Creamy Rotel Dip
This creamy Rotel dip melts processed cheese with tomatoes, green chiles, ground beef, onion, and chipotle for an easy party appetizer.
About This Recipe
Rotel dip is the kind of party appetizer that disappears quickly. It is creamy, cheesy, a little spicy, and sturdy enough for tortilla chips.
Browning the beef with onion first adds savory flavor, then the cheese and tomatoes melt together into a smooth dip. Keep the heat low once the cheese goes in so it stays creamy.
Ingredients
- ✓1 tablespoon olive oil
- ✓1 pound ground beef
- ✓1 yellow onion, diced
- ✓1 (2-pound) block processed cheese, such as Velveeta, cubed
- ✓2 (10-ounce) cans diced tomatoes and green chiles, such as Rotel
- ✓1/2 teaspoon chipotle chile powder
- ✓Chopped fresh cilantro, for serving, optional
Ingredient Notes
- Processed cheese: This melts smoothly and gives the dip its classic texture.
- Rotel tomatoes: Diced tomatoes and green chiles add acidity, heat, and moisture.
- Ground beef: Beef makes the dip hearty enough for game day or parties.
- Chipotle chile powder: A small amount adds smoky heat without overpowering the cheese.
Instructions
- 1
Heat the olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and onion.
- 2
Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, breaking up the beef, until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat.
- 3
Reduce the heat to low. Add the cubed processed cheese, diced tomatoes and green chiles, and chipotle chile powder.
- 4
Cook, stirring constantly, for 2 to 3 minutes, until the cheese melts and the dip is smooth.
- 5
Sprinkle with cilantro if desired and serve warm with tortilla chips.
Katy’s Kitchen Tips
- Cube the cheese so it melts quickly and evenly.
- Drain excess beef fat before adding cheese.
- Stir often once the cheese goes in.
- Keep warm in a slow cooker for parties.
Variations and Substitutions
- Sausage Rotel dip: Use breakfast sausage instead of ground beef.
- Spicier dip: Add jalapeños or extra chipotle powder.
- Bean dip: Stir in drained black beans for more texture.
- Milder version: Use mild tomatoes and green chiles and skip extra chile powder.
What to Serve With Creamy Rotel Dip
Serve with tortilla chips, corn chips, soft pretzels, toasted baguette slices, or spooned over nachos.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerate leftover dip for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring often. Add a splash of milk if it gets too thick.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using high heat: Cheese dip can scorch or tighten if heated too aggressively.
- Skipping the drain: Too much beef fat can make the dip greasy.
- Adding cheese in one large block: Cubed cheese melts more evenly.
- Letting it sit uncovered: A skin can form on top as the dip cools.
FAQ
Can I make Rotel dip in a slow cooker?
Yes. Brown the beef first, then melt everything together on low.
How do I keep Rotel dip creamy?
Keep it warm on low heat and stir occasionally. Add a splash of milk if needed.
Can I make it without meat?
Yes. Skip the beef or replace it with beans.
How spicy is Rotel dip?
It depends on the tomatoes and chiles you use. Choose mild for a gentler dip.
Nutrition Facts
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 325 Calories
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 76 mg
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 19 g
- Sodium: 573 mg
- Sugar: 2 g
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g