Ingredients:

  • /2 cup finely diced Yellow Onion
  • /2 cup finely diced Green Bell Pepper
  • cloves minced Garlic
  • (10 oz) can Fire-Roasted Diced Tomatoes & Green Chilies (undrained)
  • Tbsp Unsalted Butter
  • Tbsp All-Purpose Flour
  • /2 cup Milk (whole or 2%)
  • /2 cup Evaporated Milk
  • tsp ground Cumin
  • tsp Chili Powder
  • /2 tsp Smoked Paprika
  • Salt and Black Pepper to taste
  • (16 oz) block Velveeta or Processed Cheese Block, cubed
  • oz freshly shredded Monterey Jack Cheese
  • oz freshly shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese

Instructions:

  1. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and green pepper; sauté until softened (about 5-7 minutes). Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
  2. Sprinkle flour over the softened vegetables and stir constantly for 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste.
  3. Slowly whisk in the regular milk and evaporated milk until the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened. Stir in cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika.
  4. Pour the cooked vegetable mixture and all the seasonings into the base of the slow cooker. Add the undrained diced tomatoes and green chilies. Stir well.
  5. Add the cubed processed cheese (Velveeta) and the shredded Monterey Jack and Cheddar. Stir gently to combine everything.
  6. Cover the slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 2 to 3 hours, stirring every 30-45 minutes. Do not rush this step; stirring helps melt the cheese evenly.
  7. The queso is ready when it is completely smooth, glossy, and heated through. If it seems too thick, add a splash of milk or cream until it reaches your preferred dipping consistency.
  8. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Transfer the slow cooker liner to a trivet or serving dish and keep warm on the Keep Warm setting.