The Best Rotel Dip Recipe

This cheesy Rotel dip comes together in just 15 minutes and can be made all in one pan! It’s loaded with taco-seasoned ground beef, flavorful Rotel tomatoes, and creamy Velveeta.

Easy Rotel Dip Recipe

• This Rotel dip with Velveeta is one of my favorite crowd-pleasing appetizers. And because it’s so easy to make, it will quickly become one of your favorites too!
• Whether you’re looking for something simple for a graduation party or a dipable appetizer for your next game-day party, this Rotel dip is it! The best part – besides the delicious flavors – is that it all comes together in one pan in just 15 minutes!

Ingredients for Rotel Dip

• Ground Beef: I like to use 85/15 or 90/10 ground beef for this recipe. If you use something with a higher fat content, you may want to drain some of the grease off after browning it so that it doesn’t make the dip greasy.
• Taco Seasoning: If you’re short on time, grab a packet of taco seasoning from the store! You can also use my homemade taco seasoning, my easy chili seasoning, or you can combine 3 teaspoons EACH chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder.
• Velveeta: I don’t use Velveeta often, but it’s a non-negotiable for this dip. The creamy Velveeta is what gives this Rotel dip recipe its signature cheesiness!
• Rotel Tomatoes: Don’t drain the Rotel tomatoes – add the entire can into the dip. Rotel tomatoes are a combination of diced tomatoes and green chilies. You can substitute with canned diced tomatoes and canned diced green chilies or jalapenos in place of Rotel tomatoes. Fire-roasted tomatoes would be a delicious substitute as well.
• Sour Cream: I’ve made this recipe both ways – with sour cream and without – and I actually prefer it with! The sour cream adds a delicious tang and also makes the dip a little creamier. If you don’t have sour cream, try 2-4 ounces of cream cheese or a couple splashes of heavy cream.

How to Make Rotel Dip

Brown ground beef in a large cast iron pan. Stir in taco seasoning.

Add cubed Velveeta and the entire can of Rotel tomatoes (DON’T DRAIN!).

Reduce heat to medium-low and cook, stirring occasionally, until the cheese is melted and the dip is smooth and creamy. If using sour cream, let the dip sit for a couple minutes off the heat, stir in sour cream. Season to taste with salt and pepper. 

Garnish with diced tomatoes, fresh chopped cilantro, and sliced green onion, and serve with tortilla chips!

Tips for Making the Best Velveeta Rotel Dip

• Cook the dip over medium-low heat and don’t overcook it. If the Velveeta is warmed too quickly over high heat it may end up grainy and if it cooks too long it will get thick.
• If you’re going to keep the dip warm in a crock pot just keep it on the low or warm setting.
• Add whatever you want to this dip! Black beans, pinto beans, and canned diced jalapenos are some of my favorite add-ins for this Rotel dip.
• You can also switch up the protein and use ground pork or chorizo instead.
• Add your favorite seasoning. Taco seasoning and chili seasoning are two of my go-to’s but this recipe is so versatile, you can really use whatever you’d like. If you like it hot, add a couple pinches of cayenne pepper.
• Tortilla chips are my favorite dippers for this Rotel dip but you can switch it up and serve it alongside pretzels, fresh veggies, or crackers.

FAQ

What is Rotel dip made of?

This easy one-pan Rotel dip is made with Rotel tomatoes, Velveeta cheese, and taco-seasoned ground beef. That’s it! Simple ingredients and just 15 minutes to make!

Does cream cheese go in Rotel dip?

Traditionally, cream cheese is not added to Rotel dip. However, it can be a delicious, creamy addition! Sour cream or heavy cream can also make your Rotel a little extra creamy.

Are queso and Rotel the same thing?

In my mind queso is made with melted cheese combined with some type of canned diced tomatoes or salsa. While Rotel dip is made with those same ingredients plus the delicious addition of seasoned ground beef. However, I think there’s some room for debate on this one!

Crock Pot Instructions for Rotel Dip

This recipe is super easy to make in the crock pot!

• Make the taco seasoned beef according to recipe instructions, then add the cooked beef, Rotel tomatoes, and Velveeta to a medium crock pot.
• Cook on low for 2 hours or on high for 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until the Velveeta has melted.
• Mix well until smooth and creamy. Stir in sour cream if using.
• Season to taste with salt and pepper and serve with tortilla chips!
• Keep the crock pot on low or warm while serving.

Make Rotel Dip Ahead of Time

One of my favorite things about this dip is that you can prep the ingredients ahead of time and then heat it up just before you eat. Or you can cook it entirely ahead of time and then reheat it when it’s time to serve! See the instructions above for warming it up in a crock pot or just warm it on the stove over low or medium-low heat.

Storing Leftover Rotel Dip

Store leftover Rotel dip in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

Reheating Rotel Dip

Reheat Rotel dip on the stove in a saucepan over low or medium-low heat until warmed through. The dip will thicken as it sits so you may want to add a splash of heavy cream, half and half, milk, or sour cream to loosen it up a bit. Season to taste with salt and pepper before serving.

Try these easy dip recipes next!

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