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Cheesy Rotel Dip (Just 3 Ingredients!)

This easy, Cheesy Rotel Dip, with just 3 ingredients is an easy recipe for any party or gathering. Serve with chips or your favorite veggies.

close up of hand with chip dipping out rotel dip

What is Rotel Dip?

Only the easiest and yummiest cheese dip around! With only 3 ingredients, this recipe is an absolute crowd pleaser, especially on game day! I might even say it is the best dip out there.

Originating from “chili con queso” dip but much simpler. I use Velveeta cheese because it melts smoother and Rotel with the perfect balance of tomatoes and green chiles.

Don’t have Rotel? Use your favorite salsa! Check out this seafood version shrimp rotel dip.

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labeled picture of rotel dip ingredients in a pan with a spatula

Rotel Dip Ingredients

Velveeta – Don’t skip on this as it makes it super creamy!

Ground Beef – Feel free to use ground turkey or ground sausage.

Rotel – If you don’t have a can of Ro Tel, you can use a can of diced tomatoes and a can of chopped green chilies.

For more insider tips & tricks, and a candid behind the scenes look follow me on social media! Check use out on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, & Twitter (yes, people still use Twitter, LOL!)

Flavor Variations

  • Try cooking some onions with the ground beef before adding the rest of the ingredients.
  • Use ground sausage or ground turkey or a mixture of ground beef and sausage.
  • Add some Taco or Southwest seasoning while cooking the meat.
  • Top with fresh pico de gallo.
  • Add in finely diced jalapeño and/or garlic.
  • If you don’t have Rotel at home, substitute a can of diced tomatoes and a small can of green chiles.

How do you make Rotel Dip from scratch?

First: Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat until no longer pink. Drain.

Second: Add in the can of Rotel tomatoes and cubed Velveeta nto the browned ground beef.

Third: Stir until combine and fully melted. Enjoy warm with chips!

For the full recipe and detailed instructions, please refer to the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

For more insider tips & tricks, and a candid behind the scenes look follow me on social media! Check use out on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, & Twitter (yes, people still use Twitter, LOL!)

chip scooping out some cheese dip in a white bowl of cheesy beef dip topped with jalapenos with a tray of veggies in the background

Can I make it ahead of time?

You can prepare the Rotel dip in advance and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, remove from fridge and reheat on stove top or in the microwave.

I do not recommend freezing it. It’s so easy to make you don’t need to worry about planning that far ahead.

Want more dip recipes? Check out all of these! Like cocktail meatballs? Check out this list!

overhead picture of cheese dip in a pan with spatula in it and a napkin on the side

How to Make it in a Crockpot

  1. Brown the ground beef or sausage as you would in a skillet.
  2. Drain the excess fat.
  3. Transfer the meat to a crock pot and add the Rotel and Velveeta cheese. Stir to combine.
  4. Turn on low heat and allow to cook for about 30 minutes stirring often until totally melted and combined.
  5. Keep on warm setting while serving.
overhead picture of cheese dip topped with salsa in a pan with spatula in it and a napkin on the side and a tray of veggies

Tapas Tips & Tricks

  • Make it in an oven safe skillet. It retains the heat longer and keeps it the dip from hardening.
  • For a thicker dip, you can drain the Rotel before adding to the dip.
  • If you don’t have Rotel on hand, you can use salsa or pico de gallo.
  • Don’t want to use a loaf of processed cheese, try a block of cream cheese and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
  • To make the cheese melt easier with the Rotel, add one or two tablespoons of butter.
  • Serve warm in a skillet or transfer to a crock pot and keep on low.
  • Want even more flavor, use spicy sausage or add taco seasoning to the ground beef when cooking it.
  • Make it along with my 7 layer taco dip with ground beef or this refried bean dip!

If you love this recipe as much as I do, please write a five-star review in the comment section below (or on Pinterest with the “tried it” button – you can now add pictures into reviews, too!), and be sure to help me share on facebook!

pinterest image for rotel dip

This Rotel dip recipe is a the perfectly melted blend of cheese, zesty green chilis, hearty ground beef, and rich tomatoes. Make this easy recipe in the microwave, slow cooker, or stove top. Serve with your favorite salty tortilla chips or scoops while watching the big game!

recipe card picture of rotel dip

Rotel Dip

Rotel Dip is a quick & easy appetizer that takes a few minutes from start to finish. With only 3 ingredients, this crazy, cheesy dip recipe is an absolute crowd pleaser, especially on game day!
4.94 from 15 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Dips and Spreads
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 219kcal
Author: Jennifer Stewart

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 16 ounces Velveeta
  • 10 ounces Rotel

Instructions

  • Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until no longer pink.
  • Add in Rotel and Velveeta cubes.
  • Stir to combine.
  • Keep stirring until the cheese is fully melted.
  • Serve warm.
  • Enjoy!

Notes

  • Try cooking some onions with the ground beef before adding the rest of the ingredients.
  • Use ground sausage or ground turkey or a mixture of ground beef and sausage.
  • Add some Taco or Southwest Seasoning while cooking the meat.
  • Top with fresh Pico de Gallo.
  • Add in finely diced jalapeño and/or garlic.
  • If you don't have Rotel at home, substitute a can of diced tomatoes and a small can of green chiles.
  • Nutrition

    Serving: 1g | Calories: 219kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 64mg | Sodium: 689mg | Sugar: 3g
    pinterest collage of rotel dip

    ©TakeTwoTapas.com. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited.

    4.94 from 15 votes (14 ratings without comment)
    Recipe Rating




    Janelle

    Thursday 27th of April 2023

    Made this for a party last weekend and it was a huge hit. Definitely going to make it again!

    Vikki horn

    Wednesday 30th of November 2022

    Been wanting to know the recipe

    Jules

    Tuesday 4th of October 2022

    Such a delicious recipe!

    Michaela Kenkel

    Monday 6th of September 2021

    Such a classic! Every time I make this dip it's DEVOURED in no time!

    Carona Johnson

    Saturday 17th of July 2021

    Loved it will make it again