The BEST Rotel Dip Recipe! 3 Ingredients & Ready in Under 20 Minutes! (2024)

The BEST Rotel Dip Recipe! 3 Ingredients & Ready in Under 20 Minutes! (1)

A creamy cheese dip using only 3-ingredients! A party favorite!

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Our Rotel Dip combines the bold flavors of ground beef, Rotel tomatoes, and creamy Velveeta. This dip is a surefire hit for any party. Just 3 ingredients and quick to prepare, it’s a versatile dip that’s as perfect for chips as it is for veggies.

The BEST Rotel Dip Recipe! 3 Ingredients & Ready in Under 20 Minutes! (2)

Why we love Rotel Dip

Rotel Dip is all about easy cooking and big flavors. Just three ingredients – ground beef, Rotel, and Velveeta cheese – and you’ve got a no-fuss, tasty dip that’s perfect for any kitchen skill level. It’s the ideal go-to for a quick snack or greeting surprise guests.

What’s great about this dip is how versatile it is. It’s more than just a dip; it’s awesome in tacos, burritos, or even as a cheesy topping for potatoes. This dip fits in just about anywhere, making it a real crowd-pleaser.

And let’s talk taste – it’s amazing. The creamy Velveeta, spicy Rotel tomatoes, and hearty beef come together for a perfect mix of creamy, tangy, and savory. It’s this killer flavor combo that makes Rotel Dip a hit at any gathering.

Rotel Dip Ingredients

The BEST Rotel Dip Recipe! 3 Ingredients & Ready in Under 20 Minutes! (3)
  • Ground beef – Cooked and crumbled ground beef adds a savory depth to the dip, making it more substantial and satisfying.
  • Rotel tomatoes – These are canned diced tomatoes with green chilies. They add a tangy and slightly spicy kick to the dip, balancing the creaminess of the cheese.
  • Velveeta cheese – This provides a smooth, creamy base for the dip. Velveeta melts beautifully, creating a rich and velvety texture.
  • Salt and pepper to taste (OPTIONAL)

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 using ground hot or spicy sausage.
  • Canned Rotel Tomatoes: If you don’t have a can of Rotel, you can substitute a jar of salsa. You won’t get the same flavor, but it will be close!
  • Spice: I suggest adding more green chiles if you like a little heat in your dip!
  • Cheese: You can add an 8-ounce block of cream cheese to make it extra creamy. You can use a Mexican blend or cheddar cheese if you don’t want to use Velveeta cheese.

How to Make Rotel Dip

Rotel Dip couldn’t be easier to make!

  1. In a large pot, brown the meat on medium heat and drain.
  2. Add Rotel tomatoes and cheese to the pot. (Note, do not drain the canned Rotel)
  3. Stir until melted.
The BEST Rotel Dip Recipe! 3 Ingredients & Ready in Under 20 Minutes! (4)

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.

The BEST Rotel Dip Recipe! 3 Ingredients & Ready in Under 20 Minutes! (5)

How to store Velveeta and Rotel Dip

  • In Fridge: Cover and store in your fridge for 3-4 days in an airtight container.
  • In Freezer: Store in an airtight container for up to three months.

More Easy Dip Recipes

Rotel Dip FAQs

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 do I make my Rotel dip thicker?

Whisk together 1-2 tsp 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 Rotel?

Rotel is a brand of canned tomatoes mixed with diced green chilies, known for adding a tangy and mildly spicy flavor to dishes. It’s widely used in Tex-Mex cuisine, especially in queso dips and casseroles.

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4.76 from 54 votes

The BEST Rotel Dip Recipe! 3 Ingredients & Ready in Under 20 Minutes! (10)

Rotel Dip

Author — Jennifer Fishkind

Serves — 8

A creamy cheese dip using only 3-ingredients! A party favorite!

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Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

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.

    1 pound ground beef

  • Cut the Velveeta into chunks (this will help it melt faster)

    1 16-ounce box Velveeta cheese

  • Add the whole can of Rotel tomatoes and stir in the Velveeta cheese. Stir frequently until the cheese is completely melted.

    1 10-ounce can Rotel tomatoes

  • Transfer to a serving bowl and serve warm along with your favorite dipping foods!

Jenn’s Notes

To store Rotel Dip, first let it cool to room temperature. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, you may need to add a splash of milk to maintain its creamy consistency.

