Rotel dip is the perfect party dish, loaded with creamy, gooey cheese and seasoned ground beef or sausage, easy to make and always a hit! Serve with chips!
You'll also love my Buffalo Chicken Dip and Jalapeno Popper Dip.
Rotel Dip Recipe
I've had a number of people ask me how I would make Rotel Cheese Dip, and I'm happy to say it's finally here!
If you're looking for a deliciously decadent appetizer or party dip, look no further.
I've seen many recipes that simply dump 4 ingredients into a pot and let it all melt through, but after testing, this is how I like to make mine.
The best Rotel Dip is made with a simple roux, which makes the cheesy dip extra creamy and delicious. It's the only way I like to make it, and I think you will love it, too. I'll bring the chips and you make the dip!
Let's talk about how to make Rotel dip, shall we?
Rotel Dip Ingredients
The full ingredients list with measurements is listed in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.
- Ground Beef. I like 80/20, though it's also great with Italian sausage for Rotel Sausage Dip.
- Taco Seasonings. Try my homemade taco seasoning.
- Vegetable Oil. Or you can use the drippings from the ground beef or sausage.
- All Purpose Flour. For making a roux.
- Milk. 2 percent milk is great, but you can use whole milk, half and half, or heavy cream for a more robust version.
- Rotel (Ro*Tel) Tomatoes. Use your favorite. There are many versions. I’m using the fire roasted tomatoes with green chilies variety, but it's also great with the fiery habanero variety. See the Rotel Web Site.
- Cheese. I prefer a mix of cream cheese and cheddar cheese, but you can also use Velveeta cheese.
- For Serving. Crispy tortilla chips fresh chopped green onion or cilantro, red chili flakes.
How to Make Rotel Dip - the Recipe Method
It's easy to make Rotel Dip! First, cook the ground beef or sausage in a large pan with taco seasonings - basically making taco meat - then set aside.
In the same pan, make a light roux with flour and oil (or you can use the pan drippings). See my post on how to make a roux. The roux is important for extra creaminess.
Next, stir in milk to thicken, then stir in a can of rotel and cheeses. Be sure to stir the cheeses in a bit at a time until well incorporated.
Return the ground meat to the pan and mix it up.
Boom! Done! Your creamy Rotel dip is ready to serve. This is how you make it, nice and creamy, cheesy, and served hot. Bust out the chips! Just be careful, this dish is addictive.
How to Serve Rotel Dip
Serve Rotel dip right away while it is hot with crispy tortilla chips for dipping. It is best enjoyed right away.
If serving for a party, you can keep it warm in a crock pot or slow cooker so it doesn't cool off and harden up. If it does begin to harden, swirl in a bit of milk or cream over low heat to make it creamy again.
Recipe Tips & Notes
- This recipe is great with other meats. Try it with hot Italian sausage or Mexican chorizo. Consider ground turkey or ground chicken for a lighter version. You can also skip the meats for a vegetarian version.
- This recipe works perfectly with Velveeta cheese, which is a processed cheese that melts very evenly. I use Velveeta in my Movie Theater Style Nacho Cheese Sauce recipe. Just use it in place of the cream cheese and cheddar.
Storage & Leftovers
Rotel dip recipe will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator in a sealed container. To reheat it, add it to a pot, then heat it gently on the stovetop. Slowly swirl in a bit of milk or cream to make it soft and gooey again.
That's it, my friends. I hope you enjoy this Rotel dip recipe. Let me know if you make it. I'd love to hear how it turned out for you, and if you decided to spice it up!
Cookbook Recommendation
If you enjoy spicy cooking, I hope you'll check out my cookbook! 75 easy recipes with big, bold flavor.
- The Spicy Food Lovers' Cookbook, by Mike Hultquist (affiliate link, my friends!)
Amazon Affiliate links, my friends! As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Try Some of My Other Popular Recipes
Got any questions? Ask away! I’m happy to help. If you enjoy this recipe, I hope you’ll leave a comment with some STARS. Also, please share it on social media. Don’t forget to tag us at #ChiliPepperMadness. I’ll be sure to share! Thanks! — Mike H.
Rotel Dip Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef use 80/20 – or you can use Italian sausage
- 1 tablespoon taco seasonings or more to taste – I usually use 2 tablespoons
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil if needed
- 3 tablespoons all purpose flour
- 1 cup milk 2 percent, whole milk, or half and half for fuller flavor
- 1 can Rotel Use your favorite – I’m using the fire roasted tomatoes with green chilies variety
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- For Serving. Crispy tortilla chips fresh chopped green onion or cilantro, red chili flakes
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet or pan to medium heat. Add the ground beef and break it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook for 5 minutes, then stir in the taco seasonings and salt and pepper to taste. Cook another 4-5 minutes, or until cooked through. Remove the meat to a bowl and set aside, but keep 3 tablespoons of the beef drippings (or add oil, as needed).
- Add the flour and stir into a thin paste/roux. Cook, stirring constantly, for 5 minutes, to cook out the raw flour. The flour will darken a bit.
- Add the milk and stir until thickened, 1-2 minutes.
- Add the can of Rotel with liquid and cream cheese. Stir until incorporated.
- Add the shredded cheddar cheese a bit at a time and continuously stir until melted through.
- Stir in the cooked ground meat until well incorporated.
- Garnish and serve with tortilla chips.
Notes
Nutrition Information
Bill Boyd says
For a quick small version I use one can of Rotel and one can of Campbell Spicy Nacho Cheese soup. Mostly cook 1/3 lb hamburgers meat and then add.
Mike Hultquist says
I like it!
Ramya says
Cant wait to make this soon for me can i use tofu and vegan cream cheese i never had rotel dip before perfect for snacks love your recipes as always brightens up my day everyday after work
Mike H. says
Enjoy, Ramya!
Brett Asher says
Could this also be done with sausage instead of beef?
Mike H. says
Thanks - absolutely. Let me know how it goes please.
Maggie Lawrence says
This looks amazing and perfect for the 4th! What is the brand of that stunning pan you used?
Mike H. says
Hi Maggie, thank you. I use quite a few actually, check out some of my favorite ones here.