Cowboy Queso: A Delicious Comfort Food Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jalapeño seeded and minced
• 1 pound ground beef (or turkey)
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• to taste salt and pepper
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup cream cheese, cubed
• for serving fresh cilantro and tortilla chips

Instructions

1. In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and jalapeño, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until browned and fully cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Drain any excess fat.
5. Stir in the black beans, diced tomatoes, corn, smoked paprika, cumin, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for 5-10 minutes, allowing the mixture to simmer and flavors to meld.
6. Reduce the heat to low, then add the shredded cheddar and cubed cream cheese to the skillet, stirring continuously until the cheeses melt and the mixture becomes creamy and smooth.
7. Once the queso is desired consistency, remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh cilantro.
8. Serve the Cowboy Queso warm with tortilla chips for dipping.