July 25, 2024
Review RecipeRotel Dip
Made with just three ingredients -- Velveeta, Rotel and Hamburger -- this Rotel dip has the perfect amount of spicy heat in each bite.
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This quick and easy homemade Rotel dip is loaded with cheesy goodness, ground beef and spices. Best of all, with only three ingredients, it’s ready to eat in minutes.
Feeding a crowd? My family also loves this bacon cheddar cream cheese dip, cold crab dip and buffalo chicken dip.
Rotel dip is an easy dip recipe made with meat, cheese, and Rotel Tomatoes, which are petite, diced tomatoes with green chilis and spices. (It’s almost like salsa.)
This Rotel dip recipe never lets us down. It’s always a crowd pleaser– it has the perfect amount of spicy heat in each bite. You can dip just about anything into it. I usually serve it alongside tortilla chips, bagel chips, crackers, or veggies.
ROTEL DIP INGREDIENTS
- 16 ounces of Velveeta
- 10 ounce can of Rotel
- 1 pound of hamburger
Rotel Cheese Dip Substitutions and Additions
MEAT: If you substitute spicy sausage for the ground beef, it takes the heat up another level.
CHEESE: You can add an 8-ounce brick of cream cheese — the result will be extra creamy.
How to make Rotel Dip
The ultimate appetizer, Rotel Dip couldn’t get any easier to make:
- Start by browning your hamburger in a skillet until cooked through.
- As it’s cooking, cube the Velveeta cheese.
- Once the meat is thoroughly cooked, stir in the cubes of Velveeta cheese and the Rotel.
- Stir regularly as it melts and then it’s ready to serve.
Rotel Cheese Dip Recipe Tips
These simple tips will elevate your dip, making it a crowd-pleaser at any gathering
- For a perfect Rotel Cheese Dip every time, start with quality ingredients like freshly grated cheese, which melts more smoothly than pre-shredded varieties.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, opt for hot Rotel tomatoes or add a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
- To keep the dip warm and creamy during parties, use a slow cooker set on low heat. If the dip thickens too much, stir in a splash of milk to achieve the desired consistency.
- For added flavor and texture, mix in cooked sausage or ground beef.
Serving Velveeta and Rotel Dip
Serving Velveeta and Rotel Dip is a breeze and always a hit at gatherings. For a classic approach, pair this creamy, spicy dip with crispy tortilla chips or crunchy veggie sticks like celery and bell peppers. To add a fun twist, serve it as a topping for baked potatoes, nachos, or even as a filling for tacos. For a more substantial snack, offer it alongside breadsticks or soft pretzels. No matter how you serve it, this versatile dip is sure to be a favorite among your guests.
How to Store Velveeta Rotel Dip
Freezing This Rotel Dip Recipe
Freezing our Rotel Dip is a convenient way to enjoy this flavorful dish anytime. To freeze, allow the dip to cool completely before transferring it into an airtight container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to serve, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through. This method preserves the delicious taste and texture, making it a perfect option for quick and easy future snacks or gatherings!
MORE RECIPES YOU’LL LOVE
Velveeta and Rotel Dip
Made with just three ingredients — Velveeta, Rotel and Hamburger — this Rotel dip has the perfect amount of spicy heat in each bite.
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 12
Ingredients
- 16 ounces Velveeta
- 10 ounce can Rotel
- 1 pound hamburger
Instructions
- Brown hamburger in a skillet until cooked
- Add cubes of Velveeta cheese and the can of Rotel
- Stir thoroughly until melted
- Serve with chips, crackers, or veggies
Video
Nutrition
Calories: 130kcal
Have You Tried This Recipe?Follow me on Pinterest @spaceshipslb
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Comments
Toni Thomason says
This is our go-to favorite. A classic staple you cannot go wrong with.
Mary Regnier says
Make a lot of it for parties, etc. We also add diced onions, pork sausage and refried beans.
Ed Billo says
I use a can of chili without beans instead of the hamburger.
Jessica says
I usually make this with sage sausage instead of hamburger. It’s always delicious!
Judy Maresh says
I use Jimmy Dean Hot and its killer
Treena says
Love making this when friends come over and love to serve it with chunks of bread to dip!
Kelsey says
Do you drain rotel?? Ive made this before but I can’t remember if I drained it or not
Layne Henderson says
Nope, just poured it in! Enjoy 🙂
donna anderson says
I save a big piece of my meat loaf cause its full of flavor for the meat, also 1 8oz cream cheese as well and 1 can mushroom and my velveeta and rotel every one loves it
Neeta says
Hmmmmm.. Rotel Dip??? More like Tex-Mex Queso. 🙂
Diane Hintzmann says
My daughter and I both enjoy this dip. We brown the burger and spice it up with cayenne pepper. We then mix in the tomatoes, jalepenos, and black olives. Then we transfer it to a slow cooker set on high and add the chunks of Velveeta, mixing it as it melts. Once the cheese is all melted, we turn the slow cooker down to low. Deliciousness at its finest!
