How to Make Rotel Dip with Beef – A Cheesy and Spicy Crowd Pleaser

Rotel dip is a classic party appetizer that is loved for its melted cheese and spicy kick This cheesy dip typically combines ground beef, Rotel tomatoes, and Velveeta cheese for a flavorful and addicting snack I absolutely love serving rotel dip at parties and get-togethers because it comes together with only a few ingredients, can be made ahead of time, and is always a crowd favorite.

In this article, I will share my favorite recipe for rotel dip made with ground beef and provide tips for preparing, serving, and storing this tasty appetizer. Whether you are hosting a game day party, potluck, or family dinner, rotel dip is sure to be a hit!

Ingredients for Rotel Dip

The main ingredients needed to make rotel dip are

• Ground Beef – I recommend using lean ground beef (90/10 or 93/7) The beef provides a tasty, meaty flavor to balance the spice and cheese You can use ground pork or turkey instead.

• Rotel Tomatoes – Rotel is a brand of canned tomatoes and green chilies. It comes mild, medium, or hot. The tomatoes add thickness while the green chilies provide a nice heat.

• Velveeta Cheese – For the iconic smooth, creamy texture you need Velveeta. I prefer to use a 16 oz block, cubed into 1-inch pieces.

• Spices (optional) – For extra flavor, you can add 1/2 tsp of chili powder, cumin, taco seasoning, or cayenne pepper.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making rotel dip is so easy and comes together in just 20 minutes! Here is a simple step-by-step guide:

1. Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up as it cooks, until no longer pink. Drain excess grease.

2. Reduce heat to medium then stir in the cubed Velveeta and entire can of Rotel tomatoes and chilies.

3. Cook, stirring frequently, until the cheese has fully melted and the dip is smooth and creamy, about 5 minutes.

4. Remove from heat and stir in any optional spices you desire.

5. Transfer the dip to a slow cooker or oven-safe dish to keep warm for serving.

And that’s it – so easy! The full melted Velveeta and spicy Rotel create a delicious dip that is hard to stop eating.

Serving Suggestions

Rotel dip tastes best warm. Consider these serving tips:

• Transfer the dip to a slow cooker or crockpot set on warm for parties. This keeps the cheese melted and makes it easy for guests to serve themselves.

• For smaller gatherings, keep it warm in an oven-safe baking dish in a 200°F oven.

• If the dip thickens up, stir in a tablespoon or two of milk to thin it out.

• Serve with tortilla chips, pita chips, pretzel bites, or raw veggies for dipping.

• Garnish with chopped green onions or cilantro.

Make Ahead and Storage Tips

To get a head start, you can prep the rotel dip in advance:

• Cook the ground beef 1 day ahead. Let cool completely then refrigerate.

• The fully assembled dip can be prepared 4 hours in advance. Cook the beef and stir in the cheese and Rotel. Cool uncovered at room temperature.

• To reheat – place the dip in a 300°F oven until hot and bubbly, about 20 minutes.

• Leftovers can be stored covered in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave in 30 second intervals, stirring between.

• For longer storage, freeze the dip for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating on the stovetop or in the oven.

Variations

You can customize this classic dip with a few easy ingredient swaps:

• Instead of ground beef, use Italian sausage, chorizo, diced chicken, or cubed ham.

• For a meatless option, replace the beef with cooked lentils or black beans.

• Mix up the spice blend by adding taco seasoning, cajun seasoning, or a ranch seasoning packet.

• Make it more cheesy by using a combination of shredded cheddar, Monterey jack, and/or pepper jack.

• Add heat with a diced jalapeno or serrano pepper.

• For a creamy and tangy twist, stir in a cup of sour cream just before serving.

• Garnish with chopped green onions, black olives, bacon bits, or sliced avocado.