overhead shot of rotel dip with veggies
The classic recipe for Rotel Dip is a delicious smooth queso dip made with ground beef, Rotel, and Velveeta cheese. This cheese dip is ideal for a gathering!
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Rotel Dip is a mouth-watering smooth queso dip recipe with ground beef, Rotel, and Velveeta cheese! This cheese dip is the perfect party food to bring to the big game day!

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Rotel Dip with chips and veggies

What is Rotel Dip

I’m guessing that some of you are wondering what Rotel dip even is.

Rotel dip is a quick and easy recipe very similar to a queso dip or nacho cheese dip, and can be made with just three simple ingredients!

For those of you who don’t know what “Rotel” is- it’s just a can of diced tomatoes packed with a little heat (green chilies)!

Why we love Rotel Velveeta Dip

  • Rotel Dip is an easy 3-ingredient appetizer.
  • Great for parties and tailgates.
  • This dip comes together in under 20 minutes.
  • Delicious nacho cheese dip with ground beef and a little bit of a kick.
Rotel Dip dipping a chip

Rotel Dip Ingredients

  • 1 pound of ground beef
  • 1 can of Rotel tomatoes (10 oz) – Rotel tomatoes are petite diced tomatoes with spices and green chilis.
  • 1 box of Velveeta cheese (16 oz) – if you don’t have Velveeta cheese, you can substitute any type of processed cheese)
  • Salt and pepper to taste (OPTIONAL)
Rotel Dip Ingredients

Rotel Cheese Dip Substitutions

  • Meat: Sometimes I make this recipe with ground chicken or ground turkey instead of ground beef. I have also made this into a Rotel sausage dip by using ground hot sausage or spicy sausage.
  • Canned Rotel Tomatoes: If you don’t have a can of Rotel on you, you can also substitute a jar of salsa. You won’t get the exact same flavor, but it will be pretty close!
  • Spice: If you like a little heat in your dip, I suggest adding some additional green chiles!
  • Cheese: You can add an 8-ounce block of cream cheese if you want to make it extra creamy. If you don’t want to use Velveeta cheese, you can use a Mexican blend or cheddar cheese.

More Easy Dip Recipes

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How to Make Rotel Dip

  1. Grab a large pot and get it heated on the stove. Add the ground beef and let it brown on medium heat.
  2. When that’s done, dump in the whole can of Rotel tomatoes. Stir it up and then add in the Velveeta! I usually cut the Velveeta into chunks first so it melts faster, creating that gorgeous liquid gold queso dip we all know and love. (Cue the drooling!)
  3. Once the Velveeta is completely melted, your dip is ready!
  4. Serve warm along with your favorite dipping foods!
  5. At my house, tortilla chips are always our favorite go-to, but I also make sure to cut up plenty of veggies to serve alongside this dip too (carrots, celery, snap pea pods, etc.) Other favorites include pretzels, crackers, or any flavor of potato chips!
Rotel Dip with chips and veggies

How to make Rotel Dip in the Crockpot

Making this dip in your crock pot is easy and practical!

I love making this in my crock pot so I can keep it warm during parties or the big game!

  • To make it in the crockpot, just brown the ground hamburger meat in a frying pan then dump it in your slow cooker along with the can of Rotel tomatoes and the Velveeta cheese.
  • Let it sit on low heat until the cheese is completely melted and give it a stir to combine through.

Your guests won’t be able to get enough of this yummy dip!

Rotel Dip Recipe with Cream Cheese

If you are not a fan of Velveeta cheese, feel free to swap it out for an 8-ounce bar of cream cheese (use the full-fat version). I would recommend also adding in 1/4 – 1/2 cup cheddar cheese as well.

How to store Velveeta and Rotel Dip

  • In Fridge: Cover and store in your fridge for up to a week.
  • In Freezer: Store in an airtight container for up to three months.
Rotel Dip

Velveeta Rotel Dip FAQs

How do I make my Rotel dip thicker?

Whish together 1-2 tsps of flour or cornstarch with 1/2 cup of cold water. Stir it into the cheese sauce 1 tsp at a time. Simmer the dip for a few minutes to thicken until desired thickness is achieved.

How to make my dip thinner?

While your dip is still on the stove or in the crockpot, add in small amounts of milk over medium-low heat until you get the desired consistency you’re looking for.

What is the difference between Rotel and queso?

Rotel dip is basically a queso dip shortcut. By using a can of Rotel, it takes the labor out of making authentic queso. Part of making queso includes roasting, peeling, and chopping the chiles.
After that they need to be sauteed with tomatoes and onions and then mixed with cheeses! Carl Roettele, “Rotel”, perfected and canned this process! Thank you Carl for making our lives so much easier!

How long can you keep rotel dip in the refrigerator?

Keep dip in the refrigerator for 3-4 days in an airtight container.

More Easy Dips

Serve this delicious dip alongside our Sherbet Punch Recipe – also perfect to serve a big crowd!

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4.75 from 47 votes
overhead shot of rotel dip with veggies

Rotel Dip

Serves — 8
The classic recipe for Rotel Dip is a delicious smooth queso dip made with ground beef, Rotel, and Velveeta cheese. This cheese dip is ideal for a gathering!
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 10-ounce can Rotel tomatoes 10 oz
  • 1 16-ounce box Velveeta cheese 16 oz

Instructions
 

  • Place the ground beef in a large pot on the stove over medium heat. Brown the beef until no longer pink.
  • Cut the Velveeta into chunks (this will help it melt faster)
  • Add the whole can of Rotel tomatoes and stir in the Velveeta cheese. Stir frequently until the cheese is completely melted.
  • Transfer to a serving bowl and serve warm along with your favorite dipping foods!

Video

Nutrition Info

Calories: 78kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 35mg | Sodium: 39mg | Potassium: 196mg | Sugar: 1g | Calcium: 5mg | Iron: 1mg

Make your next party a success with this awesome Rotel dip recipe!

Jennifer Fishkind

About Jenn

Jenn is a mom to three beautiful boys, wife to an amazing husband, social influencer and blogger. I love all things easy recipes, easy crafts, all things hacks, traveling EVERYWHERE and feeding my Pinterest addiction!

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  1. 5 stars
    my parents made this dip every new years eve when I was growing up and I continue too! so, yes, I have tried this dip and I love it!!

  2. I like this recipe. It was very easy to follow. It was my first time making Rotel dip & I was impressed with how easy it was to make! I used ground turkey instead of beef. I used shredded mild cheddar rather Velveeta. I think next time I will try Velveeta it sharp cheddar to see the difference in taste.

  3. 5 stars
    I have made this for years! I have always used two cans of rotel, because I love the taste of it and it make the dip a little thinner too. There are so many different ways to make this, I’ve used a can of chili no beans that’s the best way to eat it in the fall. My next door neighbor smashes up a can of tamales and adds it to hers along with the rotel and uses corn chips for dipping and it’s very good too