This iconic Rotel Dip recipe is loaded with creamy Velveeta cheese, hearty ground beef and a can of Rotel tomatoes! It’s a very popular queso recipe, along with our Smoked Queso and Chili Cheese Dip recipes, since it’s quick and easy to make.
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 queso dip recipe has only been tested with Velveeta, not freshly grated cheese. Grated cheese can be gritty and greasy when melted. As such, queso recipes made with freshly grated cheese will be written and tested to avoid these factors. This isn’t it. 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 are looking for a queso recipe with fresh cheese, check out my White Queso, Choriqueso, or Green Chile Queso recipe!
Velveeta Cheese Dip
Only 3 ingredients are required to make this Rotel cheese dip recipe:
- Velveeta Cheese, Any Variety
- Ground Beef
- Rotel, Any Variety (Undrained)
How To Make Rotel Dip
To make this Rotel cheese dip recipe on the stove, you’re looking at only 2 quick steps: brown and drain the ground beef and add in the remaining two ingredients. Stir until 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 and throw it in the crock pot with the rest of the ingredients and warm on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.
Dipper Ideas
While nothing beats chips and queso, in our opinion, there are some other “dipper” options to consider for dip recipes:
- Baguette (or other sliced bread)
- Crackers
- Fresh Vegetables – Carrots and Bell Peppers
- Potato Chips
- Pretzel Bites
- Pita Chips
- Pork Rinds
Outside of chips, my favorite thing to use as a dipper are Pretzel Bites.
Topping Ideas
Like loading up queso dip with toppings? Here are a few of our favorites:
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- 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 Cilantro
- Chopped Fresh Tomatoes
Variations
Ground Beef Dip with Rotel
As written, this is a dip with ground beef. As you’re going to drain the grease from the beef, it doesn’t matter what fat % you use.
Rotel Dip With Cream Cheese
Like cream cheese? Throw a block in with the Velveeta to add a little tang. Full-fat cream cheese works best when melting.
Rotel Shrimp Dip
To make this a seafood dip, omit the ground beef and throw in chopped cooked shrimp or even rock shrimp.
Rotel Dip With Sausage
To make sausage dip, replace the ground beef with ground sausage.
Velveeta Queso Recipe
Velveeta queso also goes by a few other names, including:
- rotel hamburger dip
- velveeta hamburger dip
- rotel cheese dip
- ugly dip
What To Serve With
Rotel queso dip can be enjoyed solo with tortilla chips OR as the perfect side dish. Especially a few of our popular Mexican recipes. Here are a few we’d serve it next to:
- Carne Asada Recipes
- Taco Recipes
- Mulitas
- Mix it in smoked mac and cheese or Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese
- Queso Burger
- Burritos
- Chili Cheese Hot Dogs
- Chili Cheese Fries
- Fajitas – Steak Fajitas or Chicken Fajitas
Expert Tips
- As the ground beef will be drained, you can utilize any % of fat. It won’t matter to the final product.
- The ground beef must be browned and chopped before adding the other ingredients. If not, too much grease will be added to the mix.
- 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 air tight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- As there is no dairy in this queso, it can be stored in the freeze for up to 3 months.
- 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.
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.