Rotel Dip

Tired of the same old appetizers? This Rotel Dip is a game-changer. With its creamy texture and addictive flavor, this dip is a guaranteed hit that will have your guests coming back for more.

This dip recipe has tons of cheesy goodness, ground beef, and a can of rotel tomatoes. That’s right, you only need three ingredients! It’s one of my favorite appetizer recipes because it’s so easy to make and is always a hit. I love to serve it with chips, pretzels or crackers.

If you love cheese dip, you are going to love this easy dip recipe! It’s a Tex-Mex dip that’s great for parties, potlucks, game-day, or any old night you want a warm and cheesy dip. Pair it with other appetizer favorites like baked chicken wings for the best game day spread. You’re gonna love it!

You Will Love This Easy Rotel Dip Recipe!

• This is a recipe to have on hand when you need a last-minute snack or appetizer — it’s ready in 20 minutes!
• In case you missed it, you only need three simple ingredients — cheese, ground beef, and a can of rotel.
• This dip has the best creamy cheese texture because we’re using Velveeta. It melts great and doesn’t seize up as it cools like other types of cheese. This means your dip stays smooth so you can scrape up every last cheesy drop!

Ingredients for Rotel Dip

• Ground beef – I like to use lean ground beef so there’s less grease to drain off when you brown it. You can also use ground turkey! For extra extra flavor, add some taco seasoning to your ground beef.
• Rotel – If you’ve never used rotel, it’s canned diced tomatoes with diced green chiles. You can usually find it in mild and spicy versions so you can make your dip as hot as you want.
• Velveeta – I like to cut it into cubes so that it melts faster.

Optional extras: Feel free to add garnishes like chopped cilantro, green onions, or red onions when you serve the dip!

How to Make Rotel Dip

There are seriously only two steps to making this delicious dip. Here’s how to do it:

1. Brown the ground beef in a large skillet and then drain off the excess grease.
2. Add the Rotel and cubed Velveeta cheese to the cooked ground beef and stir until the cheese is melted.
3. Serve and enjoy!

Serving Tips

If you’re making it for a party or potluck, transfer the dip to a slow cooker. Set the slow cooker to warm to keep the dip nice and hot!

We love this rotel cheese dip with tortilla chips, pita chips, and crackers! It’s also great with veggie sticks like celery, carrots, and sliced bell peppers.

Rotel Dip with Cream Cheese

Another way to make this dip is to skipped the processed cheese (aka Velveeta cheese) and use cream cheese instead.

Instead of the Velveeta use an 8 ounce package of cream cheese. If you need to thin out the dip, add a little milk after the cream cheese melts. This dip will be more similar to our sausage dip!

Can you use cheddar cheese instead of Velveeta?

I don’t recommend using cheddar cheese for this dip it does not melt as well as Velveeta cheese and your dip won’t be smooth and creamy. Processed cheese is the way to go! If you want a real cheese dip, then check out my recipe for white queso or queso dip.

What can I use in place of rotel?

You can use the same amount of salsa. I recommend a chunky-style red salsa that’s not too runny. It will have a slightly different flavor, but it’s still delicious! A can of diced tomatoes and a can of green chilies will work too.

Are you supposed to drain Rotel?

You don’t need to drain it for this recipe. Just add it all to the browned beef.

Can I Make Rotel Dip in the Crock Pot?

Yes you can! It makes it super easy to keep warm during your party or bring to the party. Add your browned hamburger to the Crock Pot, plus your Rotel tomatoes and cheese. We usually cube up the cheese before adding it. A mini crockpot will work great for this.

Cook it on low for 2-3 hours in the slow cooker and stir it occasionally until it’s melted. When it’s melted turn the crock pot to warm so the cheese dip doesn’t burn.

Storage Tips

• Store rotel dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to three days and reheats well in the microwave or on the stovetop.
• You can also freeze it! Allow the dip to cool to room temperature and then store it in a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to three months in the freezer.

This is seriously the best party dip – everyone loves it! Make a batch soon and you’ll see – there won’t be a drop left in the bowl. Enjoy!

Rotel dip is a go-to for so many different reasons! This classic will always be delicious.

More Hot Dip Recipes

• Buffalo Chicken Dip is always a crowd pleaser! Plus, you can use your crockpot or oven to make it.
• Cream Cheese Sausage Dip is another easy one I love to make – it only has four ingredients!
• Jalapeno Popper Dip has all the flavors from poppers but as a scoopable dip instead!
• Queso Dip is another fabulous cheese dip recipe to add to taco night.