The recipe prices will vary based on fluctuating grocery costs. Please use what is posted as a guide.
This easy Crockpot Chile Con Queso recipe is a hearty party dip that is always a crowd-pleaser. You only need 4 ingredients to make this Chile Con Queso!
This Crock Pot Queso is sure to be a crowd-pleaser
Whenever we need a dip to serve at a party or get-together, this is our go-to recipe. Between the three of us, we have made it hundreds of times, and the results are always the same: it is the first thing gone at the party, and everyone wants the recipe!
It is super easy to make and made with only four ingredients. We like to double the recipe when we are going to a large party because of how popular the dip is!
This hot and creamy dip has just the right amount of kick in it, and it’s balanced with Velveeta cheese as a silky texture. It is simply irresistible and will be the hit of your next party.
What is Chile Con Queso?
The literal translation is chile with cheese. That means this dip, most often served as an appetizer, is made with chiles and cheese. Our recipe is made using Velveeta cheese, Rotel tomatoes with green chiles, taco seasoning, and ground beef.
Chili Con Queso Recipe Ingredients and Estimated Cost
- 1 pound ground beef ($3.58): You can use lean ground beef, ground pork, ground chicken, or even ground turkey. If you’re vegetarian, you can even use tofu crumbles.
- 1 pound Velveeta cheese ($5.98): Velveeta is essential to the creamy texture of this dip. Please don’t use anything else!
- 10 oz can Rotel tomatoes ($1.24): You can use Rotel with green chiles or jalapeños
- 1 Tablespoon taco seasoning ($0.01): You can use store-bought or homemade taco seasoning with this recipe. Homemade will make this recipe even cheaper to make!
The recipe cost is calculated by the amounts needed for the recipe. Check out Budget Recipes Explained to learn more about how we price our recipes. The pricing for this recipe was updated in January 2024.
Velveeta Queso Crockpot Recipe Substitutions:
- Instead of ground beef, you can use ground chicken, turkey, or pork.
- Instead of Rotel, you can use 1 1/4 cups of your favorite chunky salsa.
How To Make Chile Con Queso:
***For complete recipe instructions, see the recipe card below.
- First, brown the meat and drain off the grease.
- Next, assemble the queso. After cutting the Velveeta cheese into cubes, place all the ingredients in the crockpot, and stir them.
- Finally, cover and cook on high for two hours. Serve with chips, and enjoy!
Storing Crockpot Velveeta Cheese Dip:
SERVE: As with most recipes with dairy products in them, you shouldn’t leave this dip out for longer than 2 hours.
STORE: Place the dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4-5 days.
FREEZE: You can freeze this Chile Con Queso dip for about 2-3 months. Once the dip has cooled completely, transfer it to a freezer-safe container or Ziploc bag.
REHEAT: Thaw the dip in the refrigerator overnight. Place the dip in a saucepan and heat over medium heat until the queso is heated through.
Chili Con Queso Recipe FAQs:
Chile Con Queso is a Tex-Mex recipe that has been made popular by restaurants in the southern United States and is most commonly served with tortilla chips as an appetizer. In fact, it is one of our favorite appetizers to order if we eat out.
The dip may have been overcooked. Once the dip has cooked for two hours on high, or until the cheese is melted, turn the crockpot to warm to avoid overcooking.
Be sure to set a timer for the queso and check on it before the two-hour mark. Each crock pot cooks differently, so while two hours of cooking time is the recommendation, use it as a guide. Once the cheese is melted, you will want to turn the slow cooker to warm to avoid burning the queso.
The dip will harden as it cools. Keep the crock pot on warm, and stir it every so often. This will help it stay smooth while you are serving it.
Get kids involved in making this Velveeta Cheese Dip Crock Pot Recipe:
Ages 2-3: Let your child help pour the ingredients into the slow cooker. He/she will especially have fun putting the Velveeta cubes in.
Ages 4-5: Have your little one stir the ingredients together in the slow cooker.
Ages 6-8: Teach them how to brown the meat. Show them how to use a meat masher to break up the ground beef while browning it.
Ages 9-11: Supervise them while they prepare the entire recipe. Remember to have them read it twice before beginning the recipe.
Ages 12+: Let them prepare the entire recipe unsupervised while you do the happy dance in the corner!
Crock Pot Queso Budget Tips:
This is a fantastic dip to bring to a party as a cost-effective option. And, if you buy your ground beef in bulk and freeze it for later like we do, then this recipe cost will be even less.
More From Easy Budget Recipes:
Velveeta Cheese Dip Crock Pot Recipe
Equipment
- medium skillet
- Measuring spoons
- mixing spoon
- slow cooker
- cutting board
- chef's knife
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound Velveeta cheese Cubed
- 10 oz can Rotel tomatoes Original, undrained
- 1 Tablespoon taco seasoning
FOR SERVING:
- Corn chips or tortilla chips
Instructions
BROWN MEAT:
- In a medium skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef.
ASSEMBLE QUESO:
- Cut Velveeta cheese into 1-inch cubes.
- Add ground beef and cheese to a Crockpot.
- Pour in Rotel tomatoes and taco seasoning. Stir to combine.
COOK:
- Cover Crockpot and cook on HIGH for 2 hours, or until cheese is hot and melted.
- Turn the crockpot to warm and serve with corn chips or tortilla chips.
Izzy says
The perfect blend of hearty and tasty. I find it great for a gathering or just a fun night in. Thank you for sharing!
Jess Jankowski says
It really is perfect for any occasion!
wilhelmina says
This is perfect for game day! I mean, can anybody resist a crockpot full of warm cheese dip?
Jess Jankowski says
I don’t know anyone that can resist it!
Mindy says
What size slow cooker do you need for this recipe?
Jess Jankowski says
Hi Mindy, you can use a 2-quart slow cooker. Enjoy!