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Rotel Dip Recipe: Ingredients, Instructions, Tips, and Variations


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5 from 1 review

  • Author: Olivia Martinez
  • Total Time: 15-20 minutes
  • Yield: 8-10 1x

Description

The Rotel dip recipe is a quick and easy appetizer made with Velveeta cheese, Rotel tomatoes, and ground beef or sausage. It’s perfect for game day, parties, or casual get-togethers. You can customize it with different meats, spices, or even vegetables.


Ingredients

Scale

Here are the basic ingredients for a classic Rotel dip recipe:

  • 1 pound ground beef (or sausage)
  • 16 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
  • 1 can Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies (10 oz)
  • 1/2 cup milk (optional, for thinning)
  • Optional toppings: chopped cilantro, diced jalapeños, sour cream

Instructions

Step-by-Step Instructions for the Best Rotel Dip Recipe Ever:

  1. Cook the Meat: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef (or sausage) over medium heat until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
  2. Melt the Cheese: Add the cubed Velveeta cheese to the skillet with the meat. Stir occasionally until the cheese is completely melted and smooth.
  3. Add the Rotel Tomatoes: Stir in the can of Rotel tomatoes (with its juices) until the mixture is well combined. If the dip is too thick, you can add up to 1/2 cup of milk to thin it to your desired consistency.
  4. Serve: Once everything is melted and combined, transfer the dip to a serving bowl or keep it warm in a slow cooker. Garnish with optional toppings like cilantro or diced jalapeños. Serve immediately with tortilla chips, crackers, or veggies.

Notes

Rotel dip recipe is a timeless favorite for gatherings, game days, or quick snacks. Its creamy texture and bold flavors from the combination of Velveeta cheese and spicy Rotel tomatoes make it an instant crowd-pleaser. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility — you can keep it classic or customize it to suit your taste! Add browned sausage or ground beef for a heartier dip, or toss in jalapeños for extra heat. For a lighter twist, use leaner meats or substitute with a plant-based cheese. This dip pairs perfectly with tortilla chips but also shines as a topping for nachos, baked potatoes, or even burgers. Just make sure to keep it warm and melty for the ultimate experience!

To make it lighter, you can substitute ground turkey for beef, use low-fat cheese, or swap out Velveeta for real cheddar cheese.

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snack, Party Food
  • Method: Sautéing, Melting
  • Cuisine: American, Tex-Mex

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1
  • Calories: 180 kcal
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Carbohydrates: 4g
  • Protein: 9g