Judy says
Should the grease be drained off the meat?
Layne Henderson says
Yes, you can but you don’t have to!
E Miller says
I’ve made this for decades, but it seems like they’ve changed the Velveeta and it’s not the same texture. I’ll try adding cream cheese – thanks for the suggestion!
Mira says
Can I make this in the crockpot?
Layne Kangas says
Yes, I’m sure you could! I’ve kept it warm in mine 🙂
Shawn says
You can totally make this in the crock pot, we do it all the time! Brown your meat, throw in the cubed velveeta and rotel, set to high for a hour, then turn to low or warm(keep an eye on it). I usually add a quarter cup of half and half to thin it out just a little, it’ll reduce some if you’re holding it the crock pot for a while. Hope this helps.
Rhonda says
I make this a lot! Especially when I have a short amount of time! It’s quick and easy and ALWAYS a hit! Only problem is there’s never any left over🥰
Kc says
A little bit of garlic powder really bring out the flavor!
Nedra Williams says
I really wanted to see your cold crab dip besides the Velvetta/Rotel.
Thanks. I love to email these recipes to myself and then print them. Nice and neat instead of the scribble copying. 😊
Layne Kangas says
Hi, Nedra – you can actually scroll to the bottom of the post, there is a printable recipe card on each one 🙂 Enjoy!
Jennifer says
We usually add 2 cups of cooked rice to this, it makes a very filling meal!
Melissa Smith says
I add taco seasoning for a more flavor and I always come home with an empty crockpot.
Emily Eutsler says
Just curious, do you drain the Rotel juice before adding it to meat & cheese?
Layne Kangas says
Nope, I pour the whole thing in! Enjoy 🙂
Jessica says
Do you season or drain the ground beef before adding the cheese and rotel in the pot?
Layne Kangas says
If you use a high fat meat, I would suggest draining it and then seasoning it if you wish, then adding the cheese and Rotel. When I use a low fat ground beef, I often don’t need to drain it! Enjoy 🙂
Taylor says
About to make for the first time tonight in my crockpot! Can’t wait! (:
Brianna says
This recipe is always such a big hit to whatever gathering I bring it to! I’ve made it multiple times for get-togethers, and it’s always completely gone before the night is even halfway through, even after doubling it! For the cheese, I love using a mix of Queso Blanco and Mexican blend, or just Mexican blend for something a little bit more bold. I like adding a bit of minced garlic and some Adobo seasoning while making my ground beef, to give it that perfect flavor!
Highly recommend making this! One of my favorite dips 🙂
Amy says
Can I use just a can of diced tomatoes instead of the rotel?
Layne Kangas says
Yes, you can! Enjoy!
Rikk says
My family has been making this for over 40 years….. kick it up a little add a hint of cumin and a can of slightly drained ranch style beans..
Tqsha says
Hi! In the substitution it say use cream cheese. So, do you use both the Velveeta and cream cheese?
Layne Kangas says
You can add cream cheese to this to make it even creamier and have more flavor. Enjoy!
KoalaGurl 🐨 says
My mom makes this for parties & things like that….& it’s ALWAYS the best!! & she always does the New Orleans style Rotel Dip…MMM….so good 👌🏾😋
Tia says
What is the New Orleans style!? Love to know
Sandy Kubesh says
New Orleans style???
Glenda says
How to make vegetarian??
Layne Kangas says
Hi, Glenda – you could use a beef substitute or make with black beans instead of the ground beef. Enjoy!
Savannah says
Sounds yummy!! I have been making mine with a block of cream cheese instead of the Velveeta and it is sooooo good!!!!
Sarah says
This was so good! I grew up on this when I was a kid, but my dad thought we had seasoned the beef, but no matter what I tried it didn’t come out right. I dropped the seasoning (aside from a pinch a salt that I add to everything) and it was great! Sometimes less is definitely more. Homemade tortilla chips (or close to it) are a perfect pairing. Thanks for the easy recipe!
Erin Montgomery says
I make this several times a year, especially during football season. I also brown my meat with taco seasoning for more flavor. I also add some milk once I put it in a slow cooker (always with a liner) to thin it out some as it seems to thicken quickly. Super yummy!
Rita Rolen says
I tried this with HOT pork sausage. Added a block of cream cheese and some of the sausage drippings. Oh my goodness! Yep ! It’s our new favorite!
