Craving a dip that’s guaranteed to be the star of any party? Look no further than Pioneer Woman Chili Con Queso. This recipe, inspired by the queen of comfort food herself, Ree Drummond, is unbelievably easy to make and delivers a flavor explosion that will have everyone coming back for more. If you’re a fan of cheesy, savory goodness, this chili con queso recipe is about to become your new best friend.
What makes Pioneer Woman Chili Con Queso so irresistible? It’s the perfect combination of simple ingredients that come together to create a rich, creamy, and slightly spicy dip. The base of Velveeta cheese melts into a smooth, velvety texture, while the ground beef adds a hearty, savory depth. The addition of Rotel tomatoes and green chilies brings a touch of heat and vibrant flavor that elevates this queso far beyond your average cheese dip. Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering, a casual get-together, or just want a comforting snack, this Pioneer Woman queso recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
A close-up shot of a bowl of Pioneer Woman Chili Con Queso, highlighting the melted cheese and texture, served with tortilla chips.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Pioneer Woman Chili Con Queso
To whip up this fantastic Pioneer Woman chili con queso, you only need a handful of readily available ingredients:
- Velveeta Cheese: The star of the show! 32 ounces of Velveeta cheese loaf provide that signature creamy melt.
- Ground Beef: 1 pound of ground beef adds a savory, meaty element. For a spicier twist, consider using Jimmy Dean Hot Breakfast Premium Pork Sausage as suggested in some variations.
- Rotel Tomatoes and Green Chilies: 10 ounces of Rotel, undrained, provides diced tomatoes and green chilies for flavor and a bit of zest.
- Chopped Green Chilies: An extra 7 ounces of chopped green chilies (undrained) boost the chili flavor.
- Yellow Onion: 1 whole yellow onion, diced, adds a sweet and savory base.
- Jalapeno (Optional): For those who like extra heat, 1 whole jalapeno, finely diced, is a perfect addition.
An overhead shot showcasing all the key ingredients for Pioneer Woman Chili Con Queso, including Velveeta, ground beef, Rotel, green chilies, and onion, laid out on a kitchen counter.
Step-by-Step Guide to Make Pioneer Woman Chili Con Queso
Making Pioneer Woman Chili Con Queso is incredibly simple. Follow these easy steps and you’ll have a delicious dip ready in no time:
1. Prep the Onion
Start by dicing the yellow onion. Finely chop the onion to ensure it cooks evenly and blends seamlessly into the queso.
A photo demonstrating the process of dicing a yellow onion, showcasing the halved onion and knife skills.
2. Cook the Beef and Onions
In a large nonstick skillet, combine the ground beef and diced onion. Break up the ground beef with a spoon and cook over medium heat until the beef is browned and the onions are softened. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
A skillet with ground beef and diced onions being cooked, showing the beef browning and onions softening.
Drain off any excess grease from the skillet after the beef is cooked. This step is important to prevent the queso from becoming greasy.
A photo illustrating the step of draining excess grease from the skillet after cooking the ground beef and onions.
3. Add the Cheese and Chili Goodness
Reduce the heat to low. Cut the Velveeta cheese into cubes. This helps it melt more quickly and evenly. Add the cubed Velveeta to the skillet with the cooked beef and onions.
A shot of cubed Velveeta cheese being added into the skillet with the cooked ground beef and onion mixture.
Pour in the can of Rotel tomatoes and green chilies, juice and all, and the can of chopped green chilies, also undrained. The juices add moisture and flavor to the queso.
A photo showing Rotel tomatoes and green chilies being poured into the skillet with the cheese and beef mixture.
4. Stir and Melt
Stir all the ingredients together over low heat until the Velveeta is completely melted and the queso is smooth and creamy. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even melting.
A photo capturing the stirring process of the chili con queso in the skillet, showing the cheese melting and ingredients combining.
If you’re adding jalapeno for extra spice, finely dice it and stir it into the queso during the melting process.
Tips for the Best Pioneer Woman Chili Con Queso
- Spice it up: For a spicier queso, use hot Rotel or add extra diced jalapenos, including the seeds and membranes for maximum heat.
- Keep it warm: Serve the chili con queso hot. Use a fondue pot or slow cooker to keep it warm and melty throughout your gathering.
- Serving suggestions: Serve with a generous amount of tortilla chips for dipping. Vegetable sticks like carrots and celery, or even toasted baguette slices, also make great dippers.
- Make it ahead: You can prepare the chili con queso ahead of time and reheat it gently over low heat, stirring frequently, before serving.
A tempting photo of Pioneer Woman Chili Con Queso served in a bowl with tortilla chips, ready to be enjoyed as a dip.
Enjoy Your Delicious Pioneer Woman Chili Con Queso!
This Pioneer Woman Chili Con Queso recipe is a guaranteed winner. It’s quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful, making it the perfect dip for any occasion. Gather your friends, grab some chips, and get ready to enjoy this cheesy, savory delight!
