Instant Pot Sausage Queso Dip
Description
This Instant Pot Sausage Queso Dip is a creamy, cheesy, and zesty dip perfect for game day, parties, or any casual gathering. Made with savory sausage, melty cheese, and spicy tomatoes, it comes together in minutes using the Instant Pot’s sauté and pressure cooking functions. Serve it warm with tortilla chips, veggie sticks, or bread.
Ingredients
1 lb (450g) ground pork sausage (mild or spicy)
1 small onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (10 oz) can Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies), undrained
1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, cubed
2 cups (8 oz) shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup (8 oz) Velveeta cheese, cubed
1/2 cup milk (or more to adjust consistency)
1/2 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional toppings: diced jalapeños, chopped cilantro, green onions
Instructions
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 10 (about 1/4 cup per serving)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Sauté the Sausage
Turn the Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode.
Add the sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
Add onion and garlic and sauté for another 2-3 minutes until soft.
Turn off the sauté function.
2. Pressure Cook
Add Rotel, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
Close the lid, set valve to Sealing, and cook on Manual (High) Pressure for 4 minutes.
Quick release the pressure when the timer goes off.
3. Add the Cheese
Turn back to “Sauté” mode.
Stir in cream cheese, cheddar, Velveeta, and milk.
Stir frequently until all the cheese is fully melted and dip is smooth. Add more milk if needed to thin the dip.
4. Serve
Transfer to a bowl or keep warm in the Instant Pot on “Keep Warm”.
Top with jalapeños, cilantro, or green onions if desired.
Serve with tortilla chips or your favorite dippers.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
(Approximate, based on 10 servings)
Calories: 290
Protein: 13g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Carbohydrates: 4g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 610mg
Nutrition may vary depending on sausage type and cheese brands used.
FAQs (Questions & Answers)
Q1: Can I use ground beef or turkey instead of sausage?
A1: Yes! You can substitute the sausage with ground beef or turkey. Just season it to taste (add chili powder or taco seasoning for flavor).
Q2: Can I make this dip ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely. Store in the fridge up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or Instant Pot using the sauté function, adding a splash of milk to loosen it.
Q3: Can I freeze the queso dip?
A3: It’s not ideal, as the cheese can separate when reheated from frozen. For best results, consume fresh or refrigerated.
Q4: Is it too spicy?
A4: Not overly. Using mild Rotel and regular sausage keeps it mild. Use hot Rotel or spicy sausage for a kick. Add jalapeños if you like it hot.
Q5: Can I double the recipe?
A5: Yes, just make sure your Instant Pot (6 or 8 qt) has enough room. Cooking time stays the same.