This amazing classic Rotel Dip Recipe is made with just five simple ingredients and is always a hit on movie night or game day. You can heat it slowly and easily in a crockpot or quickly on the stovetop or in the microwave.
This easy dip recipe is so full of flavor, and it can be customized to suit your taste with extra spices, green chilies, or jalapenos. It is always one of the first dishes gone, but no worries, you can whip up a replacement batch in no time at all.
Ingredients Notes and Substitutions
See the complete list of ingredients on the recipe card below.
- Ground Sausage: I like to use Jimmy Dean All Natural Pork Sausage, but any mildly flavored pork sausage works well, including hot. Feel free to substitute ground beef, ground turkey, or a mixture of these meats.
- Taco seasoning: For added flavor, use homemade taco seasoning.
- Rotel tomatoes: You can substitute any diced tomatoes with green chiles.
- Salsa-style canned tomatoes: Canned salsa-style tomatoes are in the same aisle as the other canned tomatoes. If they are difficult to find, add another can of Rotel Tomatoes, petite diced tomatoes, or an equivalent amount of your favorite tomato-based jarred salsa and a small can of green chilis.
- Velvetta cheese: It is a shelf-stable, processed cheese product. Not always the healthiest ingredient, but it is what makes this dip stay smooth and creamy for hours.
How to Make Rotel Dip
This is a summary version; for the complete list of ingredients and instructions, please refer to the recipe card below.
Crockpot Method
It just doesn’t get any easier than this. Simply brown the ground sausage and then add it to a crock pot with the taco seasoning, Rotel tomatoes, salsa-style tomatoes, and Velveeta cheese. Cover the crockpot, set to high, and cook for a couple of hours, or until the cheese is melted and the dip is hot.
Stovetop Method
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground sausage or hamburger and drain any excess grease. Add the taco seasoning, Rotel tomatoes, salsa-style tomatoes, and Velveeta Cheese to the skillet. Cook over medium-low heat until melted and hot, stirring frequently.
Microwave Method
Cook the ground sausage in a skillet over medium-high heat until it is no longer pink. Drain any excess grease. Then add the ground beef, Rotel tomatoes, salsa-style tomatoes, and Velveeta Cheese to a microwave-safe container or bowl. Heat for about 3 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the dip is heated through.
Tips for Success
- Once the cheese is melted and the dip is hot in the crock pot, turn the crock pot to warm and stir every hour.
- For an extra creamy version, add 8 ounces of cream cheese, cut into cubes.
- If the dip gets too thick, add 1 tablespoon of milk or chicken broth at a time until it reaches the desired consistency.
- If cooking on the stovetop or in the microwave, this dip can be reheated multiple times.
What to serve with Rotel Dip
- Chips: crackers, tortilla chips, corn chips (preferably scoops), bagel chips, pita chips, and crostini.
- Veggies: carrots, celery, cauliflower, broccoli, and bell peppers.
- Potatoes: baked, French Fries, air-fryer potato wedges, and tater tots.
More Dip Recipes
Rotel Cheese Dip Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground sausage see notes
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 1 (10-ounce) can Rotel tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can salsa-style tomatoes (see notes)
- 16 ounces cubed Velveeta cheese
Instructions
- Brown the ground sausage over medium heat.
- Add it to a crock pot with the taco seasoning, Rotel Tomatoes, salsa-style tomatoes, and Velveeta cheese. Cover and turn to high heat.
- Cook for 2 hours or until the cheese is melted and the dip is hot.
Notes
- Salsa-style canned tomatoes: Canned salsa-style tomatoes are in the same aisle as the other canned tomatoes. If they are difficult to find, add another can of Rotel Tomatoes, petite diced tomatoes, or an equivalent amount of your favorite tomato-based jarred salsa and a small can of green chilis.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the crockpot, in the microwave at reduced power, or on the stovetop over low heat.
- Or freeze for up to 3 months when stored in a heavy-duty freezer container. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat in the crockpot, microwave at reduced power, or on the stovetop over low heat.
Nutrition
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Melanie
This is such yummy dip for frito chips. Next time I am going to make my own taco seasoning so I will be making use of the recipe. Thanks for including it.
Beth Pierce
You are most welcome, Melanie!
Jerry
This is the kind of no-fail, crowd-pleasing recipe everyone needs in their back pocket. I love how simple the ingredients are and how you offer easy variations to suit different tastes without overcomplicating things. Perfect for game day, parties, or last-minute get-togethers, definitely a keeper.
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Jerry! So glad that you liked it.
Kerri
Loved using both sausage and ground beef—it was heartier than the usual version. Next time I will try the cream cheese!
Melanie
Ooo I need try this out we love a good dip especially at the weekend with nachos yum yum
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Melanie! Enjoy~!
Mary Lou
This sounds quite easy, and very flavorful. I think this would be great for serving a crowd. I’ll have to make this over the holidays!
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Mary Lou! Enjoy!
Sienny
Ohh yes I will opt for microwave method to make this delicious dip. Always love easy recipes and you are always spot on in your sharing.