Susan - vegetarian dip, Rotel no meat! says
Am not eating…meat…right now so looked up rotel directions with velveeta ,
Found your instructions using saucepan on the stove, great warm dip in a
warmed up tortilla, nice for Christmas Eve
Rick carran says
I used cream cheese instead of Velveeta, that’s good too!
Billie says
This is like what my Dad made years ago! Although no meat in his and he added lots of green chilies. I’m looking forward to making this, snd will add green chilies,
When or if we ever had leftovers, this chilled next day made a great sandwich spread!
Patricia lilly says
Came out 👌
Kimberly G says
Simple and easy recipe!! I’ve of my favorites and now Rotel makes so many great flavors you can change it a little! Great for entertaining!
Gabriela B. says
Hand me some Pita chips, please.
Laura Yarzebinski says
I have made this for years minus the hamburger! It is really good!
Tracey Dees says
Love this dip…classic for football Sundays! I like both hamburger and sausage added but prefer just the cheese and Rotel with super crispy tortilla chips!
This queso is also yummy poured over tamales!
I’ve never added cream cheese but might give it a try!
Vionel Bell says
Love Rotel dip made with hamburger but have made it with sausage also.
Michelle says
My very favorite great aunt taught me this recipe! Although, we have never used hamburger in the recipe, I guess that makes it even quicker! We always used tortilla chips with ours and there was always a good game of cards!
Susan Lacy says
I like to add cream cheese. I find it cuts the heat just a touch and makes the dip nice and creamy.
Jeff says
I like mine with sauage and extra spicy.
Tracey says
I love it extra spicy! Haven’t tried with cream cheese but definitely going to try it tonight! Thanks!!
Tammy says
I always add cream cheers! The creamer the better!!!
Laura says
This is a HUGE hit with family and friends! Served with Fritos scoops is the best! There’s never any leftovers 😁
Teresa Gerber says
I like to dip with tortilla chips!! Yum yum…TY.
Angela says
this is a football season staple in our house! and we like it extra spicy!
Kelly Kardos says
Oohhhhh yum!! I’d add a bit cream cheese because why not?!?!
Debbie says
This is a great dip. I have made it for years. Sometimes with meat and others without. I like to use half ground beef and half Italian sausage.
Carol says
I would always make it with hamburger and velveeta, love this dip!
Tena says
I love rotel dip with restaurant thin chips. I don’t make it hot I like mine mild.
Brenda Dickson says
I like my Rotel Dip extra spicy.
Vicki says
I love the flavor sausage gives to the dip but is good with ground beef also!!!!
Olivia says
Love this dip! I like to make it with cheese and ground beef. Can’t do spicy so mild for me with tortilla chips. I can make a meal out of it!
Bianca says
This sounds amazing, would definitely add in some cream cheese!
TeAuna Drayton says
I loveeee spicy rotel dip with extra tomatoes! 😎
Barbara Bowman says
For something different to dip with, try jicama!
Donna M Wood says
We love this recipe and have made it for years … everyone loves it !! The only thing we do different that you mention is, we always use mild sausage … but I am sure the hamburger version is very good too. The mild sausage just gives it a bit more kick, but not too spicy … the kids even like it too which is always a winner !!!
Linda A says
I have always used cream cheese instead of velvetta. Cannot stand velvetta. Can also make you own cheese sauce with real cheeses (Monterrey Jack, white cheddar, queso blanco). Tastes no much better. If you use cream cheese, after it sits in the fridge overnight, the flavors really meld and it goes great with Fritos. Or as a spread for a turkey sandwich. I use Rotel Mild but my son uses the hot version,
JUDY HEIDLAGE says
I make my Rotel Dip with sausage instead of hamburger for more zing! (also I use crock pot).
How else can I add spice?
Nancy A. says
My family loves this dip! So creamy and good!!! We use tortillia chips and sometimes veggie strips. I haven’t tried using hamburger, but may now. They would love that and it is especially great around holidays and birthdays. It is gone in no time!
Renae Queen says
I Love this dip! I usually dip tortilla chips, scoops or corn chiip scoops in it! Yummy!! 😋
Bob Dickerson says
My favorite dip. I like mine with a little heat, so I use spicy sausage and a diced jalapeño ( with seeds).
Noreen Thompson says
I will definitely be making this for tomorrow’s picnic. Sounds really yummy and not to Spivey.
Karen says
I think this would taste great with a spicy sausage!
MJ says
I use hamburger instead of sausage. Much less grease.
