How to Make Delicious Rotel Dip with Ground Beef

Rotel dip is a classic party appetizer that is loved by many. The cheesy, spicy flavor is hard to resist! While the original rotel dip recipe calls for just velveeta cheese and a can of rotel tomatoes, adding ground beef takes it to the next level. The beef provides a savory, meaty flavor that perfectly complements the creaminess of the cheese and bite of the tomatoes.

In this article, we will walk through the incredibly easy steps for making rotel dip with ground beef. We’ll also provide tips for customizing the recipe and offer serving suggestions. Let’s get started!

Ingredients Needed

The beauty of this recipe is that it requires just a few simple ingredients:

• 1 lb lean ground beef (85% lean or higher)
• 1 package (16 oz) of velveeta cheese, cubed
• 1 can (10 oz) of rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies
• Salt, pepper, and other seasonings of choice

That’s it! Velveeta is the key ingredient here as it melts smoothly and gives the dip its signature creamy, cheese flavor. Rotel diced tomatoes add texture as well as a spicy kick.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here is the incredibly easy process for putting together this crowd-pleasing dip

1. Brown the ground beef In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess grease and transfer to a slow cooker.

2. Add remaining ingredients: Add the cubed velveeta and entire can of rotel (don’t drain) to the slow cooker.

3. Cook on low heat: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally, until cheese is fully melted and dip is smooth and well combined.

That’s seriously all there is to it! The whole process takes just 20-30 minutes of active cooking time

Recipe Customizations

One of the great things about this recipe is how versatile it is. There are lots of simple ways to customize it to suit your tastes:

• Spice it up: Add 1⁄4 tsp cayenne pepper or chipotle chili powder for extra heat. Or use spicy rotel tomatoes.

• Make it zesty: Add 1 tsp cumin or taco seasoning for a zesty, Tex-Mex flavor.

• Go cheesy: Use an extra 4 oz of shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese.

• Add crunch: Stir in some chopped green onions, diced tomatoes or sliced black olives.

• Adjust consistency: If the dip is too thick, stir in 1-2 tbsp of milk to thin it out.

Serving Suggestions

This addictive dip pairs perfectly with tortilla chips, but there are so many other great ways to serve it:

• Scoop it on top of nachos or bake it over tater tots for loaded nachos/tots.

• Stuff it into mini pepper or mushroom caps for a fun appetizer.

• Use it as a topping for baked potatoes or french fries.

• Spoon it over grilled chicken breasts for extra flavor.

• Roll up in a flour tortilla with shredded lettuce for a quick and easy beef burrito.

No matter how you serve it up, rotel dip with ground beef always satisfies!

Extra Tips and Tricks

Here are some additional pointers for making this recipe successfully:

• Use a slow cooker to keep the dip warm for serving over long periods of time. Use the “warm” setting once melted.

• Let the dip come to room temperature before serving for best consistency.

• If the dip gets too thick after cooling, stir in 1-2 tbsp milk until smooth.

• You can prep the browned beef a day in advance and store in the fridge until ready to finish making the dip.

• Leftover dip will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

• Freeze leftovers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of ground beef should I use?

A lean ground beef (85% lean or higher) works best to prevent the dip from being greasy. Ground sirloin is a great choice.

Can I use ground turkey or sausage instead?

Absolutely! Ground turkey and spicy sausage like chorizo make delicious substitutions.

Do I have to use Velveeta cheese?

Traditional velveeta works great, but you can use shredded cheddar, pepper jack or a mix instead. The dip may be slightly less creamy.

Can I make it spicier?

Yes, add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to taste. You can also use spicy rotel tomatoes or add diced jalapenos.

Can I prepare it in advance?

You can brown the beef a day ahead. Or make the whole dip 1-2 days in advance and refrigerate until ready to gently reheat and serve.

Conclusion

This easy rotel dip with ground beef is sure to be a huge crowd-pleaser at your next party or game day get-together. The savory beef flavor perfectly complements the creaminess of the melted cheese and spicy kick of the rotel tomatoes. Customize it to your tastes by adding extra spice or different mix-ins. Serve alongside crunchy tortilla chips or get creative and use it as a topping for nachos or baked potatoes. No matter how you enjoy it, this addictive dip never lasts long!