Rotel Dip

Creamy, cheesy Rotel dip is incredibly easy to make with only 3 ingredients and 15 minutes on the stovetop! Pair with crisp tortilla chips or vegetables for a delicious appetizer ready in the snap of a finger.

  • Total 15 minutes
  • Serves 12 servings
  • Appetizer
  • American
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Rotel Dip in a skillet

Creamy, cheesy Rotel dip is incredibly easy to make with only 3 ingredients and 15 minutes on the stovetop! Pair with crisp tortilla chips or vegetables for a delicious appetizer ready in the snap of a finger.

skillet of Rotel Dip more

Why this recipe works

Rotel Dip is made with three simple ingredients. Ground beef, Velveeta cheese, and the star of the show – Rotel tomatoes with green chiles. Add the browned beef to a skillet with the cubed cheese and tomatoes and let it bubble and melt until it’s creamy and ready to scarf down. It’s that easy.

Dips are our go-to appetizer for every occasion. From buffalo chicken dip to crockpot cheese dip and everything in between, no one can seem to get enough! This cheesy Rotel dip fits snuggly into our arsenal of easy party dips that we make over and over again.

dipping chip into Rotel Dip

Ingredients you will need

Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable version at the end of this post.

ingredients for Rotel Dip

Ingredient Info and Substitution Suggestions

MEAT – We love ground beef in this recipe, but it also tastes delicious with hot/spicy ground sausage.

TOMATOES – You will need Rotel tomatoes for this recipe, just as the name states. We use the kind with green chiles, but feel free to substitute it with the kind that has habaneros if you like it spicy!

ADDITIONS – This dip leaves a ton of room for customization. If desired, you can add additional green chiles, diced jalapenos, or seasonings.

How to Make Rotel Dip

These step by step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with measurements and instructions at the bottom.

  1. In a large pan or skillet, fully cook ground beef on medium heat, and drain the fat.browned ground beef in a skillet
  2. Add in cubed Velveeta and can of Rotel and mix until melted.

    EXPERT TIP – If using a cast iron skillet you can lower the heat to medium-low for this step or stir constantly to ensure it does not stick.

    Rotel tomatoes, Velveeta cheese, and ground beef dip in a skillet
  3. Remove from heat and serve with tortilla chips.

Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips

Can I make Rotel dip in the crockpot?

Yes, absolutely. Brown the ground beef in a skillet then add it to a small crockpot with the Rotel tomatoes and cubed Velveeta cheese. Cook on low for 2 – 2 1/2 hours or until the Velveeta is completely melted, stirring every now and then. Once the dip is melted in the crockpot turn it down to the warm setting. Making Rotel dip in the slow cooker is perfect for transporting to parties or for keeping warm for long periods of time.

How do I store leftovers?

Rotel dip is best served right away because it hardens as it sits, but if you happen to have leftovers you can store it in an air-tight container kept in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat slowly on the stovetop, stirring often.

Can I add cream cheese to Rotel dip?

Yes, you can easily add cream cheese to this dip. Cube an 8-ounce block of cream cheese and add it in with the other ingredients in the skillet.

an of Rotel Dip with spoon

Serving Suggestions

Serve Rotel dip warm, right away for best results. As the dip sits, it begins to harden. Storing it in a crockpot on the warm setting is ideal if you are transporting it. Serve with tortilla chips, celery, carrot sticks, or crackers and garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Enjoy!

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