This Rotel dip is a blend of cheese, zesty tomatoes, chiles and ground beef, all melted to gooey perfection. This easy dip has just a handful of ingredients and can be made on the stove top or in the slow cooker.
You can never go wrong with a hot cheese dip for a party, I always find myself making white queso dip, pepperoni pizza dip and this fabulous Rotel dip. It’s loaded with plenty of meat and cheese and pairs perfectly with tortilla chips.
Rotel dip is a classic recipe that never goes out of style. I’ve taken the traditional recipe and given it a meaty twist for an end result that’s even better!
How do you make Rotel dip?
This recipe starts with ground beef, which is cooked in a skillet with taco seasoning. Velveeta cheese and a can of Rotel tomatoes also go into the skillet. Cook everything together until the cheese is melted. Add a garnish of fresh diced tomatoes and cilantro and you’ll be ready to eat!
What is in a can of Rotel?
Rotel tomatoes are canned diced tomatoes combined with green chiles. You can purchase Rotel varieties that are hot or mild on the spice scale. I typically use mild Rotel because my kids prefer it, but if you like heat, go for the hot Rotel tomatoes.
Tips for Rotel dip
- Do not drain your Rotel tomatoes – the liquid from the can helps to keep the dip at the perfect consistency!
- This dip is best served immediately after it’s made so that the cheese doesn’t harden. If you find the cheese starting to harden, you can place your skillet of dip over medium heat on the stove to melt everything back together.
- This dip is great when served with tortilla chips. Other dipper options include vegetables, corn or flour tortillas, pretzels or breadsticks.
Rotel dip variations
While I love this recipe as written, sometimes I add extra ingredients to change things up a bit.
- Meat: Swap out the ground beef for diced cooked chicken or cooked chorizo.
- Cheese: Add some shredded cheese to the mix such as cheddar or pepper jack.
- Toppings: Top your dip with sour cream, olives, avocado or pickled jalapeno slices.
- Spicy: Add diced pickled jalapenos or minced canned chipotle peppers to the dip.
Slow cooker Rotel dip
Rotel dip can easily be made in the slow cooker. Simply brown your beef with the taco seasoning, then add it to a slow cooker along with the Velveeta cheese and Rotel tomatoes. Cook on low for 2-3 hours, then stir until smooth. Turn the crock pot to the warm setting and serve.
Can you make Rotel dip in advance?
You can make this dip in advance, then reheat it on the stove top when you’re ready to serve it. I recommend making this dip no more than 24 hours before you plan to serve it. Add the fresh tomatoes and cilantro right before serving.
This dip is the perfect game day snack, an awesome addition to taco night or a great snack for a party. It’s simple, yet totally satisfying and is always completely eaten by the end of the night!
More great dip recipes
Rotel Dip with Beef
Ingredients
- 3/4 pound ground beef I use 90% lean
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 10 ounce can Rotel tomatoes do not drain
- 16 ounces Velveeta cheese cut into cubes
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons cilantro leaves chopped
Instructions
- Place a large pan over medium high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 5-6 minutes, breaking up with a spatula.
- Stir in the taco seasoning and cook for another 2-3 minutes or until meat is cooked through.
- Add the Rotel tomatoes and Velveeta to the pan. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cheese is melted.
- Top the dip with tomatoes and cilantro, then serve with tortilla chips.
could queso cheese be substituted for velveeta?
Like the jarred kind?
Is there a different cheese you can use we are not fans of Velveeta?
I made your White Queso Dip and it was delicious. Next time I will add spicy sausage, if you think that would work.
You can use American cheese instead of Velveeta!
Taste great & easy to make.A hit on game day.One of our favorite dip for years.
I was just looking for recipes for nacho cheese dip and Google brought this page up. And I have to admit the main reason I clicked on the link was the name of your site…Dinner At the Zoo. I don’t know why but I laughed out loud. That is such a terrific and imaginative name! I’m gonna have to look around this place. ; )
I stopped in a few months ago due to the name as well. Now when I Google a recipe and see the name I go straight to it. (if I come to the site first I end up looking at EVERYTHING and lose track of what I’m supposed to be doing 😂). Stick around!
Hi- could I make this the day before and reheat in crockpot day of? Thank you!
Yes that should be fine!
You dont drain the ground beef or put water with the taco seasoning?
I use 90% lean beef which typically doesn’t need to be drained. If you use meat with a higher fat content you’ll want to drain the grease. I don’t add water since the meat ends up being mixed with other wet ingredients.
Hi, I plan to make this in my crockpot but I could not find rotel tomatoes. I can roasted diced tomatoes and diced green Chile’s in a can..do you think that will work? Thanks
Yes that will work!
Seriously perfect for a party!
This dip is a must for a game day! It always disappears fast!
This is such a great party dip, there are never any leftovers!
One of the best and flavorful party dips!
We make this every gameday and it’s always a hit! It’s usually the first dip to disappear.
YUM!!! I love this delicious version!!!
How amazing this dip looks. So perfect for the game night dinner!
Such a quick and easy dip to make when you need something fast!
This has been and always will be my go-to tailgating, watch party, last-minute party dip! It’s always a hit and I leave with an empty bowl.
Soooo yummy, I could eat that whole thing myself!
LOVED this dip! Made this for a potluck and it was a huge hit! Looking forward to making this again and again! So yummy and easy too!