The perfect party food does exist, and this easy cheese Rotel Dip Recipe is it. With minimal ingredients that come together in less than 10 minutes and ideal for game day entertaining and holiday snacking, this leveled-up Velveeta cheese dip is seriously addictive.
There really isn't one right way to achieve this perfect dippable consistency--it makes quick in the microwave, or you can make it ahead of time and keep it warm in the slow cooker. Taco meat adds great flavor, taking it to a heartier level, similar to our chili cheese dip (You can't go wrong with meat and cheese!). If you'd prefer to make Rotel sausage dip, we've got you covered there, too.
So, break out the tortilla chips and pull up a chair! This Rotel cheese dip is one of my oldest and most popular dishes. Our guests are always excited to see it as part of the spread and yours will be, too!
Table of Contents
How To Make Rotel Dip
To make the best ever Rotel dip, you'll only need a handful of ingredients:
- Taco Meat | Taco-seasoned ground beef makes this dip extra hearty and flavorful. You'll need lean or 80/20 ground beef and a packet of taco seasoning.
- Velveeta | Velveeta is a great product for an easy cheese dip. You need a 16-ounce block for this recipe. If you're not a fan, check out our authentic Chile con queso recipe with a cheese sauce that comes together from scratch.
- Rotel | You can use Original, Mild, or Hot Rotel tomatoes and green chilies. No need to drain the cans; add the juices straight to the dip for extra flavor!
- Evaporated Milk | Evaporated milk is the secret to maintaining a smooth and creamy texture and keeps your Rotel dip the perfect dippable consistency. Feel free to use regular milk in a pinch!
On the Stove
- Brown the taco meat in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat on the stovetop.
- Cut the Velveeta into cubes and add it along with the Rotel and evaporated milk to the pan.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and stir every few minutes.
- Remove from the heat once it is fully melted.
In the Microwave
- Brown the taco meat in a skillet over medium-high heat on the stovetop.
- Cut the Velveeta into cubes and add it to a large, microwave-safe bowl. Then, add the Rotel with green chilies and evaporated milk to the pan.
- Cover with plastic wrap and microwave at 2-minute intervals, stirring after each stint in the microwave. Careful--the bowl and steam will be hot!
- Remove from the microwave once the cheese is fully melted and stir in the taco meat.
In a Crockpot
- Brown the taco meat in a skillet over medium-high heat on the stovetop.
- Cut the Velveeta into cubes and add it along with the Rotel, evaporated milk, and taco meat to a slow cooker.
- Turn on the low heat setting and stir every 15 minutes until fully melted.
- Keep the heat setting on low to keep warm for up to 2 hours.
Yummy Recipe Variations
This Rotel dip is as versatile as it is delicious. Add meat or keep it simple. Use Velveeta of make the cheese dip completely from scratch. There truly isn't one right way.
Make Rotel Sausage Dip
If you're team pork over beef, use Jimmy Dean breakfast sausage in place of ground beef. Breakfast sausage comes with its own seasoning, so if you make this substitution, leave out the taco seasoning from the recipe. You can use mild, regular, or hot breakfast sausage.
Make It without Meat
Make it vegetarian-friendly by ditching the meat altogether, just like we do in our Velveeta Cheese Dip recipe.
Ditch the Velveeta
If you're not into highly processed cheese foods like Velveeta, feel free to swap it out for an 8-ounce block of cream cheese and 1 cup of freshly grated cheddar cheese. Once this mixture is melted together, add a splash of evaporated milk at a time until it reaches your desired consistency. Hello, yummy cream cheese salsa dip!
To forgo the yellow cheese altogether, we've got an alternative that supports that: our queso blanco!
5 More Party Dips To Try
- Jalapeno Popper Dip
- Corn Dip Recipe with Cream Cheese
- Seven Layer Taco Dip
- Spinach Artichoke Dip
- Pizza Dip
Rotel Dip with Ground Beef
Ingredients
- 1 pound 80/20 ground beef
- 1 (1 ounce) packet taco seasoning
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 32 ounces Velveeta cheese cut into 1” chunks
- 2 (10-ounce) cans Rotel (hot or mild)
- 12 ounces evaporated milk
Instructions
- Place a cast-iron skillet or a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and begin breaking it apart with a sturdy spatula. Add the taco seasoning and continue to cook for about 8 more minutes, or until the ground beef is cooked through. Carefully remove the beef from the skillet using a slotted spoon and set aside.
- Add the onion to the skillet and sauté 5-7 minutes, until softened. Remove from the heat and set aside until ready to use.
- Add the Velveeta, diced tomatoes, and evaporated milk to a slow cooker and turn the setting on low. Stir in the ground beef and onion and allow to cook for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. Serve alongside tortilla chips and enjoy.
Nutrition
Source: Can You Freeze This? | Can You Freeze Cheese Dip?
Jacqueline Meldrum says
I always forget about dips and they can be such fun. I really must think about making some this weekend.
Danielle says
Now that is what I call comfort food. The more cheese the better I say!
Annemarie says
This looks irresistible! I love that you included taco meat in the queso. It's a meal in itself!
linda spiker says
Gooey cheese gets me every time! Fantastic!
Kelly Anthony says
Thank you, Linda! Me too!
LInda says
I can't believe football season has already started ! You're right - this is the perfect dip for game watching.
Chef Dennis says
This dip looks really delicious and will be perfect for my tacos. I'm definitely going to make this for my wife and sons. Thanks for sharing.
Jacque Hastert says
This is always my go-to dip when I need something quick and delicious. It is always a hit and goes fast!
Tami Price says
Made this dip for a family football night around the TV and was gone before you know it! Everyone loved it! Thanks so much for sharing!
Tara says
This dip is amazingly cheesy. Perfect for a snack or even a party. I know that I could never give up cheese.
Cathleen @ A Taste of Madness says
I love that you can freeze it!!
I have actually never bought velveeta cheese before, but now I am putting it on my shopping list! Thanks for the recipe 😉
Sharon says
With super bowl right around the corner, I'm looking for easy recipes that are great for a crowd, this one meet both those requirements.
Pam Greer says
We've been making this for football games ever since you first posted it! It is a favorite at our house!
Debbie says
Kelly this looks fantastic! Great tip about the evaporated milk. I have all the ingredients on hand, I am making this Rotel Dip for the national championship game tomorrow night. My guys will devour this meaty cheese dip.
Jennifer Banz says
I grew up on Rotel and this dip, but we never used evaporated milk. It really was the perfect consistency and we couldn't stop eating it!
kita says
Oh wow - so appreciated the info on the evaporated milk! Love this classic dip and so happy to see it with ground beef!
Phil says
Excellent
Tami P says
It was delicious. Thank you for sharing
Kelly Anthony says
Thank you, Tami!
Anita says
This is such an easy and delicious dip. I love how meaty it is. I'm actually curious if it will work as a sauce for a pasta dish. 🙂
Sarah says
OMG, my daughter and I are having a movie marathon this weekend. This dip will be perfect for snacking all day!! Thank you so much for sharing!
Haley D. Williams says
So easy and delicious! Do you think I could use turkey meat?
stephanie says
This was such a delicious recipe! Thank you for sharing.