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This Rotel dip recipe is a classic creamy appetizer made with just a few ingredients. It is filled with cheese flavor, meat, and slightly spicy tomatoes, that makes it perfect for parties, game days, or any casual gathering that needs a fun dip.
Easy Rotel Dip Recipe
Rotel cheese dip made with Velveeta cheese, is easy to make and should be served warm with tortilla chips, crackers, or even veggie sticks made from carrots or celery. It can easily be customized with your favorite flavors making it a dip or spread that is full of flavor.
This cheese dip has such a creamy base and the tomatoes add a little pep and zing. This dip is not only easy to prepare but also convenient to keep warm by simply using a slow cooker while serving.
Ingredients You Will Need
ground beef- For those who enjoy a heartier dip, adding cooked ground meat enhances the texture and protein content.
Velveeta cheese- When melted, gives the smooth, creamy texture that makes Rotel Dip so addictive, along with it’s cheddar cheese flavor.
Rotel diced tomatoes and green chiles- The perfect balance of tomatoes and green chilies adds a tangy and mildly spicy flavor.
chili powder- simple spice that can add heat flavor to a recipe
Optional:
Salt and Pepper to Taste-Enhances the overall flavor.
Fresh Cilantro or Green Onions for Garnish (optional)-Adds a fresh, vibrant touch.
How to Make Rotel Dip
STEP 1. In a large skillet on the stove top, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, until browned. Once cooked, drain the excess fat.
STEP 2. Reduce heat to medium low, then add the chili powder, tomatoes, and cheese to the skillet.
STEP 3. Stir the ingredients together continuously until the cheese is fully melted and the dip is creamy.
STEP 4. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then transfer the Rotel dip to a small crock pot and keep on low so it can stay warm. Tip with cilantro, chopped jalapenos, or green onions for garnish.
STEP 5. Serve immediately with tortilla chips, crackers, sliced baguette, fresh vegetable sticks, or your favorite dippers.
Tips
- Keep the Juices: The liquid from the diced tomatoes enhances the dip’s consistency and adds flavor.
- Customize the Dip: For a thinner dip add ¼ cup of milk at a time until you reach your desired consistency. And feel free to add ingredients like black beans, jalapeños, or different spices to tailor the dip to your liking. Make it thicker by using two cans of diced tomatoes or add a cup of salsa for a queso flavored dip.
- Keep in Warm: Keep this dip in a slow cooker on low or simmer. This is the perfect way to serve it at a pot luck or for a small party.
- Ways to Use: This dip is also delicious as a topping for baked potatoes, quesadillas, burgers, and tacos.
Variations
- Spicy Rotel Dip Recipe: Make this dip a little extra spicy by stirring in chopped jalapenos, a teaspoon of hot sauce, or crushed red pepper flakes, taco seasoning, or even cayenne pepper.
- Vegetarian Dip Recipe: Omit the ground meat and add more vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or black beans. This version is perfect for those following a vegetarian diet without sacrificing flavor.
- Rotel Chicken Dip Recipe: Replace the ground beef with shredded cooked chicken. You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Creamy Dip: For an extra creamy dip, add a spoonful of sour cream, cream cheese, or Greek yogurt into the mixture.
- Swap the Group Beef: Change the recipe’s flavor by using ground turkey or use ground sausage.
- Optional Mix-ins: stir in black or refried beans, or corn for an extra thick dip.
FAQ’S
This Rotel dip recipe is a popular cheese dip made with Velveeta cheese (a processed cheese) and Rotel tomatoes (diced tomatoes with green chilies). It’s often served warm with tortilla chips or veggies for dipping.
Yes! You can prepare the dip ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To serve, reheat it in a microwave or on the stovetop, stirring occasionally until warm.
To keep Rotel Dip warm use a slow cooker set to the “low” or “keep warm” setting. Use a wooden spoon to occasionally stir the dip to prevent it from sticking to the sides of the slow cooker.
I don’t recommend freezing this dip. Once you remove it from the freezer and thaw the dip, the cheese isn’t as smooth and creamy.
Yes! You can substitute Velveeta with cream cheese, shredded cheddar, or Monterey Jack cheese. The consistency and flavor will be a bit different, but it will still be delicious.
Velveeta cheese and Rotel tomatoes are naturally gluten-free. If you need the recipe to remain gluten free, confirm any other ingredients you may add to the dip.
Unless it’s heated, this cheese should not be left out at room temperature for longer than two hours. If you do have leftovers that have been safely served, transfer to an airtight container and keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
More Appetizer Recipes
Rotel Dip Recipe
Equipment
- large skillet
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 16 ounces Velveeta Cheese
- 10 ounces Rotel diced tomatoes and green chiles
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
Optional: Salt and Pepper to taste. Fresh Cilantro, chopped jalapenos, or green onions for garnish
Instructions
- In a large skillet on the stove top, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, until browned. Once cooked, drain the excess fat.
- Reduce heat to medium low, then add the chili powder, tomatoes, and cheese to the skillet.
- Stir the ingredients together continuously until the cheese is fully melted and the dip is creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, then transfer the Rotel dip to a small crock pot and keep on low so it can stay warm. Tip with cilantro, chopped jalapenos, or green onions for garnish.
- Serve immediately with tortilla chips, crackers, sliced baguette, fresh vegetable sticks, or your favorite dippers.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
