If you are craving something hearty, flavorful, and satisfying, then you are going to absolutely fall in love with this Mexican Slow Cooker Steak Bites with Queso and Green Chiles Recipe. This dish brings together tender, melt-in-your-mouth steak bites slow-cooked to perfection and smothered in a rich, creamy queso infused with the subtle kick of green chiles. It’s the ultimate comfort food that’s so simple to prepare yet packed with layers of bold, authentic Mexican flavors that will have everyone asking for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right mix of ingredients for this dish is a breeze, but each one plays a vital role in building the perfect combination of taste, texture, and color. From the hearty steak to the creamy queso and spicy green chiles, these essentials come together in mouthwatering harmony.
- 2 ½-3 lbs. steak (chuck roast or stew beef, cut into bite-size pieces): The star of the dish, providing tender, juicy meat that soaks up all the flavors during slow cooking.
- 1 tsp onion (dried minced or onion powder): Adds a subtle sweetness and aromatic backbone to enhance the beef.
- 1-2 cloves garlic (minced): Offers a fresh, pungent punch that complements the savory elements.
- 1 1 oz. envelope taco seasoning: Brings in authentic Mexican spices for a warm, well-balanced zest.
- 4 Tbsp butter: Melts into the meat for richness and a silky texture.
- ¼ cup water: Helps keep the beef moist and tender throughout its slow cook.
- 16 oz. white queso Velveeta cheese: Creates a creamy, dreamy sauce perfect for dipping that ties the whole dish together.
- 1 10-oz. can tomatoes with green chiles (drained): Adds just the right amount of mild heat and freshness to the queso dip.
How to Make Mexican Slow Cooker Steak Bites with Queso and Green Chiles Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Slow Cook the Steak
Start by combining your bite-size steak pieces with minced garlic, onion, and taco seasoning in a large bowl. Give everything a good stir until all the meat is evenly coated with those incredible spices. Then, place the seasoned beef in the bottom of your slow cooker, add the water, and top everything with generous pats of butter. This slow cooking process on low for 4-6 hours—or on high for 4 hours—allows the steak to transform into tender, flavor-packed bites that are just about irresistible.
Step 2: Prepare the Queso Sauce
Once your steak is perfectly cooked, it’s time to create that luscious queso everyone will be dipping into. In a medium saucepan, combine the Velveeta cheese with the drained tomatoes and green chiles. Warm this mixture over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until the cheese melts completely and the chiles infuse the sauce with their subtle heat. This velvety queso perfectly complements the juicy steak bites and adds a creamy richness you can’t get enough of.
Step 3: Serve and Enjoy
Using a slotted spoon, carefully remove the steak bites from the slow cooker and plate them. Pour the warm queso into a serving bowl or even directly over the meat for a more indulgent approach. Whether you dip or smother your steak bites, you’re in for a flavorful, satisfying experience that’s sure to impress.
How to Serve Mexican Slow Cooker Steak Bites with Queso and Green Chiles Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate this dish even further, sprinkle fresh cilantro or chopped green onions on top for a pop of color and fresh herbal brightness. A squeeze of fresh lime juice can add a refreshing tang that balances the richness beautifully. If you’re feeling adventurous, adding a few sliced jalapeños will amp up the heat in the best way possible.
