How to Make Rotel Dip with Ground Beef: The Ultimate Cheesy and Spicy Appetizer

Rotel dip made with ground beef is a popular appetizer that can be found at many parties and gatherings. With only a few simple ingredients, it’s easy to make at home and is sure to be a crowd pleaser. This cheesy, spicy dip pairs perfectly with tortilla chips or crackers for dipping.

An Overview of Rotel Dip

Rotel dip gets its name from the main ingredients – Rotel diced tomatoes and chilies and Velveeta cheese. The canned Rotel provides a tomato flavor along with a kick of spiciness from the green chiles. When combined with melted Velveeta, it creates a creamy cheese-forward dip with a hint of spice. Ground beef adds a meaty savory flavor to balance out the cheese and tomatoes.

The dip comes together quickly by simply browning ground beef, adding in the cheese and Rotel, and warming until the cheese melts. The entire process takes about 20 minutes start to finish. Rotel dip is best served warm, often kept hot in a slow cooker or warmed skillet. The melty cheese texture is perfect for scooping up with chips or crackers.

Benefits of Using Ground Beef

While some Rotel dip recipes call for substituting ground beef with sausage, using ground beef has some advantages:

• More versatility – Ground beef works well in the dip, but you can also easily substitute in ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a lighter option. Sausage is more difficult to swap out.

• Leaner option – Going with a lean ground beef (93% lean or higher) results in a healthier dip overall versus using fatty sausage.

• Neutral flavor – Ground beef has a mild beefy flavor that complements rather than competes with the cheese and tomatoes. Spicy sausage could potentially overwhelm the other ingredients.

• Lower cost – Ground beef tends to be more budget-friendly than bulk sausage. Making Rotel dip with ground beef keeps the recipe simple and affordable.

No matter what type of ground meat you use, Rotel dip is all about the gooey melted cheese binding it all together.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to put together your own Rotel dip using ground beef:

Ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground beef (93% lean or higher recommended)
• 1 (10 oz) can of Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies (mild, original, or spicy)
• 16 oz block of Velveeta cheese, cubed
• Optional seasonings: cumin, chili powder, cayenne pepper

Directions

1. Brown the ground beef: Add the lean ground beef to a skillet over medium-high heat. Break up the meat with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Continue cooking for 5-7 minutes until no pink remains. Drain excess grease.

2. Prepare the cheese: While the beef cooks, cut the block of Velveeta cheese into 1-inch cubes. This allows the cheese to melt faster when added to the hot mixture.

3. Add Rotel and cheese: Reduce heat to medium-low and stir in the entire can of Rotel (including juices) and cubed Velveeta cheese.

4. Mix and melt: Continue stirring frequently until the cheese fully melts and the ingredients are well combined, about 5 minutes.

5. Season to taste: Turn off heat and stir in any optional seasonings, starting with 1/4 tsp at a time. Taste and add more as desired.

6. Serve warm: Transfer the cheesy Rotel dip to a slow cooker or oven-safe dish to keep warm for serving. Provide chips, crackers, or cut veggies for dipping.

And that’s it! In less than 30 minutes, you can have a crowd-pleasing Rotel cheese dip using a few humble ingredients. The melted Velveeta binds everything together while the Rotel provides flavorful spice. Ground beef makes it more hearty and filling.

Tips for the Best Rotel Dip

• Use very lean ground beef or drain well after cooking – excess grease in the dip can make it unappetizing.

• Make sure the Velveeta melts completely – keep stirring over low heat until smooth and creamy.

• Serve warm – once cooled, the Velveeta solidifies. Keep the dip in a slow cooker or oven on warm setting.

• Add chili powder or cayenne pepper for extra heat. Start with 1/4 tsp and add more if desired.

• Garnish with chopped scallions, cilantro, or diced tomatoes for extra flavor and color.

• Pair with sturdy chips or crackers that can scoop up the thick, cheesy dip. Good options include tortilla chips, pita chips, or multigrain crackers.

• Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter take on the classic Rotel beef dip.

More Variations to Try

Once you master the classic version, get creative with these tasty dip variations:

• Use spicy ground sausage instead of beef for extra heat.

• Add chopped peppers, onions, or olives for texture and flavor.

• Top with your favorite shredded cheese – cheddar, pepper jack, etc.

• Make it taco-flavored by using spicy Rotel and adding taco seasoning.

• Stir in some cooked and crumbled bacon for smoky goodness.

• For a cool, creamy dip, blend in sour cream or Greek yogurt after heating.

• Mix in cooked ground taco meat seasoned with homemade taco seasoning.

The possibilities are endless when tweaking this simple yet addicting appetizer dip. No matter how you change it up, melted Velveeta, spicy Rotel, and savory ground beef always make the base of an easy crowd-pleasing dip.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I use instead of Velveeta?

Replace the Velveeta with an equal amount of cheese such as aged cheddar, Colby Jack, pepper jack, or queso quesadilla cheese. The Velveeta gives the signature smooth, creamy melt but any melty cheese will work.

Can I prepare it ahead of time?

Yes, you can brown the ground beef 1-2 days in advance. Store in an airtight container until ready to finish the dip. Don’t combine and melt the cheese until right before serving.

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken is a great lower-fat substitute for the ground beef. Cook it the same way in a skillet before adding the other ingredients.

Is Rotel dip gluten-free?

Rotel dip made according to most standard recipes is gluten-free, but always check the labels on each ingredient to confirm gluten-free status.

Can I freeze leftovers?

You can freeze leftovers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating on the stovetop or in the microwave. The texture may be a bit grainy but the flavor remains.

The Ease and Versatility of Rotel Dip

Rotel dip made with ground beef comes together with minimal fuss while keeping guests happy and well-fed. It balances creamy, spicy, and savory flavors in one addicting appetizer. The cheese, tomatoes, and beef work together to create a party favorite. Follow the simple instructions to whip up this crowd-pleasing snack in less time than it takes to preheat the oven. With so many possible variations, you can customize and tweak this versatile dip to match the theme of any gathering. Rotel dip is easy, delicious, and always a hit!