Rotel dip is a quintessential party appetizer that is loved by many for its irresistible creamy cheesy and spicy flavors. This Tex-Mex style dip typically contains rotel tomatoes, cream cheese, melted cheese, and taco seasonings. While the classic version is tasty, adding ground beef and sausage takes this addicting dip to a whole new level. The savory, meaty flavors perfectly complement the rich, velvety cheese sauce. I’ve made this beef and sausage rotel dip countless times, and it never fails to be a major hit. In this article, I’ll share my easy recipe and tips for making the best rotel dip that will have everyone begging for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this incredible rotel dip, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 1 block of Velveeta cheese
- 8 ounces of cream cheese
- 1 10 oz can of rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies
- Spices like garlic powder, cumin, chili powder
That’s it! Many of these ingredients are already kitchen staples With just these few affordable items, you can whip up an appetizer that seems gourmet.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now let’s get cooking! Here is a simple step-by-step method for making perfect rotel dip:
-
Brown the ground beef and sausage: In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the beef and sausage together breaking it up as it cooks. Make sure to cook until no longer pink. Then drain excess grease.
-
Season the meat: I like to add spices like garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Add whatever flavors you enjoy!
-
Prepare the cheese: While the meat is cooking, cube the Velveeta and cream cheese. ADD both to a slow cooker or crockpot.
-
Add the rotel: Drain the liquid from the can of rotel into the slow cooker. No need to drain it! That flavorful juice is key.
-
Combine it all: Add the cooked ground beef and sausage to the slow cooker. Stir together.
-
Cook on low heat: Cover and cook on low for 2-3 hours until fully melted and combined.
-
Serve warm: Stir occasionally as it cooks. Enjoy with tortilla chips, pretzels, or veggies.
And that’s it! In just a few short steps, you’ll have the creamiest, cheese-iest rotel dip that is unstoppable.
Handy Tips and Variations
Part of what makes this recipe so great is how versatile and customizable it is. Here are some of my favorite tips:
-
For maximum creaminess, use full-fat cream cheese.
-
Feel free to use spicy sausage or turkey sausage.
-
Top with diced onions, cilantro, or jalapenos for a pop of color.
-
For convenience, buy pre-shredded Velveeta to avoid cubing it.
-
For a smoother consistency, add a spoonful of sour cream.
-
Serve with tortilla chips, pretzels, crackers, bread, or assorted veggie sticks.
-
Add taco seasoning or cumin for more Southwest flavors.
-
To lighten it up, use ground turkey instead of beef.
Let your creativity run wild! The possibilities are endless for inventing your own signature rotel dip.
Storing and Reheating
To keep leftovers of this tasty dip, transfer it to an airtight container after cooling and store in the refrigerator. It will keep for 3-4 days. When ready to enjoy it again, reheat slowly in a saucepan over low heat until warmed through, stirring often. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.
Why Everyone Loves This Dip
There are so many reasons this rotel dip is a crowd-favorite:
-
It comes together with a simple 5 minute prep time. Total time 25 minutes!
-
Only requires 7 ingredients you likely have on hand.
-
It’s customizable to suit any tastes.
-
The flavors of spicy, savory, cheesy, and creamy are irresistible.
-
It can be made ahead of time for parties or other events.
-
It satisfies any cheesy, meaty, Tex-Mex food cravings.
-
It goes well with so many dippers – chips, veggies, breads, crackers.
-
It’s filling enough to be a meal yet easy enough to nibble on.
-
It reheats beautifully, so leftovers are great.
With this easy, top-rated recipe, you’ll be able to make the yummiest rotel dip that will make you a star of potlucks. It’s sure to become a favorite comfort food that your family and friends request time and time again!
How To Make Rotel Dip
- Ground beef: I suggest using lean ground beef since the fat will be drained in this recipe. Alternatively, beef can be swapped for pork sausage if you prefer pork flavor over beef.
- Rotel: One can of Rotel tomatoes adds just enough tomatoes and green chiles for a balanced dip. Add the entire can, juices and all, to the pot. Cant find Rotel at the store? You can also use petite diced tomatoes instead.
- Velveeta cheese: Velveeta cheese melts the best for dips, so this recipe calls for 1 pound. Make sure to get the original yellow Velveeta so the final cheese sauce is yellow, not the queso blanco that will pick up the color of the ground beef.
In a medium pot or saucepan over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, stirring frequently, until browned, which will take about 5 minutes. Drain and discard the fat, leaving the ground beef in the pot.
Next, youll reduce the heat to medium, then add your Rotel (or canned diced tomatoes) and Velveeta cheese. Cook the mixture, stirring frequently, until the cheese is melted and incorporated, for about another 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the chili powder (if using).
