Next, I transfer the beef mixture to my slow cooker. I add the cubed processed cheese, cream cheese, diced tomatoes with green chilies along with their juices, and the milk.

I cover and cook everything on LOW for 2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally, until the cheeses are completely melted and the dip is smooth and creamy. Before serving, I give it a good stir and sprinkle fresh cilantro on top if I want a pop of color and freshness. I serve it warm with tortilla chips, crusty bread, or fresh vegetables.

Servings and timing

Servings: 8 servings

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 2 hours

Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes

Calories: Approximately 410 kcal per serving

Variations

I sometimes swap the ground beef for ground sausage when I want a spicier, richer flavor. If I prefer extra heat, I add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper. For a smoother dip, I stir in a little extra milk toward the end of cooking. When I want to lighten it slightly, I use reduced-fat cream cheese. I also like adding black beans or corn for extra texture and a more Tex-Mex inspired twist.

Storage/Reheating

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. When reheating, I warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently and adding a splash of milk if it seems too thick. I can also reheat it in the microwave in short intervals, stirring between each, until it is heated through and creamy again.

Related Recipes:

Homemade Queso Dip

FAQs

Can I make this queso dip ahead of time?

I often prepare it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When I am ready to serve, I reheat it in the slow cooker on LOW, stirring occasionally until smooth and warm.

Can I freeze Slow Cooker Queso Beef Dip?

I do not usually recommend freezing it because the texture of the cheese can become grainy after thawing. I find it tastes best when made fresh or refrigerated for a few days.

How do I keep the dip from getting too thick?

If the dip thickens too much while sitting in the slow cooker, I stir in small amounts of warm milk until it reaches the consistency I like.

What can I serve with this dip besides tortilla chips?

I enjoy serving it with crusty bread, pretzel bites, crackers, or fresh vegetables like bell peppers and celery sticks.

Can I make this dip on the stovetop instead of a slow cooker?

Yes, I sometimes melt everything together in a large saucepan over low heat after browning the beef. I stir constantly to prevent sticking and cook until smooth and creamy.

Conclusion

I love how this Slow Cooker Queso Beef Dip brings people together around the table. It is creamy, flavorful, and incredibly simple to prepare. Whether I am hosting a party or just craving something comforting and cheesy, this dip always delivers satisfying results with minimal effort.

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