Ranch Queso Dip - the ultimate cheese dip! Ground beef, sausage, taco seasoning, ranch dressing mix, salsa, Velveeta cheese, cream cheese, and chili powder. I could make a meal out of this yummy ranch dip! Can make on the stovetop, slow cooker, oven, or in the microwave. Serve with tortilla chips, celery, and carrots.
In a large skillet, cook sausage and lean ground beef until crumbled and no longer pink. Drain fat.
Stovetop Preparation: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, combine cooked sausage, cooked ground beef, and remaining ingredients. Cook on medium until cheese has melted. Add milk if the cheese dip is too thick.
Microwave Preparation: In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine cooked sausage and ground beef. Add remaining ingredients. Microwave on HIGH for 4 minutes, stir. Microwave on HIGH for an additional 4 minutes, stir. Continue microwaving in 1 to 2-minute intervals until cheese is melted and dip is thoroughly heated. Serve immediately. Add milk if the cheese dip is too thick.
Slow Cooker Preparation: Combine cooked sausage, cooked ground beef, and remaining ingredients in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on LOW 1 to 2 hours, until cheese is melted. Add milk if the cheese dip is too thick.
Notes:
I use Hidden Valley Ranch mix. Some people find it to be too salty, so adjust the amount to your personal preference.
Here is our recipe for Homemade Taco Seasoning made with chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, oregano, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper: https://www.plainchicken.com/homemade-taco-seasoning/
Can substitute a can or two of Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies for the salsa.
My favorite store-bought salsas are Mateo’s, Kyliot’s, Chi-Chi’s, and Trader Joe’s.
I use Velveeta cheese because it melts the best. You can substitute any cheese that you enjoy - cheddar cheese and Monterey jack, are good. Using a different cheese will change the texture of the dip. The other cheese doesn't melt as smooth.
If the dip is too thick, add some milk or beer until you get the desired consistency.
Can kick the dip up and add onion, peppers, jalapenos, green onions, cilantro.
Can cook the dip on the stovetop, in the microwave, oven, or in the slow cooker.
You can cook the meat ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to make the dip.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.