Rotel Dip

This Rotel Dip is the creamy, cheesy, and zesty MVP of any snack spread, guaranteed to steal the show. With a slow cooker doing all the work, you get max flavor for minimal effort.
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I didn’t even know what rotel dip was until I moved to Texas. The first time I tried it, I straight up fell in love. It’s the creaminess and spices for me! Now, I love to pull out this rotel dip whenever I’m entertaining for game days. It’s a hit boos. I just toss everything into the slow cooker so I can focus on making other eats. It makes the whole thing so effortless. So serve it up for game days, hangouts, or solo snack sessions (I ain’t judging) and get your whole life like I did.

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A white bowl of rotel dip with tortilla chips inside ready to serve on white background

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The Lowdown on The Best Rotel Dip Recipe

Closeup of Jocelyn in pink dress smiling

Yโ€™all, this ainโ€™t just any dipโ€”this is THE dip. I wanted to create a rotel dip that had that signature creamy texture but I had to add a kick of spice.

It’s filled with meat and some cajun seasoning. Once the meat is browned, I add everything into the slow cooker so it melts down and combines. The whole thing just slays. I know you will end up loving it as much as any native Texan does.

Ingredients you’ll need to make Rotel Dip

Ground beef, tomatoes, green onion, cheeses and onion on white countertop
  • Cheeses: A mix of both Velveeta and cream cheese creates the ultimate melty, creamy and rich foundation for the dip.
  • Savory: Browned ground beef with a hint of bold cajun spices pairs perfectly with the cheeses.
  • Veggie: We add diced yellow onion cooked until tender in olive oil and rotel tomatoes to get a nice savory and tangy veggie combo.
  • Fresh Garnish: We love a pop of freshness and those sliced green onions give us some subtle texture and earthiness to balance the richness.

How to make Rotel Dip

Two cheeses added to a slow cooker on a white countertop
1
Spray the inside of your slow cooker then add in both cheeses. Set to medium and let it melt.
Onions and ground beef added to a skillet browning
2
Then add olive oil and onion to a skillet over medium heat and cook for 5 minutes then add ground beef, season with salt and pepper and break up and cook.
Browned ground beef and onion in a skillet.
3
Cook until he ground beef is browned with no pink remaining.
Ground beef, melted cheese and tomatoes in a slow cooker
4
Add the rotel with the juices, the cajun seasoning if you want, and the ground beef to the slow cooker.
Completed rotel dip recipe in a slow cooker with green onion added
5
Stir together. The cheeses should be melty by now. Give another 15 minutes and another stir then let cook for 45 minutes to an hour then add green onions.
Finalized rotel dip in a slow cooker ready to enjoy
6
Stir everything together and get ready to serve it up.

What to serve with Rotel Cheese Dip

  • Go Classic: Ain’t nothing like pairing this dip with warm tortilla chips boos.
  • Lighter Option: Swap the chips for carrot or celery sticks.
  • Load Up Your Nachos: Drizzle some of this liquid gold over these steak nachos or shrimp nachos.
  • Over Potatoes: Spoon some of this rotel cheese dip directly over baked potatoes. Go with baked sweet potatoes to really punch up the various flavors.
Garlic Cheese Breadsticks on a white plate with pizza sauce in a bowl
Cheesy breadsticks bring the fun to a game day and are good cheesy finger food.
A delicious white platter filled with honey bbq wings with orange slices and honey in a container nearby
Orange honey bbq wings are so fun and saucy to go along with the savory flavors of the rotel dip.
Overhead shot of a bowl of brisket chili topped with shredded cheese, sour cream, and cilantro
Brisket chili brings all the savory, meaty deliciousness to the party.
A stack of three oreo bars on the counter with a glass of milk in the background and oreos on the table in front.
Oreo bars combine brownie and delish cheesecake into one! And easy to pick up!

