The Best Ever Velveeta Rotel Dip (with Crock Pot Version too!)

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This Velveeta Rotel dip is an easy, cheesy dip recipe with ground beef, Rotel, and black beans. Ideal for Sunday football games or holiday parties. Slow cooker version included!

Rotel Dip with Queso in Bowl with text

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The Best Ever Velveeta Rotel Dip (w/ Crock Pot Version too!)

If you’re looking for the ultimate crowd-pleaser for game day or a holiday potluck, look no further than this Velveeta Rotel Dip. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with seasoned ground beef, Rotel tomatoes, and black beans, it’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd during the Super Bowl or serving it at a family gathering, this dip is sure to impress the entire family.

And the best part?

 It only takes 20 minutes to whip up! You can also modify the recipe for a Crock Pot version, making it even easier for hands-off cooking.

I think every party should have at least one cheesy dip– and this one doesn’t disappoint! It’s a crowd pleaser because, with the magic of just a few seasonings, it really kicks up the flavor profile while still holding in that “comfort food” feeling.

blue corn tortilla chip, queso dip, in a Bowl on table top

The Best Rotel Dip Ever

This queso dip is a versatile and delicious addition to any party spread. The creamy cheese melts perfectly with the flavorful beef, while the Rotel tomatoes and beans add a bit of texture and spice. Serve it with tortilla chips, and everyone will be coming back for more!

Cheese Rotel Dip Ingredients on countertop

Ingredients You’ll Need:

  • 16 oz Velveeta cheese (cubed)
  • 1 can of Rotel tomatoes (drained)
  • 1 can black beans (rinsed)
  • 1 lb lean ground beef (90/10)
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp cumin
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp steak seasoning
  • Cilantro for garnish
  • Pico de gallo for garnish

Cheese Rotel Dip In process collage

Instructions:

  • Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef. Drain excess oil if needed, especially if you’re using a fattier beef like 80/20. This helps prevent your dip from becoming greasy.
  • Melt the Velveeta: Lower the heat to medium. Cube the Velveeta cheese and add it to the beef. Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, paprika, and steak seasoning. Heat until the cheese fully melts, creating a smooth, creamy sauce.
  • Incorporate Rotel and Beans: Add in the drained Rotel tomatoes and black beans. Stir well to combine everything into a cheesy dip.
  • Garnish and Serve: Transfer the dip to a serving bowl and garnish with chopped cilantro, pico de gallo, and extra black beans if desired. Serve with tortilla chips for dipping.

Rotel dip in pan being warmed
Rotel Dip with Queso Bowl on table top

Crock Pot Version:

If you’re hosting and want to keep things simple, the Crock Pot is your friend for this recipe! Here’s how you can adapt the Velveeta Rotel Dip for slow cooking:

  1. Brown the Beef: Just like the stovetop version, start by browning the ground beef in a large skillet. Drain any excess oil.
  2. Transfer to Crock Pot: Once browned, transfer the ground beef to a Crock Pot. Add the Velveeta cubes, Rotel, black beans, and all the seasonings.
  3. Cook on Low: Set your Crock Pot to low heat and cook for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally to ensure the cheese melts evenly. Important: If the dip gets too thick, add a tablespoon or two of milk to thin it out.
  4. Serve from the Crock Pot: Keep the dip warm in the Crock Pot on the “keep warm” setting during your party or event.

Other Party Dips and Appetizers You’ll Love:

blue corn tortilla chip, queso dip, in a Bowl on table top

Recipe Modifications:

  • Spicy Version: Swap the ground beef for spicy sausage or ground turkey for a bit of heat. Add extra green chilies or a dash of chili powder to the cheese mixture.
  • Healthier Options: You can also use ground chicken or lean ground turkey as a substitute for the beef to cut down on fat. Ground turkey works particularly well with the seasonings in this recipe!
  • Different Cheeses: While Velveeta provides that creamy texture, you can experiment with other cheeses like sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack if you prefer a slightly different flavor. I would start with half Velveeta cubed, and half of another cheese profile cubed. Do not use pre-shredded bagged cheese– due to the anti-caking preservatives, pre-shredded bagged cheeses do not melt well.

Cheese Rotel Dip on table

How to Store Leftover Rotel Dip:

Store any leftover Rotel dip in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, transfer the dip to a saucepan and heat on low, stirring until the cheese melts. You might need to add a tablespoon of milk to restore its creamy texture.

What to Serve with Velveeta Rotel Dip:

This cheesy dip is perfect for scooping up with tortilla chips, but here are a few other great pairings:

  • Vegetables: Try carrot sticks, bell peppers, or celery for a healthier dipping option.
  • Crusty Bread: Serve slices of toasted bread for a heartier bite.
  • Pretzels: A salty pretzel adds great contrast to the creamy cheese dip.

Bluie corn tortilla chips, Scoops tortilla chips surround queso dip

Frequently Asked Questions:

  • Can I make this Rotel Dip without Velveeta?
    Yes, you can use freshly shredded cheddar or a blend of cheeses like Monterey Jack, but the texture will be slightly different. Velveeta gives it that extra creamy consistency. Do not use pre-shredded bagged cheese– due to the anti-cake preservatives, pre-shredded cheese do not melt well.
  • How do I keep the dip from getting too thick?
    Add a bit of milk to thin it out while reheating, and stir frequently to maintain the creamy texture.

blue corn tortilla chip, queso dip, in a Bowl on table top
  • Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
    Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean option, and it still absorbs all the flavorful seasonings.
  • What’s the best way to serve this dip for a party?
    If you want to keep the dip warm throughout your event, use a Crock Pot set to Low or  “Keep Warm.”
  • Can I freeze leftover Rotel Dip?
    It’s best not to freeze this dip, as the cheese may become grainy after thawing. Instead, refrigerate leftovers and consume them within 3 days.
Queso Cheese Rotel Dip on table

The Best Ever Rotel Dip

Yield: 10 Servings
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

This Velveeta Rotel dip is an easy, cheesy dip recipe with ground beef, Rotel, and black beans. Ideal for Sunday football games or holiday parties.

Ingredients

  • 16 oz Velveeta Cheese
  • 1 can of Rotel tomatoes (drained)
  • 1 can black beans (rinsed)
  • 1 lb ground beef (I used 90/10)
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp cumin
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp steak seasoning
  • Cilantro for garnish
  • Pico for garnish

Instructions

1. In a large saucepan, brown the ground beef. If you have excess oil, drain it.
2. Cube the Velveeta and add it to the ground beef in the saucepan, along with the seasonings. Heat on medium until the cheese is fully melted.
3. Add in the beans and Rotel. Stir to incorporate into the cheese dip.
4. Transfer to a serving bowl and top with cilantro, pico, and black beans for garnish.
5. Serve with chips and enjoy!

Notes

  • If you cannot find Rotel, use a can of petite diced tomatoes (drained) and a small can of
    green chilis (drained).
  • If you use a fattier beef (like 80/20), make sure to drain the excess oil. Too much oil will
    cause your cheese dip to break.
  • This will keep in a Tupperware or covered with foil for 2-3 days in the fridge. To reheat,
    just place back in a saucepan and stir until melted. You might add a tbsp of milk or 2 to
    thin it back out.

Nutrition Information:
Yield: 10 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 304Total Fat: 18gSaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 76mgSodium: 945mgCarbohydrates: 13gFiber: 3gSugar: 4gProtein: 22g

I hope your family loves this dip as much as our family does. This football season, we’ll be enjoying it while watching our Buckeyes. O-H!

sign off keeping it simple, Brittany

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