The short answer: This Rotel dip is the warm, cheesy party dip that disappears first at every game day, potluck and holiday open house. Brown and drain a pound of sausage, then melt it with a block of Velveeta and two cans of diced tomatoes with green chiles until the dip is smooth and bubbly. It takes three ingredients and about 15 minutes on the stove, or you can let a slow cooker do the work.
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Prep time: 10 minCook time: 10 minTotal time: 20 minServings: 7 cups
Below you'll find exact amounts, stovetop, slow cooker and microwave methods, easy variations, and tips to keep it safe on a buffet.
One batch makes about 7 cups, enough for 12 to 16 people as an appetizer.
Rotel dip ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Velveeta or processed cheese | 32 ounces | Cut into 1-inch cubes |
| Diced tomatoes with green chiles | 2 cans (10 ounces each) | Original or hot, undrained |
| Breakfast sausage or ground beef | 1 pound | Browned and drained |
| Cream cheese | 8 ounces | Optional, for a creamier dip |
| Chili powder or taco seasoning | 1 teaspoon | Optional, if you use ground beef |
| Tortilla chips | 2 large bags | For serving |
How to make Rotel dip on the stove
- Brown the meat. Cook the sausage or ground beef in a large pot over medium heat, breaking it up, until no pink remains. Ground meat is done at 160°F on the FoodSafety.gov temperature chart.
- Drain the fat. Drain the meat well and return it to the pot.
- Add the cheese and tomatoes. Add the cubed cheese, the tomatoes with their juice, and the cream cheese if you're using it.
- Melt it slowly. Cook over low heat, stirring often, for 8 to 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and smooth.
- Serve warm. Pour it into a slow cooker on the warm setting or a serving bowl, and serve it with chips.
Slow cooker and microwave methods
| Method | How | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Slow cooker | Add browned meat, cubed cheese and tomatoes. Stir every 30 minutes | 2 to 3 hours on low |
| Microwave | Microwave cheese and tomatoes in a large glass bowl, stir in cooked meat | 5 to 7 minutes, stirring every 90 seconds |
| Stovetop | Melt everything in a pot over low heat | 10 to 15 minutes |
Rotel dip variations
- Rotel dip with ground beef: use lean ground beef and a teaspoon of taco seasoning.
- Creamy Rotel dip: add a block of cream cheese for a richer, thicker dip.
- Spicy Rotel dip: use hot tomatoes with habaneros and spicy sausage, or add chopped jalapeños.
- Vegetarian Rotel dip: skip the meat and stir in a can of drained black beans.
- Chicken Rotel dip: stir in 2 cups of shredded rotisserie chicken.
- Queso blanco style: use white American cheese and a can of mild green chiles.
Tips for a smooth Rotel dip
- Cut the cheese into cubes. Small, even cubes melt faster and more evenly than a whole block.
- Keep the heat low. High heat can scorch the bottom and make processed cheese stiff and rubbery.
- Drain the meat well. Extra grease floats to the top and makes the dip look oily.
- Thin it as it sits. Melted cheese thickens as it cools, so stir in a splash of milk to loosen it.
- Make it ahead. Brown the meat a day early and keep it refrigerated, then melt everything just before guests arrive.
Keep Rotel dip safe on a party buffet
Cheese dips with meat are perishable. The USDA's danger zone guidance says bacteria multiply fastest between 40°F and 140°F, so hot food should stay hot and shouldn't sit out more than 2 hours. A slow cooker on the warm setting is the easiest way to keep the dip hot through a long party. Refrigerate leftovers in a covered container and eat them within 3 to 4 days.
What to serve with Rotel dip
Tortilla chips are the classic dipper, but corn chips, pita chips, pretzels, crackers, celery, bell pepper strips and soft pretzel bites all work. You can also spoon leftovers over baked potatoes, nachos or hot dogs. Our air fryer hot dogs are ready in about 5 minutes. For a cheese appetizer you can shape ahead, try a cheese ball and serve it separately with crackers.
Plan the party menu
- Holiday Season Bundle, $15.99. Plan the appetizer lineup, the grocery list and the budget for every holiday party this season.
- Meal Planner & Grocery List, $3.99. Plan game-day snacks and weeknight dinners, and keep a running grocery list.
Building a full appetizer spread? Pair Rotel dip with buffalo chicken dip, and see our Christmas appetizers, Thanksgiving appetizers and Christmas party food ideas.
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Frequently asked questions
What do you need to make Rotel dip? To make Rotel dip, you need three ingredients: a 32-ounce block of Velveeta or another processed cheese, two 10-ounce cans of diced tomatoes with green chiles, and 1 pound of breakfast sausage or ground beef. Some cooks stir in a block of cream cheese for a creamier dip. Serve it warm with tortilla chips, corn chips, crackers or vegetables.
Should I drain the Rotel tomatoes for the dip? For most Rotel dip, don't drain the tomatoes. The juice thins the melted cheese into a smooth, dippable texture and adds flavor. If you like a thick dip, or you're adding cream cheese or extra meat, drain one of the two cans. You can always stir in a splash of milk later if the dip thickens too much as it sits.
Can you make Rotel dip in a slow cooker? Yes, a slow cooker is the easiest way to make Rotel dip for a party. Brown and drain the sausage or beef first, then add it to the slow cooker with the cubed cheese and the tomatoes. Cook on low for 2 to 3 hours, stirring every 30 minutes, until it's smooth. Then switch the slow cooker to warm so the dip stays hot through the party.
How long can Rotel dip sit out at a party? Rotel dip shouldn't sit out at room temperature for more than 2 hours, because it's made with meat and cheese. The USDA's danger zone guidance says bacteria grow fastest between 40°F and 140°F. Keeping it on the warm setting in a slow cooker keeps it above 140°F. If it has been out longer than 2 hours, it's safest to throw it away.
Can you make Rotel dip without Velveeta? Yes, you can make Rotel dip without Velveeta. Melt 8 ounces of cream cheese with 2 cups of shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack, a can of diced tomatoes with green chiles, and ½ cup of milk, stirring over low heat. American cheese from the deli counter also melts smoothly. Natural cheeses can turn grainy, so keep the heat low and stir often.
How do you reheat leftover Rotel dip? Reheat leftover Rotel dip in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each one, or warm it in a saucepan over low heat. Add a splash of milk if it's too thick. Leftover dip keeps for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator in a covered container. Reheat only as much as you'll eat, and heat it until it's steaming hot.