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    January 30, 2024

    Rotel Dip

    Rotel dip is the cheesiest, hunkiest, and tastiest of all dips. It’s got everything–flavorful ground beef, melty Velveeta, chunky tomatoes and green chilies for a little bit of kick.

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    a bowl of rotel dip topped with cilantro and tomatoes served with tortilla chips
    Photography by Gayle McLeod

    More of our favorite cheese-filled appetizers

    Classic Rotel Velveeta Dip

    Rotel is synonymous with dip, but what is Rotel dip made of? Rotel is the brand name of a classic canned tomato made with green chillies, and it serves as one of the key ingredients in Rotel Dip, along with cheese and ground beef. It belongs in the dip hall of fame with our Perfect Guacamole, Salsa, and Homemade Corn Tortilla Chips. Fill out the appetizer offerings with our Fried Cheese, Jalapeño Poppers, and Sausage Rolls.

    ground beef, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, velvet cheese, and canned rotel tomatoes in bowls to make rotel dip

    Rotel Dip Ingredients

    • Ground beef–90/10 blend

    • Seasoning–chili powder, onion powder, and garlic powder

    • Velveeta! What would Rotel Velveeta dip be without it? We don’t want to know.

    • One 10 ounce can of Rotel

    • Toppings–we recommend a sprinkling of fresh chopped cilantro, green onions, and diced tomatoes for a little something extra.

    • Corn tortilla chips

    browned ground beef, chili powder, onion powder and garlic powder being cooked together in a skillet
    seasoned browned ground beef, velvet cheese, and canned rotel tomatoes in a skillet to make rotel dip

    How To Make Rotel Dip With Ground Beef

    1. Cook and season the beef. Place the beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned, 8-10 minutes. Add the chili powder, onion powder, and garlic powder and stir to combine.

    2. Stir in the velveeta and Rotel tomatoes, then reduce the heat to medium. Cook the cheese and tomatoes for about five minutes more, until the cheese is melted.

    3. Top with cilantro, green onions, and tomatoes. Serve immediately with tortilla chips on the side.

    rotel dip being stirred in a skillet made with beef, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, velveeta and rotel tomatoes
    a bowl of rotel dip topped with cilantro and tomatoes served with tortilla chips

    How to Store Leftover Rotel Dip + Tips

    • Are you supposed to drain Rotel? The answer is “No!” because you want to add all of the flavor and juices from the can to the dip.

    • How do you keep Rotel dip from getting thick? We find that using the entire can of Rotel, and then fully melting the cheese lends itself to the perfect consistency for this dip.

    • Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, or for up to 3 months in the freezer. When reheating Rotel dip, simply return it to low heat and stir until the cheese has re-softened and it is warmed through!

    rote dip in a serving bowl made with ground beef, velveeta cheese and rotel tomatoes topped with cilantro and tomatoes
    a bowl of rotel dip topped with cilantro and tomatoes served with tortilla chips

    More Ground Beef Appetizers From The Modern Proper

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    Rotel Dip

    Updated on January 30, 2024

    • Serves: 12
    • Yields: 4 cups
    • Prep Time:  15 min
    • Cook Time:  5 min
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    Ingredients

    • 1 pound 90/10 ground beef
    • 2 teaspoons chili powder
    • 1 teaspoon onion powder
    • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
    • 15 ounces velveeta cheese, cubed
    • 1 (10-ounce) can Rotel tomatoes

    For Serving

    • Minced fresh cilantro
    • Sliced green onions
    • Diced tomatoes
    • Corn tortillas chips

    Method

    1. Place the beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned, 8-10 minutes. Add the chili powder, onion powder, and garlic powder and stir to combine.

    2. Stir in the velveeta and Rotel tomatoes, then reduce the heat to medium. Cook, stirring, until the cheese melts, about 5 minutes more.

    3. Top with cilantro, green onions, and tomatoes, if using. Serve immediately with tortilla chips on the side. Store refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.


    Note: To reheat, simply return the dip over low heat and stir until the cheese has re-melted and the dip is warmed through.

    Nutrition Info

    • Per Serving
    • Amount
    • Calories144
    • Protein14 g
    • Carbohydrates5 g
    • Total Fat7 g
    • Dietary Fiber0 g
    • Cholesterol42 mg
    • sodium605 mg
    • Total Sugars3 g

    Rotel Dip

    Questions & Reviews

    Join the discussion below.

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    • Erin

      Do you need to drain the beef? And if so, do you add the spices and then drain, or do you drain first and then add the spices?

      There is no need to drain, not too much fat drains off of 90% ground beef. If you are using a higher fat content ground beef feel free to drain it before adding the spices. Hope you enjoy Erin!

    • Chet

      What an awesome dip. Loved it!! Best of all, the leftovers are just as good. I would put it on my eggs for breakfast, or some home fries. Nothing went to waste.

      Thanks Chet, glad you loved it!

    • Jenn

      AMAZING! This was gobbled up so quick.

      Glad it was enjoyed!