Easy Rotel Dip
Rotel Dip is the ultimate cheesy appetizer, combining luscious Velveeta and savory ground beef. Serve this delicious dip with tortilla chips at your next party or game night and watch it disappear!
Try my Addictingly Delicious Hot Corn Dip and Super Tasty Cheesecake Dip next, if you want to try other easy dip recipes.
I don’t need a special occasion to make this Velveeta rotel dip. Whenever I want something hot and cheesy this snack is at the top of my list! Rotel dip makes the BEST nachos! Add this cheese dip on top of your Doritos, add your favorite toppings, and dinner is served.
Juicy bursts of tomato mingle with green chilies and perfectly seasoned beef, in a silky smooth cheese sauce. It is simple to make and everyone else loves it too so it is a win-win!
Why you will love Rotel Dip:
Easy to Prepare! With just a handful of ingredients and 20 minutes, you can make your own dip.
Customizable! Switch up the meat, add cheeses, or kick up the spice. You can make this recipe yours!
Great for Gatherings! This dish is perfect for hosting. Everyone can snack while they wait for dinner or watch the Super Bowl.
What is Rotel Dip?
Rotel dip is a hot cheese dip made with Rotel canned tomatoes, Velveeta cheese, and spices. My recipe is a bit more indulgent with seasoned ground beef and milk.
Ingredients for Rotel Dip Recipe
To make rotel cheese dip, you will need the following ingredients:
- Ground beef: This makes the dip hearty and savory.
- Velveeta: For the sake of convenience and consistency, I use Velveeta. It also tastes amazing which is a top priority too. You can use Nice n Melty from Walmart as a substitute.
- Milk: Use some milk to ensure the sauce doesn’t get too thick. It gives the dip a smooth consistency.
- Can of rotel: The original Rotel contains chopped tomatoes and green chilies. It’s not spicy but has a fresh, zesty taste that enhances the cheese dip.
- Seasoning: I keep the seasoning simple with chili powder and ground cumin.
- Cilantro: This is an optional ingredient but finely chopped cilantro adds a distinct freshness to the dip.
How to Make Rotel Dip
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned with no pink remaining. Drain the grease using a paper towel or strainer.
Cut the Velveeta into small squares (about 2” pieces) and add them to the skillet with the beef. Stir until the cheese starts to melt.
Pour in the milk and continue stirring constantly to prevent the cheese from sticking and burning. Add the undrained can of Rotel, along with the chili powder and ground cumin.
Stir well until everything is fully combined and the cheese is completely melted. If using cilantro, sprinkle it in now and stir it into the mixture.
Serve the dip with tortilla chips and enjoy!
Tips and Variations
- Instead of ground beef, you can use ground pork, turkey, or chicken. If you prefer a vegetarian dip, just omit the meat.
- Remember to drain the cooked beef to remove excess grease. Otherwise, your dip will be oily.
- If you want to make rotel dip without Velveeta, use other cheeses that are easy to melt down like cheddar, pepper jack cheese, or mozzarella. I suggest grating the cheese yourself because pre-shredded cheese tends to be grainy once it is melted. Some rotel recipes include cream cheese or sour cream to add richness and tang.
- Once the dip cools down, it thickens and becomes harder to manage. If you want to keep the dip warm for an extended time, place it in a slow cooker on a warm setting.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat the dip on the stove over medium-low heat. You may need to add a splash (about 1 tablespoon at a time) of milk to thin it out.
What to Serve with Rotel Dip?
My favorite thing to eat with rotel dip is tortilla chips but the possibilities are endless. Serve the dip with crackers, pretzels, or bread.
Try it with fresh veggies like celery and carrots. You can also use it as a sauce for fries, hot dogs, and burgers.
FAQ
More delicious side dishes you’ll love
- Easy and Delicious Cheesecake Protein Pudding
- Garlic Parmesan Stuffed Artichoke Recipe
- Super Tasty Creamy Lemon Aioli
- Super Simple Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa Recipe
Thanks for taking the time to try this recipe. If you love it, let me know by reaching out on Instagram or Facebook!
Ingredients
- 1 pound Ground beef
- 1/2 block Velveeta or nice n melty from Walmart
- 1/2 cup milk a little more if it’s too thick
- 1 Can of rotel
- 1 teaspoon Chili powder
- 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
- ¼ cup Cilantro finely chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until there is not any more pink. Drain all of the grease out (you can use a paper towel to get the grease out, or you can use a strainer).
- Cut up the velveeta into little squares (about 2” pieces). Add the cheese to the pan with the beef. Stir it around until it begins to melt.
- Add in the milk and continue to stir. Continue to stir, do not let the cheese stick to the bottom of the skillet or it will burn.
- Add in the can of rotel, undrained, and your seasonings and stir everything together until it is combined and the cheese is fully melted.
- If you are using cilantro, sprinkle it in now and stir it into the cheese mixture.
- Serve with your tortilla chips. And enjoy!
