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Rotel Dip

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updated: 01/27/26

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This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy

This simple Rotel Dip is perfect to make for parties. It comes together easily and is always a huge hit!

Overhead view of a skillet of Rotel Dip garnished with cilantro, chopped tomatoes, and jalapenos. Tomatoes, jalapenos, and tortilla chips beside

If you are someone who craves cheesy dips, you are going to absolutely love this one. It comes together with just six ingredients and is done in less than 20 minutes. Rotel Dip is a classic for a reason, and this will be the first dish to go at any party.

Rotel Dip Ingredients

Be sure to scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of the post for the full recipe, including all measurements.

  • Ground beef: You could also use ground turkey or sausage.
  • Onion and garlic
  • Velveeta cheese: The block processed cheese gives the dip a great creamy texture.
  • Rotel: Rotel is a popular brand of canned tomatoes with green chilies. Don’t drain the tomatoes; we want the juices in the dip.
  • Chili Powder: This ingredient is optional, but it adds just a bit more flavor to the dip that you will love.
  • Tortilla chips for serving.

How to Make Rotel Dip

Here is a brief overview of how this rotel cheese dip recipe comes together. For the full recipe, including all ingredients and their measurements, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

Cook the Ground Beef

Break it up as it cooks, then add the onion and garlic and cook until the onion is translucent.

Overhead view of a skillet of ingredients for Rotel Dip recipe

Add the Other Ingredients

Add in the cheese, cans of Rotel, and chili powder to the cooked ground beef. Stir consistently until the cheese is completely melted. Enjoy!

Overhead view of a skillet of ingredients for Rotel Dip recipe before melting

Tips and Tricks

  • How to serve: This dip is delicious with warm tortilla chips. You can warm them up in the microwave or oven.
  • Making velveeta cheese dip in the slow cooker: If you want to make this dip in the crockpot, cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic as directed, then transfer that mixture to the slow cooker and add the other ingredients. Cook on low for three to four hours or until the cheese is completely melted, stirring occasionally.
  • Keep it warm for parties: If you want to keep this dip warm, this small slow cooker works great.
Person's hand holding tortilla chip dipped in Rotel Dip.

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat only the portion you plan to eat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat until heated through.

If you make this Velveeta Rotel dip recipe or any of my other recipes, be sure to leave a comment letting me know what you think!

Skillet of Rotel Dip garnished with chopped tomatoes, cilantro, and sliced jalapenos. Tortilla chips and tomatoes beside.
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Rotel Dip

Serves: 20 servings
(tap # to scale)
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 15 minutes
Total: 20 minutes
This simple Rotel Dip is perfect to make for parties. It comes together easily and is always a huge hit!

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 medium yellow onion diced
  • 2 garlic cloves minced, optional
  • 2 pounds block processed cheese such as Velveeta, cubed
  • 20 ounces canned tomatoes with green chiles such as Rotel, two 10 ounce cans
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder optional

Instructions

  • In a large skillet over medium heat (see note), cook the ground beef, breaking it up, for 4 minutes. Add the onion and garlic, cooking for 5 minutes until the onion is soft. Drain the excess grease.
    1 pound ground beef, 1 medium yellow onion, 2 garlic cloves
  • Reduce the heat to low and add in the cheese, tomatoes, and chili powder. Stir consistently until the cheese is completely melted.
    2 pounds block processed cheese, 20 ounces canned tomatoes with green chiles, 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • Serve warm with tortilla chips.

Notes

I used my 10.25 inch Lodge pan and it just fit perfectly as you can see. It holds roughly 9 cups.
Serving: 0.5cup Calories: 166kcal (8%) Carbohydrates: 7g (2%) Protein: 13g (26%) Fat: 9g (14%) Saturated Fat: 5g (31%) Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g Monounsaturated Fat: 2g Trans Fat: 0.3g Cholesterol: 35mg (12%) Sodium: 739mg (32%) Potassium: 282mg (8%) Fiber: 0.4g (2%) Sugar: 5g (6%) Vitamin A: 508IU (10%) Vitamin C: 3mg (4%) Calcium: 275mg (28%) Iron: 1mg (6%)
Author: Lisa Longley
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Skillet of Rotel Dip garnished with chopped tomatoes, cilantro, and sliced jalapenos. Tortilla chips and tomatoes beside.

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Rotel Dip

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Hi! I'm Lisa Longley, and I am committed to giving you simple dinner ideas and recipes that are easy to make; recipes that will fill your home with joy. I am the owner and author of SimpleJoy.com and I'm so glad that you are here.

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