This iconic Rotel Dip recipe is loaded with creamy Velveeta cheese, hearty ground beef and a can of Rotel tomatoes! It’s one of my most popular queso recipes, along with Smoked Queso and Chili Cheese Dip. You can also browse all of my queso recipes for even more variations.
For the smoothest, creamiest results, check out the best cheese for queso to choose the right blend.
Rotel Cheese Dip
Rotel cheese dip can be made on the stovetop in 20 minutes or in the crockpot! It can also be made well in advance, making it an easy appetizer to serve come game day or Christmas.
Haven’t heard of Ro*tel? Rotel is a brand of canned tomatoes spiked with peppers. Ranging from mild to hot, there are currently 10 different Ro*tel flavors. I also use it to make Salsa Con Queso.
We love some heat so usually use the option containing habanero or serrano peppers. Don’t care for heat? Use the “mild” version.
Velveeta Queso Dip
This Rotel Dip has only been tested with Velveeta, not freshly grated cheese. Velveeta is what gives this version its smooth texture without requiring the extra steps needed when making queso with grated cheese. This isn’t that recipe. It’s all Velveeta, baby!
If your dip ever turns gritty instead of smooth, it usually comes down to heat or cheese choice. See why queso turns grainy and how to fix it for easy fixes.
If you’re looking for queso made without Velveeta, try my White Queso, Choriqueso, Green Chile Queso or Salsa Con Queso.
For a heartier cheese dip with bacon and more heat, try my smoked jalapeño popper dip. It combines cream cheese, cheddar and Pepper Jack with fresh jalapeños, then cooks on the smoker.
Just make sure to read these tips on keeping queso smooth to help maintain a creamy texture.
For more help choosing cheese, troubleshooting texture and finding the right queso for your meal, visit my Ultimate Guide to Queso.
Velveeta Cheese Dip
Only 3 ingredients are required to make this Rotel cheese dip recipe:
- Velveeta Cheese – Use original or another Velveeta variety depending on the flavor you want.
- Ground Beef – Any fat percentage works since you’ll drain the beef before adding the cheese.
- Rotel – Don’t drain it. Use mild, original, hot or another variety depending on how much heat you want.
How to Make Rotel Dip
Rotel Dip comes together in two quick steps on the stovetop. Brown and drain the ground beef, then add the Velveeta and undrained Rotel. Stir over low heat until smooth and melted.
Rotel Dip in a Crock Pot
This Velveeta queso crockpot dip takes longer to make than the stovetop version, but it’s more hands off. Plus you don’t have to transfer it to another vessel to keep it heated if you’re serving it as a party appetizer.
To make Rotel queso in the crock pot, brown and drain the ground beef, then add it to the slow cooker with the Velveeta and undrained Rotel. Cook on low for 2–3 hours, stirring occasionally, until smooth and melted.
Dipper Ideas
While nothing beats chips and queso, in our opinion, there are plenty of other “dipper” options to try:
- Baguette (or other sliced bread)
- Crackers
- Fresh Vegetables – Carrots and Bell Peppers
- Potato Chips
- Pretzel Bites
- Pita Chips
- Pork Rinds
Planning a party or game day spread? Browse all of my dip recipes for more hot, cold and cheesy dips to serve alongside Rotel Dip.
Topping Ideas
Like loading up queso dip with toppings? Here are a few of our favorites:
- Pickled Peppers
- Pickled Banana Peppers
- Roasted Peppers (How To Roast Peppers)
- Pickled Red Onions
- Sour Cream
- Black Olives
- Salsa – Restaurant Style Salsa, smoked salsa or pico de gallo
- Chopped Fresh Cilantro
- Chopped Green Onions
- Chopped Fresh Tomatoes
White Queso Variations
Loaded White Queso: Top with pico de gallo, jalapeños, cilantro and crumbled chorizo.
Spicy White Queso: Add diced jalapeños, extra cayenne or a spoonful of chipotle chiles in adobo.
Meaty Queso: Stir in cooked taco meat, chorizo, carne asada or shredded chicken.
Queso Blanco: Replace the Pepper Jack with Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a milder dip.
Smoky Queso: Add smoked paprika or a small amount of chipotle paste.
What to Serve With Rotel Dip
Rotel queso dip can be served simply with tortilla chips or alongside some of my favorite Mexican recipes. Here are a few I’d serve it with:
- Carne Asada Recipes
- Taco Recipes
- Mulitas
- Mix it in smoked mac and cheese or Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese
- Burritos
- Chili Cheese Hot Dogs
- Chili Cheese Fries
- Fajitas – Steak Fajitas or Chicken Fajitas
Expert Tips
- Any ground beef works here. I drain the excess grease before adding the Velveeta and Rotel, so use the fat percentage you prefer.
- Brown and crumble the ground beef, then drain the excess grease before adding the Velveeta and Rotel.
- Transfer the dip to a slow cooker set to warm to keep the nice smooth texture. It will harden as it cools.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Make it up to 3 days in advance to cut down on prep time, if serving at a party.
- Use leftovers to make Queso Chicken.
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Drink Pairings
You can’t go wrong reaching for a Mexican Mule, Michelada, Margarita, Beermosa or an ice cold beer with Game Day appetizers.
Rotel Dip (Stovetop or Crockpot)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground Beef
- 1 lb Velveeta Cheese, Cubed
- 1 can Rotel, Undrained
Instructions
- Pre-heat a cast iron or non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and brown, breaking up into chunks while it cooks. Drain the grease.
- Add the Velveeta and rotel (with the liquid) and stir until melted and warm throughout.
- Serve immediately for best texture.