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

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

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The BEST Rotel Dip Recipe! 3 Ingredients & Ready in Under 20 Minutes! (2024)

FAQs

Can you make Rotel dip without Velveeta cheese? ›

Skip the Velveeta and make it with freshly shredded cheese instead! As you probably know, traditional Rotel dip calls for Velveeta. And while pasteurized process cheese food is weirdly impressive in its shelf-stability and ease of melting, it's just not the kind of cheese I keep on hand (or frankly want to.)

How do you thicken Rotel cheese dip? ›

How do I make my Rotel dip thicker? Whisk together 1-2 tsp 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 long can Rotel dip sit in the refrigerator? ›

If the Velveeta cheese dip has meat, like our favorite Rotel Dip, the best practice is to store it in the fridge for up to three days. After 3-5 days in the fridge, the dip should be discarded.

Does Velveeta need milk and butter? ›

Heat the cheese using the low setting for a total of 30 minutes, then open the lid and stir the partially melted cubes. Stirring the cheese at this time helps promote even melting. You should not need to add butter or milk to the Velveeta when you use this method.

How do you keep Rotel cheese dip from getting hard? ›

ROTEL Dip will start to get harder as it cools down. You can avoid this by serving it hot as soon as you can. I like to serve this in a small slow cooker on low or warm setting, to keep it warm the entire time. In a skillet, brown Mangalitsa Ground Pork and drain off the fat.

What makes Rotel dip thicker? ›

Adding a bit of cream cheese to your Rotel dip can help thicken the dip to the perfect consistency for layering on a chip and also lend an unparalleled rich, lush creaminess and rich and tangy flavor that complements the other cheeses perfectly (regardless of the cream cheese brand you use).

Does cream cheese make dip thicker? ›

Cream cheese can also help to thicken cream-based sauces. It can act as a thickener for salad dressings, dips, and be used as a replacement for mayonnaise. It can also help to thicken pancake batters and be used as a base for cake icing when mixed with butter.

How do you thicken Velveeta cheese dip? ›

Flour or cornstarch can both thicken a liquid. In a small separate bowl, mix a tablespoon of either flour or cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cheese sauce until the mixture is smooth. Add the mixture back to the milky cheese sauce, and stir until combined and desired thickness is achieved.

How many days can you eat Rotel dip? ›

Storage tips for Rotel dip:

Chill the dip in a refrigerator set at or below 40°F. Utilize airtight containers to keep out moisture and other contaminants. Consume the refrigerated dip within 3 to 5 days for optimal safety and quality.

How many days is Rotel dip good for? ›

Make-Ahead: You can make this up to one day ahead of time for freshness. In addition, you can make it 4-6 hours before serving it by keeping it warm, covered in a slow cooker on the “warm” setting. How to Store: Cover it and keep the Rotel dip in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Do you drain the can of Rotel? ›

Are you supposed to drain Rotel? The answer is “No!” because you want to add all of the flavor and juices from the can to the dip.

What can I use if I don't have Velveeta cheese? ›

Whether you're using sharp cheddar cheese, mild, or any other type, cheddar is a good replacement for regular Velveeta. You'll also find that shredded cheddar cheese is a wonderful replacement for shredded Velveeta. Cheddar typically has an orange or yellow color, just like Velveeta, and is very versatile.

What can I substitute Velveeta queso with? ›

Ingredients for queso without velveeta:

half and half: This is the base of our cheese dip. extra sharp cheddar cheese: Buy a block and grate it yourself. Bagged, shredded cheese has a coating on it that impedes melting. Monterey Jack cheese: Same rule applies--buy a block and grate it fresh for best results.

What is a good substitute for Rotel dip? ›

Here are some of the best Rotel substitutes:
  • Canned Diced Tomatoes. These are a straightforward substitute. ...
  • Chunky Salsa. With its tomato base and chunks of peppers, chunky salsa can make a good Rotel substitute, especially in dips and Tex-Mex recipes. ...
  • Canned Green Chiles.
Aug 5, 2023

What makes Velveeta different from other cheese? ›

Milkfat content: Velveeta contains a higher percentage of milkfat than other processed cheeses, which gives it a richer and creamier taste. Emulsifying salts: Velveeta contains emulsifying salts that help to create a stable and consistent texture. These salts also enhance the cheese's flavor and make it more palatable.

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