Recipe Substitutions, Variations and Additions

  • Lighten It Up: Swap out the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken and use Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese.
  • Add Texture: Stir in some black beans or some canned corn kernels for a pop of heartiness.
  • Go Buffalo Style: Replace the ground beef with shredded chicken and add some buffalo or hot sauce to the mix.
  • Layer it Up: Pull out the punch bowl and add layers of refried beans, guacamole, sour cream and salsa.
Rotel cheese dip in a large white bowl with tortilla chips dipped in ready to serve

Expert Tips and Tricks for making the best Rotel Velveeta Dip

  1. Spray the Slow Cooker: Sometimes the cheese can stick to the sides so doing a quick spray of non-stick spray helps lower the clean up time.
  2. Don’t Skip the Sautรฉ: Making sure those onions cook in the oil before adding in enhances the flavor and richness.
  3. Spice it Up: To give this rotel dip a little more flavor, add the optional cajun seasoning. But make sure you go with the no salt versions because processed cheeses add plenty of salt to the mix.

How to store & reheat rotel dip

Make sure you cool it down completely. Then scoop any leftovers into an airtight container. When you want to reheat, you can either microwave in 30 second intervals stirring in between to make sure it’s warm and smooth. Or you can reheat on low heat on the stovetop. If it looks a lil’ thick, add a bit of milk or broth to thin it out some.

How long will rotel cheese dip last in the fridge?

It should last stored in the fridge for 3-4 days.

Can I freeze Velveeta rotel dip?

You definitely could but I don’t really recommend it boos. The texture will change. But if you must, toss leftovers in a freezer bag removing all air. It should stay ok for up to 2 months.

A large bowl of Velveeta rotel dip recipe ready to serve with tortilla chips around it

Frequently asked questions

Can I make this rotel dip without Velveeta cheese?

For sure boo. Just swap in a mix of shredded cheeses like cheddar and colby and add milt to really get it smooth.

What should I do if my dip is too thick?

You can thin it out with some cream or broth.

Two chips in a rotel cheese dip recipe ready to enjoy

There’s nothing like some rotel dip on a game day boos. That flavor is popping, that smooth creamy texture is hitting, and those cheese pulls will have you going back for more. It’s a hit anytime you serve it up. Get into it.

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A white bowl of rotel dip with tortilla chips inside ready to serve on white background

Rotel Dip

This Rotel Dip is the creamy, cheesy, and zesty MVP of any snack spread, guaranteed to steal the show. With a slow cooker doing all the work, you get max flavor for minimal effort.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings, 1 quart

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 lb Velveeta diced
  • 4 oz cream cheese diced
  • 2 tsp olive oil
  • 1/2 cup diced yellow onion
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 10 oz rotel tomatoes
  • 2 tsp no-salt Cajun seasoning optional
  • 3 green onions sliced thinly

Instructions

  • Spray the inside of the slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray. In your slow cooker, add both cheeses. Set to medium or high (depending on the settings of your slow cooker) and allow to soften and melt.
  • Meanwhile, in a large nonstick skillet, add your olive oil and onion and cook over medium heat until the onions are translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally.
  • Add ground beef, season with salt and pepper, break it up, and cook until no pink remains and itโ€™s thoroughly browned, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from heat.
  • Add the Rotel with the juices, cajun seasoning if using and the ground beef to the slow cooker. Stir together. By now the cheeses may not have fully melted. Check again in about 15 minutes to give it another good stir. Let cook for about 45 minutes – 1 hour. *If cooking on high, it may only need to cook for 45-50 minutes once the beef mixture is added to the slow cooker.
  • Stir in and garnish with sliced green onions and serve with tortilla chips.

Notes

Note: If you prefer a thinner dip, you can add ยผ cup of milk along with the Rotel and beef.

How to store & reheat rotel dip

Make sure you cool it down completely. Then scoop any leftovers into an airtight container. When you want to reheat, you can either microwave in 30 second intervals stirring in between to make sure it’s warm and smooth. Or you can reheat on low heat on the stovetop. If it looks a lil’ thick, add a bit of milk or broth to thin it out some.

How long will rotel cheese dip last in the fridge?

It should last stored in the fridge for 3-4 days.

Can I freeze Velveeta rotel dip?

You definitely could but I don’t really recommend it boos. The texture will change. But if you must, toss leftovers in a freezer bag removing all air. It should stay ok for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Calories: 424kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 31g | Fat: 27g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 102mg | Sodium: 1314mg | Potassium: 634mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 1112IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 486mg | Iron: 2mg
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Filed Under:  Dips & Spreads, Slow Cooker, Super Bowl and Game Day Party

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