Rotel Dip is a delicious hot queso dip made from ground beef, Velveeta, petite diced tomatoes with green chiles, and spices. This quick and easy cheese dip recipe is perfect as an appetizer or for game day!
Rotel Cheese Dip With Ground Beef
This queso dip with ground beef takes only minutes to prepare and is always a crowd favorite! I’m always torn between serving this and our popular White Queso Dip, they’re both amazing options so it’s hard to go wrong.
This dip is loaded with ground beef, is totally cheesy, and is loaded with flavor from the RO-TEL and a few spices.
It doesn’t really need any toppings, but it tastes great topped with some diced green onions or a little fresh Pico de Gallo.
If you’re looking for the perfect game day spread, try serving this cheesy dip with tortilla chips, these Dry Rub Chicken Wings, hot dogs loaded with Hot Dog Chili, and these delicious loaded BBQ Chicken Nachos.
Velveeta Cheese Dip
Velveeta is the best cheese to use for Rotel dip. The way it’s processed allows it melt beautifully to a texture that’s absolutely perfect for dipping. It will solidify after it cools, so it’s important to serve this dip warm.
What Is Rotel Dip Made Of?
Cheese: I love using Velveeta for this recipe because the results are so consistent and so delicious. I wouldn’t recommend swapping it for shredded cheeses or cream cheese. The texture just won’t be as creamy and dippable.
RO-TEL: RO-TEL is a combination of canned petite diced tomatoes with green chilies. It adds just the right amount of spice and flavor to this dish. If you don’t have any, you could replace it with a combination of canned diced tomatoes and a bit of diced pickled jalapenos.
Meat: I like to use browned ground beef as the meat in this recipe, but you could also use ground turkey, Jimmy Dean sausage, hot Italian pork sausage, chorizo, crumbled bacon, or shredded rotisserie chicken.
Spices: We’re making an easy homemade taco seasoning blend with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, chili powder, and ground cumin. You could also replace this with some store bought taco seasoning if you’d prefer.
How To Make Rotel Dip
Start by heating a large nonstick skillet on the stove, then brown the ground beef in the skillet. Drain off any excess fat, then add the spices. You could also use the “Saute” mode on an Instant Pot to make this recipe. (See the recipe card below for the full printable instructions.)
Stir in the spices, then add in the cubed Velveeta and the RO-TEL.
Stir frequently while heating until the Velveeta has melted. See the recipe card below for the full written instructions, including ingredient amounts, cooking times, and helpful tips, etc.
Are You Supposed To Drain RO-TEL?
No. There’s so much flavor in the RO-TEL liquid, which adds so much to this appetizer. The extra liquid also helps create the perfect texture that’s easy to dip chips into.
How Long Will It Last?
It should last for about 3-4 days in the fridge if it’s stored in an airtight container. You can microwave it to reheat it.
Optional Adaptations
To make a vegetarian version, try replacing the ground beef with drained canned corn and drained canned black beans.
If you like extra spice, you could add in some diced pickled jalapenos and some pickled jalapeno juice.
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BEST Rotel Dip Recipe
Rotel Dip is a delicious hot queso dip made from ground beef, Velveeta, petite diced tomatoes with green chiles, and spices.
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1/2 Tablespoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
- 1 (10 ounce) can RO-TEL Original Diced Tomatoes and Green Chilies (undrained)
- 1 (16 ounce) package Velveeta Original Processed Cheese (cut into 1/2” cubes)
Instructions
- Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the ground beef. Continue cooking until the beef is browned and cooked through (about 5 minutes).
- Once the ground beef is cooked, drain off any excess fat, then return the skillet to the stove. Sprinkle the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, fine sea salt, ground black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes over the ground beef. Stir to coat.
- Add the RO-TEL and the cubed Velveeta to the skillet, and stir to combine. Stir frequently until the Velveeta has melted.
- Garnish with pico de gallo and serve with tortilla chips.
Nutrition Information:
Serving Size:
1/12Amount Per Serving: Calories: 201Total Fat: 12.1gCarbohydrates: 5.2gFiber: 0.5gSugar: 4.6gProtein: 17.1g
Nutrition information isn’t always accurate.
This stove top Rotel dip is the best crowd pleasing appetizer!