Julie LARSON says
I love this for my Super Nachos; I was taught this go-to staple by my Texan mother-in-law YEARS ago, so I guess it’s on track and on trend for vintage. But I like ours simple: 2 cans Rotel with onions or chili in it already to 16 oz velveeta. Perfect consistency and flavor for nachos. Double for a larger group.
Daronza Harris says
I use hamburger and sausage in my rotel. I love using scoops or Doritos to eat my Rotel.
Elizabeth M Heimlich says
I loooove cream cheese and add it to a lot of recipes, so I will add it to this dip.
Violet Pfeiffer says
Definitely use hamburger
Erin Probst says
This recipe is so close to one I already use. Salsa, velveeta, cream of chicken soup, and hamburger. I do prefer hamburger over sausage.
BobbiJo says
EXTRA SPICY
Karyn says
I love my Rotel dip spicy!
Candace says
I like it with hamburger. Very good and easy!!
Jennifer Abrams says
I would love to try this with sausage!! My kids love it extra spicy, so I make 2 different batches!!
Anne S. says
This Dip is SO addictive! Quick to put together and a crowd pleaser!
Leslie says
We love this BUT I make it with bulk sausage instead. I double the recipe so that there is enough left over to put over top of scrambled eggs the next morning.
Yum!
Tigger says
Rotel dip is amazing. We dip rotel with everything and it’s very good. We all like either spicy or not. Will make again with some friends for cook out.
Susan Mitchell says
I like my Rotel dip extra spicy. I usually add a can of green chilies as well.
Susan Wilcher says
I also add a can of chili beans. Sausage would be good too!
Kimberly Newsom says
I make this a lot and I double the recipe and use sausage and ground beef.
Sue says
Love the idea you can store this dip for up to 3 months. Helpful when having family get-togethers.
Stephanie says
I have never made this before & I think when I do try it I will use half and half of sausage & hamburger 😋😋😋
Melina says
This dip is amazing! I like it with ground beef and like to add fresh tomatoes!!
Joyce says
I have not tried adding cream cheese to this, but I may just give it a try next time.
Charlotte says
Big hit. Took it to a pot luck and there were no left overs.
Rebecca Shellito says
Love this when it’s made extra spicy!
Tess G says
I make something like this but use chorizo and add some sour cream. Yum!
Cindy Igel says
Love this recipe.
I would add cream cheese. Ground beef and sausage is best.
Meredith Leonard says
I make this recipe three different ways and my family likes them all.
1. Use ground beef cooked with taco seasoning.
2. Use spicy pork sausage made fresh at a local grocery store.
3. Use 1/2 pound of each type of meat.
Dee says
I’d use sausage. Yum!
Jan says
Great recipe. Great with sausage, green chilis and Cajun seasoning added.
Belinda says
Great dip!!!
Brian says
I have not tried it yet, but I would definitely use ground beef and maybe some black or pinto beans, maybe some taco seasoning and cumin. I would use plain Doritos or lime Doritos.
Joan Tostowaryk says
Looks delicious! Haven’t b made it yet, but am anxious to make it.
Penny says
Legendary favorite especially around football season. Hailing from New Mexico, I do a few things different with great results.
Do you like your Rotel dip extra spicy? Yes, add a can of jalapeno’s or better yet, NM green chiles (the best)!
Would you make with hamburger or sausage? I add equal amounts of both using hot sausage (versus mild)
Do you add cream cheese to your Rotel dip? No, but a surprise ingredient of a can of cream of chicken soup. Makes it extra velvety and complex tasting. Try it – you won’t look back.
Joan C says
I use spicy sausage instead of hamburger. I also add a block of cream cheese. My family adds hot sauce to their servings. (Just a little to spicy for me). Great with homemade corn tortilla chips.
Lois Imel says
I have made this Rotel Dip with hamburger & sausage, but I haven’t tried the cream cheese. Will give it a try next time I make it. Thanks, for the awesome idea.
Enjoy this site & all the recipes.
Lisa Cowan says
We add cream cheese to it to make it extra creamy!!
Dee says
Love it 👌🙋♀️
Miranda says
How long can this sit in a sealed container in the fridge?
Layne Kangas says
Hi, Miranda – it’ll be good for 3-4 days. Enjoy!
Angie says
I make this using hot sausage and cooking in a crock pot.
Everyone loves it!!!
June says
I’ve been making this dip for years nice to see it was printed
DiGi says
I season the meat with taco seasoning and add a can of beans. What color/type is your choice. 😊
Renee says
I’ve made this for years!!! Love it! But I use jimmy dean sausage instead of hamburger. Tastes much better! ( if you like sausage) and I put it in a crock pot
NicoleG says
EXCELLENT RECIPE!! EVERYONE LOVES IT!