Side Dishes
These steak bites shine on their own but shine even brighter alongside classic Mexican sides like warm flour or corn tortillas, Spanish rice, and refried beans. A crisp green salad with avocado and a zesty lime dressing can lighten the plate and provide a fresh contrast. For a more indulgent side, try some crispy tortilla chips perfect for dipping in any leftover queso.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress at your next gathering? Serve the steak bites and queso family-style in a large, rustic dish to encourage sharing and conversation. Alternatively, assemble build-your-own taco stations with all the toppings so everyone can customize their bite. You can also stuff the steak and queso mixture into baked potatoes, or use it as a filling for loaded nachos. The possibilities with this Mexican Slow Cooker Steak Bites with Queso and Green Chiles Recipe are endless and fun!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store leftover steak bites and queso in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 3 days, making it easy to enjoy this dish again without extra effort. Keeping them separate helps maintain the best texture and flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked steak bites in an airtight container for up to 3 months. For best results, freeze the queso sauce separately in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently to preserve that creamy, perfect consistency.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the steak bites in a skillet or microwave until heated through. Gently reheat the queso over low heat on the stove, stirring frequently, to bring back that silky texture. Mixing them together before serving recreates the fresh, delightfully rich experience of the original dish.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! While chuck roast and stew beef are recommended for their tenderness after slow cooking, you can also use other cuts as long as they’re cut into bite-sized pieces and suitable for slow cooking. Just keep in mind that tougher cuts benefit most from the long cooking time.
Is this recipe spicy?
The recipe has a mild heat level thanks to the green chiles and taco seasoning. If you prefer more spice, you can increase the amount of chiles or add jalapeños. Conversely, feel free to tone down the heat for a milder version that’s kid-friendly.
Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot instead of a slow cooker?
Yes! Use the sauté function to brown the beef and then switch to pressure cook for about 45 minutes to 1 hour depending on the size of your steak pieces. Follow the same steps for preparing the queso.
What can I serve if someone is dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, substitute the Velveeta with a dairy-free cheese alternative that melts well, and swap the butter for olive oil or a plant-based option. The flavor will still be delicious, though the texture of the queso might vary.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
You can replace the steak bites with hearty vegetables like mushrooms, cauliflower, or even jackfruit. Use the same spices and cooking methods to build similar flavors with a plant-based twist. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly as vegetables won’t need as long.
Final Thoughts
This Mexican Slow Cooker Steak Bites with Queso and Green Chiles Recipe is truly a game-changer for anyone looking to impress with minimal effort and maximum flavor. It’s warm, comforting, and brings a fantastic mix of textures and tastes to your table every time. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience that perfect melt-in-your-mouth steak paired with creamy, spicy queso. Trust me, this recipe will quickly become one of your favorites to make again and again!
Print
Mexican Slow Cooker Steak Bites with Queso and Green Chiles Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-6 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes to 6 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
These Mexican Steak Bites are tender, flavorful chunks of beef slow-cooked to perfection with garlic, onion, and taco seasoning, served with a creamy white queso dip made from Velveeta cheese and tomatoes with green chiles. Perfect for a party appetizer or a delicious snack.
Ingredients
Steak Bites
- 2 ½–3 lbs. steak (chuck roast or stew beef, cut into bite-size pieces)
- 1 tsp onion (dried minced or onion powder)
- 1–2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 1 oz. envelope taco seasoning
- 4 Tbsp butter
- ¼ cup water
Queso Dip
- 16 oz. white queso Velveeta cheese
- 1 10-oz. can tomatoes with green chiles (drained)
Instructions
- Prepare the beef: In a large bowl, combine the bite-sized steak pieces with minced garlic, dried onion, and taco seasoning. Stir well to evenly coat the meat with the seasonings.
- Slow cook the steak: Place the seasoned beef into the bottom of your slow cooker. Add ¼ cup of water and top with 4 tablespoons of butter. Cover and slow cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 4 hours, until the meat is tender and flavorful.
- Make the queso dip: When the steak bites are ready to serve, heat the Velveeta cheese and drained tomatoes with green chiles in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir continuously until the cheese is fully melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Serve: Using a slotted spoon, remove the tender steak bites from the slow cooker. Serve them warm alongside the creamy queso dip for dipping. Enjoy your flavorful Mexican Steak Bites!
Notes
- Chuck roast or stew beef works best for tender results after slow cooking.
- If you prefer a spicier dip, add extra diced green chiles or a dash of hot sauce to the queso.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- You can substitute Velveeta with another melting cheese, but Velveeta gives the smoothest texture.
