Rotel Dip is an easy 3 ingredient dip recipe that’s made with melty cheese, flavorful diced tomatoes and green chilis, and savory ground sausage or beef. This easy dip recipe has been a favorite party appetizer for generations!
Rotel Dip
When I was growing up in the sixties and seventies there was only ONE kind of Mexican type queso dip that we knew how to make: Rotel Dip. I lived in a small town that didn’t have Mexican restaurants — that wouldn’t happen until a decade later. We also didn’t have a lot of specialty foods at our grocery stores back then.
What we did have was Rotel Diced Tomatoes & Green Chilies and Velveeta; two staples you could keep in the pantry for a long time until you needed them. We would combine the two and cook everything on the stove top. Voila! An easy and cheesy dip that you could whip up in minutes for parties. We used to serve our dip with Doritos for twice the cheese flavor.
Related: For another cheesy favorite, try out Hot Swiss Cheese Dip recipe!
What Is Rotel?
Rotel is a brand name for canned diced tomatoes & green chilies that has been around since the 1940s. Rotel actually has quite an interesting history!
Once upon a time, every household did not have access to real Mexican food. The roasting of chilis and tomatoes was more labor intensive and reserved for serious cooks or restaurants.
Then someone decided to put these in a can and Rotel Diced Tomatoes & Green Chilies was invented. The idea was to bring to bring authentic spices and flavor to more people. And it has stood the test of time!
The combination of the cheese and Rotel was always delicious. This Rotel Sausage Dip recipe takes it to a new level with the addition of ground beef or sausage. I’m sure ground chorizo would be great too!
My only complaint about this recipe is that it is addictive. That’s why it is a special occasion recipe for me, and I make sure I serve it with appetizers when there are plenty of people around to help eat it!
— Sara
Rotel Dip Ingredients
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- 1lb Ground Pork Sausage or Ground Beef
- 16oz Velveeta cheese, cut into cubes
- 1 can of Rotel Tomatoes & Green Chilies
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes or less
Helpful Kitchen Tools
Instructions
- Add the ground sausage to a large skillet and cook over medium heat or medium high heat, until no longer pink. Stir occasionally to prevent scorching.
- Reduce heat to low and drain excess grease. Add the cubed Velveeta cheese and the can of Rotel to the skillet with cooked sausage, stirring frequently, until the cheese is completely melted and smooth.
- Transfer dip to bowl and serve immediately.
Full recipe and printable directions available in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
Prep Tips & Variations
- Rotel dip is best enjoyed while still warm. If it starts to cool and get to thick for dipping, you can put in back in a pan and warm on the stovetop until it’s nice and melty again.
- Do not drain the can of Rotel before adding to your dip. The extra liquid provides just the right consistency for the finished dip!
- If you want to add a little extra flavor to your meat, you can add a sprinkle of taco seasoning while you’re browning it on the stovetop.
- Jazz it up with a little garnish: sprinkle cilantro or chopped green onions on top.
What To Serve With Rotel Dip
Tortilla chips are the classic companion for Rotel cheese dip, but there are many other tasty option to try too!
- Pretzels
- Crackers
- Crostini or toasted bread
- Sliced veggies
- Pita chips
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does Rotel Dip Stay Good In The Fridge?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, scoop into a large skillet and warm slowly until melted and smooth.
Can You Make Rotel Dip In A Slow Cooker?
Sure! A crockpot works great for this recipe because it will keep the dip warm and ready to go.
To start, brown your beef in a skillet as described in the original recipe. Then add the browned beef to a crock pot with the cubed Velveeta and contents of the Rotel can. Cover and cook on low for 2-3 hours, then switch the slow cooker to the “warm” setting. When you’re ready to enjoy, remove the lid and give everything a good stir.
Can You Use A Different Kind Of Meat?
We used pork sausage for our dip, but ground beef is common as well. You could also try ground turkey or chicken if you prefer an alternative to red meat. You can also skip the protein altogether and just make it with cheese and Rotel.
What Can I Substitute For Velveeta in Rotel Dip?
Honestly, it’s tough to match that super creamy and smooth consistency that you get from Velveeta! However, if you’re looking for an alternative to processed cheese, I’ve seen recommendations to use a combination of cream cheese and sharp cheddar cheese. I haven’t personally tried this, but if you do, let me know how it turns out!
More Easy Dips To Try:
Rotel Dip Recipe (Printable Recipe Card)
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Rotel Dip (3 Ingredient Recipe)
Equipment
- large skillet
Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground Pork Sausage or Ground Beef
- 16 oz Velveeta cheese cut into cubes
- 10 oz Rotel Diced Tomatoes & Green Chilies
Instructions
- In a large skillet, cook ground sausage on medium-high heat until no longer pink.
- Reduce heat to low and add the cubed Velveeta cheese and the can of Rotel to the skillet with cooked sausage, stirring frequently, until the cheese is completely melted and smooth.
- Transfer dip to bowl and serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
Pin our easy Rotel Cheese Dip recipe on Pinterest:
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