This easy Rotel Dip is made with ground beef, Velveeta cheese, Rotel tomatoes and taco seasoning. It’s creamy, cheesy and packed with flavor, with just 5 minutes of prep. Serve it warm with tortilla chips for an easy party appetizer or game day snack.
Whenever we need a quick appetizer for game day, movie night or a family gathering, this Rotel Dip recipe is always a favorite. The combination of seasoned ground beef, melted Velveeta and tomatoes with green chilies makes a hearty cheese dip that everyone loves.
The best part is how simple it is to make! Everything comes together in one skillet in about 15 minutes, and you can transfer it to a slow cooker to keep it warm for serving. If you love easy cheesy appetizers, try my Cheesy Hamburger Dip or Skillet Mexican Corn Dip next.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Only 4 main ingredients. Ground beef, taco seasoning, Velveeta and Rotel, plus a little water.
- Quick and easy. This dip comes together in about 15 minutes using one skillet.
- Creamy and cheesy. Velveeta melts into a smooth cheese sauce with seasoned beef and tomatoes.
- Perfect for parties. Serve it with tortilla chips and keep it warm in the slow cooker.
What Is Rotel Dip?
Rotel Dip is a warm cheese dip made with Velveeta and Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies. This version also includes seasoned ground beef, making it extra hearty and flavorful. It’s similar to queso dip and is perfect for scooping up with tortilla chips.
Ingredients Needed
You only need four main ingredients and water to make this easy Rotel cheese dip. The exact measurements are in the recipe card below.
- Ground beef: I like using lean ground beef to keep the dip from becoming too greasy.
- Taco seasoning: A packet of taco seasoning adds plenty of flavor to the beef.
- Velveeta cheese: Use 16 ounces, cut into cubes so it melts evenly into a creamy cheese sauce.
- Rotel tomatoes: One 10 ounce can of diced tomatoes and green chilies. Don’t drain the liquid.
- Water: Just ¼ cup to mix with the taco seasoning and ground beef.
How to Make Rotel Dip
This easy Rotel Dip recipe comes together in one skillet in just a few steps.
- Brown the beef. Cook and crumble the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until fully browned. Drain any excess grease.
- Season the beef. Stir in the taco seasoning and ¼ cup of water until combined.
- Melt the cheese. Add the cubed Velveeta and stir frequently until completely melted and creamy.
- Add the Rotel. Pour in the entire can of Rotel, including the liquid, and stir until everything is combined.
- Serve. Enjoy immediately with tortilla chips or transfer to a slow cooker set to warm.
Tips and Variations
- Cube the cheese. Cutting Velveeta into smaller pieces helps it melt more evenly.
- Drain the beef. Remove excess grease before adding the cheese so the dip stays creamy.
- Don’t drain the Rotel. The liquid helps give the dip its consistency and adds flavor.
- Adjust the spice. Use mild Rotel for less heat or a hotter variety if you like a spicier dip.
- Try another meat. Ground turkey, ground chicken or crumbled sausage can be used instead of beef.
- Add cream cheese. For an extra-rich dip, stir in some cubed cream cheese along with the Velveeta.
Can You Make Rotel Dip in the Crockpot?
Yes! Brown the ground beef and drain the grease, then add it to your slow cooker with the taco seasoning, water, cubed Velveeta and Rotel. Cook on low for 2–3 hours, stirring occasionally, until the cheese is melted and the dip is smooth.
Once everything is heated through, switch the slow cooker to the warm setting for serving.
What To Serve With Rotel Dip
Tortilla chips are my favorite way to serve this cheesy ground beef dip, but there are plenty of other delicious options.
- Tortilla chips: Regular tortilla chips, blue corn chips or Fritos Scoops.
- Crackers and pretzels: Great for scooping up the thick, cheesy dip.
- Fresh vegetables: Bell pepper strips and other sturdy vegetables are good dipping options.
- Mexican favorites: Spoon some over nachos or use it as a cheesy topping for tacos and burritos.
For parties, I like serving the dip warm in a slow cooker with a big bowl of tortilla chips nearby.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store leftover Rotel Dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm it in a saucepan, stirring frequently, or microwave individual portions in 30-second intervals until heated through.
- Freezing: I don’t recommend freezing this dip because the texture of the cheese sauce can change after thawing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. You can prepare the dip ahead and refrigerate it until you’re ready to serve. Reheat it gently, stirring until smooth, then transfer it to a slow cooker to keep warm for your gathering.
Original Rotel has a little heat from the green chilies, but it’s not overly spicy. For a milder dip, use mild Rotel. If you prefer more heat, choose a hotter variety.
Rotel Dip Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 ounce taco seasoning packet
- 1/4 cup water
- 16 ounces Velveeta cheese cubed
- 10 ounce Rotel tomatoes
Instructions
- Crumble the ground beef into a large skillet and cook over medium heat until fully browned. Drain off the grease.
- Add the taco seasoning and ¼ cup of water to the ground beef and stir to combine.
- Add the cubed Velveeta and stir often until fully melted and combined with the ground beef.
- Add the Ro*Tel (do not drain) to the skillet and stir well.
- Serve immediately or transfer to a slow cooker set to warm.
Last Step:
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Nutrition
More Easy Dip Recipes
If you’re planning a party or game day spread, here are a few more favorite dips to try:
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