Serve the dip warm in a skillet or a serving bowl. Top with cilantro (if using) and serve with chips alongside.
The full list of ingredients and instructions can be found in the recipe below.
- Add a bit more spice and kick: Chili powder, taco seasoning, or Cajun seasoning would also add a bit more spice and heat to this dip, depending on what flavor direction youre in the mood for. And if you like your dip with even more kick, you can even finely chop a jalapeño and add it to the dip at the end.
- Cut through the richness:.Want to add a bit of freshness to your dip? Add some pico de gallo and or finely chopped cilantro. Theyre more than just a garnish, and will add an herbaceous dimension to this otherwise super simple dip.
Lucky to have some leftover Rotel dip? You can store this dip in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days.Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
- 1 lb. (85% lean) ground beef or pork sausage
- 1 (10-oz.) can Rotel tomatoes
- 1 (16-oz.) pkg. Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 1/2 tsp. chili powder (optional)
- Chopped fresh cilantro and tortilla chips, for serving
-
- Step 1 In a medium pot or saucepan over medium-high heat, cook beef, stirring frequently, until browned, about 5 minutes. Drain and discard fat, leaving meat in pot.
- Step 2 Reduce heat to medium, then add tomatoes and cheese. Cook, stirring frequently, until cheese is melted, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in chili powder (if using).
- Step 3 Serve dip warm in skillet or a serving bowl. Top with cilantro (if using) and serve with chips alongside.
The Ultimate Rotel Dip with Ground Beef & Sausage | Easy & Cheesy Party Recipe!
FAQ
What ingredients do you need for Rotel dip?
-
The Pioneer Womanhttps://www.thepioneerwoman.comHow to Make Rotel Dip – The Pioneer WomanJan 23, 2025 — Ingredients * 1 Tbsp. olive oil. * 1 lb. ground beef. * yellow onion, diced. * (2-pound) block processed cheese (such as Velveeta), cubed. * (10-ou…
Is Rotel dip better with ground beef or sausage?
Ingredients Notes for Rotel Dip
Ground Beef – You can also substitute ground chicken, turkey, or sausage. If you use sausage, I recommend using breakfast sausage as opposed to Italian. The flavors blend much better. Of course you can leave the meat out entirely if you prefer.
Can you cook ground sausage and ground beef at the same time?
For ground beef the temperature is 155 degrees, for sausage it is 165 degrees. Since you are cooking them together, you will have to let both get to 165 degrees, which will be perfectly fine. it will not ruin the hamburger.
What can I use instead of Velveeta for Rotel?
Cheese: Velveeta makes this dip quick and easy (and super creamy). Cream cheese with a bit of cheddar is a great substitute. Seasonings: I add a pinch of chili powder. You can also add taco seasoning or your favorite spices to the meat if you’d like or use leftover taco ground beef.Feb 8, 2023
What is Rotel dip with ground beef?
Rotel Dip with Ground Beef has only THREE ingredients and is cheesy, beefy, and a little bit spicy – perfect for any party! Throw this easy dip together and your guests will be asking for the recipe. Have you ever had Rotel Dip? I bet you have. It’s a party staple, right up there with Buffalo Chicken Dip and Spinach & Artichoke Dip.
How do you make Rotel dip?
Rotel Dip is beefy, cheesy, and a little bit spicy! Add the ground beef to a large skillet, season with taco seasoning, and cook over medium high heat until browned. While the beef is cooking, cube the Velveeta. Once the beef is cooked, drain any grease, then add in the cubed Velveeta and can of Rotel tomatoes and chilies. Stir together.
Can you make Rotel dip in a slow cooker?
Answer: Yes, Rotel dip can be made in a slow cooker for easy preparation and serving at parties. Simply brown the ground beef and add all the ingredients to the slow cooker, then cook on low for 2-3 hours until the cheese is melted and the dip is hot. Concern 5: Can I make Rotel dip without Velveeta cheese?
Can you cook ground turkey in Rotel dip?
Answer: Ground turkey is a great alternative to ground beef in Rotel dip for a leaner option. Just cook the ground turkey as you would the ground beef and proceed with the rest of the recipe as directed. Concern 9: Can I make Rotel dip in the oven?
What seasoning can I add to Rotel dip?
There are several seasoning options you can add to Rotel dip. Here are some options: Chili Powder. Taco Seasoning. Ground Cumin. Fajita Seasoning. Will another meat work in place of the beef or sausage? Absolutely! Either ground chicken or ground turkey will work in place of the beef or sausage.
What kind of Sausage goes with Rotel dip?
Spicy sausage, or spicy Italian sausage work well if you want a little kick and more spice to your dip. Mild sausage, or regular breakfast sausage are a great option for a less spicy dip. I’m personally not a fan of too much spice so I usually go with breakfast sausage. What is Rotel?