Why You’ll Love Sausage Queso Dip Recipe

It comes together fast—just a few minutes of prep and minimal cooking time.
The sausage adds rich, meaty flavor and texture that elevates the traditional cheese dip.
A secret boost of taco seasoning brings a subtle but noticeable layer of flavor.
It’s crowd‑friendly and pairs beautifully with chips, veggies, or even as a nacho topping.
Leftovers reheat well, so you can dip now and enjoy again later.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Velveeta (processed cheese)
Canned diced tomatoes
Ground mild sausage
Taco seasoning
Milk
Shredded cheddar cheese

Directions

Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground pork or sausage and break it up with a wooden spoon. Cook about 7–11 minutes, until browned on all sides.
After the meat is mostly cooked, stir in the taco seasoning and 1–2 tablespoons of water if needed, then let it simmer briefly so the seasoning coats the meat. In a microwave‑safe bowl, combine the Velveeta and canned diced tomatoes (undrained) and microwave on high for 2 minutes. Stir, then cover and cook another minute. Repeat until the cheese is fully melted.
Stir in 1–2 tablespoons of milk to thin the mixture if it’s getting too thick. Then add the shredded cheddar cheese, stir, cover and cook another minute or until the dip is hot and melty.
Finally, fold in the seasoned sausage mixture. Serve the dip warm with tortilla chips, veggies, or other dippers of your choice.

Servings and timing

Prep time: ~10 minutes.
Cook time: minimal additional time once you start melting the cheese (instructions suggest cooking in steps of 1 minute in the microwave).
Servings: 10.

Variations

Use spicy sausage or chorizo instead of mild sausage to add more heat.
Swap ground pork or sausage with ground chicken or turkey for a different meat base; if you do, you may need to increase seasoning.Stir in additional ingredients like chopped jalapeños, green chilies, or bell peppers to add extra flavor and texture.
Use different cheeses: instead of or in addition to Velveeta, you could use real shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack.
Make it milder for kids by using mild sausage and mild taco seasoning, or boost the heat for adults.
For a slow‑cooker version: brown the sausage, drain, then combine with cheese and other ingredients in a slow cooker and keep warm on the low setting. Variations of this appear in similar recipes.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftover queso dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator. According to the original recipe, you can keep it refrigerated and reheat later.
To reheat: microwave in 30‑second intervals, stirring each time, until hot and smooth. Alternatively, you can reheat on the stove over medium heat, stirring frequently until warmed through.

FAQs

How long can I keep leftover dip in the refrigerator?

You can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 3–4 days. After that, quality may decline and it’s best to discard. Some similar recipes suggest this timeframe.

Can I freeze this queso dip?

Freezing is possible, but the texture may change when thawed and reheated. The cheese may separate slightly, resulting in a grainier consistency. If you freeze, thaw slowly and reheat gently, stirring well.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes — you can cook the sausage and seasoning ahead, then when ready to serve, melt the cheeses and combine everything. If using a slow cooker, you could set it on warm to keep the dip ready for guests.

What is the best sausage to use?

Mild pork sausage works well for a balanced flavor, as in the original recipe. For more heat, spicy sausage or chorizo are great choices. Italian sausage can also be used. The key is to cook it thoroughly and drain excess fat for a better texture.

Can I make this without Velveeta or processed cheese?

Yes — although the original recipe uses Velveeta for its smooth melt, you can use real cheeses like cheddar, Monterey Jack, and cream cheese for a similar effect. Just monitor melting carefully and stir often to avoid burning.

How can I make the dip thinner or thicker?

Thinner: Stir in a few tablespoons of milk or half & half until the desired consistency is reached.
Thicker: Let the dip sit a few minutes longer off the heat, or cook with less milk.

Can I make this spicy or mild?

Absolutely. Use mild sausage and mild taco seasoning for a kid‑friendly version. For more heat, choose spicy sausage, add jalapeños or green chiles, or use a hot taco seasoning blend.

What should I serve with this dip?

Tortilla chips are classic, but you can also serve with pita chips, bread cubes, vegetable sticks (like carrots, celery, bell peppers), pretzel bites, or even soft bread slices.

Can I convert this into a nacho topping?

Yes — spread a layer of chips on a baking sheet, pour the queso over, sprinkle additional toppings like chopped tomatoes, jalapeños, green onions, and crumbled sausage, and bake briefly until everything is hot and bubbly.

What if I don’t have a microwave?

You can melt the cheeses on the stovetop: combine the Velveeta (cubed) and shredded cheddar with milk in a saucepan over medium‑low heat, stirring constantly until smooth. Then stir in the sausage mixture. Keep the heat moderate so the cheese doesn’t scorch or separate.

Conclusion

This sausage queso dip is a winner for gatherings, game days, or anytime you want an easy‑to‑make, crave‑worthy appetizer. With melty cheeses, flavorful sausage, and that extra layer of taco seasoning, it hits the mark in taste and convenience. Whether you’re dipping chips, veggies, or bread, this recipe brings comfort and bold flavor. Try the variations to make it your own, store leftovers wisely, and reheat for second‑helpings. Enjoy the dip!

Sausage Queso Dip

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This Sausage Queso Dip is a rich, cheesy, and flavorful appetizer made with sausage, Velveeta, cream cheese, and tomatoes. It’s the perfect crowd-pleaser for parties, game days, or any gathering.

Author: Emily
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 12 servings
Category: Appetizer
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

1 pound pork sausage
1 (32 oz) package Velveeta cheese, cubed
1 (8 oz) package cream cheese
1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel), undrained
1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained

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Instructions

In a large skillet, cook sausage over medium heat until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess grease.
In a large pot or slow cooker, add cooked sausage, Velveeta, cream cheese, and both cans of tomatoes (with juices).
Cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the cheese is fully melted and the dip is smooth and well combined. If using a slow cooker, cook on low for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally.
Serve warm with tortilla chips, crackers, or veggies.

Notes

You can substitute the sausage with ground beef or turkey if preferred.
Spice it up by using hot sausage or adding jalapeños.
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated.
Use a slow cooker to keep the dip warm during parties.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/12 of recipe
Calories: 290
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 890mg
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0.5g
Carbohydrates: 6g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 11g
Cholesterol: 60mg