Description
This Irresistible Cheesy Rotel Ranch Queso is a creamy, flavorful appetizer perfect for game day or any gathering. Made with ground beef or sausage, cream cheese, shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, and zesty Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, all infused with ranch seasoning, this queso dip is warm, cheesy, and packed with Tex-Mex flavors. Serve it with tortilla chips, crackers, or fresh vegetables for a crowd-pleasing snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Base
- 1 pound ground beef or ground sausage
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Cheese and Dairy
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, cubed
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
Other Ingredients
- 1 can (10 ounces) Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Meat: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Add the ground beef or sausage and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain any excess grease.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Stir in the diced onion and cook for about 3 minutes until softened, then add the minced garlic and cook for another minute to release their flavors.
- Add Cream Cheese and Liquids: Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the cubed cream cheese, drained Rotel tomatoes, ranch seasoning mix, and milk. Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts and the mixture becomes smooth.
- Melt Cheeses: Add the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses and stir until fully melted and creamy, ensuring the queso is smooth and well combined.
- Season and Garnish: Season with black pepper and mix well. Transfer the queso to a serving bowl and garnish with chopped fresh cilantro if desired. Serve warm with tortilla chips, crackers, or fresh vegetables.
Notes
- This queso can also be made in a slow cooker by browning the meat first, then combining all ingredients in the slow cooker on low for about 1 to 2 hours.
- Add extra milk if needed during serving to keep the dip smooth and creamy.
- Choose ground beef or sausage depending on your preference for flavor and spice.
- For a milder dip, drain most of the liquid from the Rotel tomatoes before adding.
