If there’s one dish that can instantly turn a gathering from “nice” to “legendary,” it’s Slow Cooker Queso Dip. Creamy, cheesy, and just the right amount of spicy, this crockpot cheese dip is the party appetizer dreams are made of. Picture it: a warm bowl of golden queso, surrounded by tortilla chips, with everyone dipping, laughing, and going back for more. That’s the magic of this recipe—it brings people together.
What I love most about this dip (aside from the fact that it tastes like melted happiness) is how ridiculously easy it is to make. Whether you’re prepping for game day, hosting a family get-together, or just craving something indulgent after a long week, this creamy queso fits the bill. It’s hearty, flavorful, and—best of all—you can let your slow cooker do the heavy lifting while you focus on setting the table, wrangling kids, or just sipping a glass of wine.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Queso Dip
- Perfect for parties, potlucks, or movie nights.
- Minimal prep time—just brown the beef and let your crockpot do the rest.
- Creamy, cheesy, and packed with bold taco dip flavor.
- Easily serves a crowd (though don’t be surprised if it disappears faster than expected!).
Ingredients:
- 450 g (16 oz) Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 2 cans (280 g / 10 oz each) diced tomatoes with green chiles, drained
- 450 g (1 lb) ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning (about 28 g / 1 oz)
- 120 ml (½ cup) water (for seasoning mix preparation)
Instructions:
- Spray the inside of your slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat (7–8 minutes). Drain excess fat.
- Add taco seasoning and ½ cup water. Stir well, cook for 2–3 minutes until liquid evaporates.
- Transfer beef to slow cooker. Add Velveeta cubes and drained tomatoes with green chiles.
- Stir, cover, and cook on LOW for 60–90 minutes, stirring occasionally until smooth.
- Switch to WARM, and serve with tortilla chips.
Tips for the Creamiest Queso
- Stir occasionally while it melts so nothing sticks to the sides.
- Want more kick? Toss in a can of diced jalapeños.
- Prefer it smoother? Swap ground beef for ground turkey or sausage.
- Hosting a crowd? Double the recipe—it reheats beautifully.
My Queso Story
This Slow Cooker Queso Dip has been my secret weapon for years. I first made it for a Super Bowl party, thinking it would just be a side snack. Spoiler alert: the queso stole the show. Friends hovered by the crockpot, chip in hand, chatting and laughing while taking “just one more bite.” Since then, it’s become a family favorite. My kids request it for movie nights, and my husband sneaks leftovers straight from the fridge. It’s safe to say this dip has earned its place in our household’s hall of fame.
What to Serve with Slow Cooker Queso Dip
This creamy queso pairs beautifully with tortilla chips (classic!), but don’t stop there. Try it drizzled over nachos, spooned onto tacos, or as a dip for soft pretzels. Fresh veggies like bell peppers, celery, and carrots also make great dippers if you want to sneak in something lighter. For game days, I love serving it alongside chicken wings and sliders—it balances the lineup perfectly.
How to Store Leftover Queso
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (a big if), transfer the cooled queso to an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, or warm gently on the stovetop. You may need to add a splash of milk to bring back its creamy texture. For longer storage, queso freezes surprisingly well! Just portion it into freezer-safe bags, lay flat, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the crockpot when you’re ready to serve again.
FAQs About Slow Cooker Queso Dip
Can I make this queso vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just skip the beef and add extra beans, mushrooms, or roasted veggies for flavor.
Can I use a different cheese?
Velveeta gives the smoothest texture, but you can mix in cream cheese, Monterey Jack, or cheddar for extra flavor.
Can I make it spicier?
Yes! Add fresh jalapeños, hot sauce, or pepper jack cheese for more heat.
How do I keep queso from hardening?
Keep it on the warm setting in your crockpot, stirring occasionally. If it thickens, stir in a splash of milk.
At the end of the day, Slow Cooker Queso Dip is more than just a snack—it’s a reason to gather. It’s the dip that keeps conversations flowing and bellies happy. Whether you’re serving it up on game day, at a holiday potluck, or simply on a cozy Friday night in, this creamy taco dip never disappoints. One bite, and you’ll understand why it’s a keeper in my kitchen—and soon, yours too.
Discover more delicious recipes by following me on Facebook and Pinterest.
Print
Slow Cooker Queso Dip
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings (~280 kcal each) 1x
Description
This Slow Cooker Queso Dip is the ultimate party appetizer—creamy, cheesy, and packed with bold taco flavor. With just 10 minutes of prep and the crockpot doing the rest, it’s perfect for game day, potlucks, or family gatherings. Serve it with chips, nachos, or veggies for a crowd-pleasing dip that always disappears fast.
Ingredients
-
450 g (16 oz) Velveeta cheese, cubed
-
2 cans (280 g / 10 oz each) diced tomatoes with green chiles, drained
-
450 g (1 lb) ground beef
-
1 packet (28 g / 1 oz) taco seasoning
-
120 ml (½ cup) water
Instructions
-
Spray slow cooker with nonstick spray.
-
Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat for 7–8 minutes. Drain excess fat.
-
Add taco seasoning and water, cook 2–3 minutes until absorbed.
-
Transfer beef to slow cooker with Velveeta cubes and drained tomatoes.
-
Cover and cook on LOW 60–90 minutes, stirring occasionally, until smooth.
-
Switch to WARM and serve with tortilla chips.
Notes
Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Add diced jalapeños for more spice.
Substitute ground turkey or sausage for beef.
Double the recipe for larger crowds—it reheats beautifully.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Dip
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex / American