1. Start by browning the ground beef or sausage in a skillet over medium heat. Make sure it’s cooked through, then drain any excess grease. This step can be skipped if you prefer a vegetarian version.
2. Plug in your trusty crockpot. This little kitchen helper is about to save you a ton of time and effort.
3. Add the cubed Velveeta cheese, Rotel tomatoes, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and cumin into the crockpot. Stir everything together to combine.
4. If using, add the cooked meat and diced jalapeño to the mixture. Give it another good stir.
5. Set your crockpot to low and let it work its magic for about 2-3 hours. Stir occasionally to prevent any sticking or burning around the edges.
6. Once the cheese is fully melted and everything is creamy and well combined, it’s ready to serve. Stir in fresh cilantro just before serving for a pop of color and freshness.

Remember, this is your kitchen, your rules. Don’t stress the small stuff. If you peek in and think it needs more spice or cheese, go ahead and add it. Cooking should be fun and forgiving, just like those messy counters I’m all too familiar with.