When football season kicks off, there’s one dip that always shows up on our table—Ro-Tel Dip. Known for its creamy richness, Ro-Tel Dip has been around for years, but honestly, it never gets old. With just 4 ingredients, this cheesy, zesty dip comes together in minutes and disappears even faster. Every game day, it’s the first bowl to be scraped clean!
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This version keeps things simple and flavorful—Velveeta, ground beef, Ro-Tel, and just a touch of chili powder (or taco seasoning) for that perfect kick. Nothing fancy, just pure comfort food goodness that makes Ro-Tel Dip a crowd favorite.

What You’ll Need
- 1 lb Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 1 can Ro-Tel diced tomatoes & green chilies (undrained)
- 1 lb ground beef or sausage, browned and drained
- 1 tsp chili powder or taco seasoning (optional, but highly recommended!)
Instructions for Ro-tel Dip
- In a skillet, cook and crumble the ground beef (or sausage) until no longer pink. Drain well.
- In a saucepan or slow cooker, combine the cooked meat, Velveeta cubes, Ro-Tel, and chili powder/taco seasoning. This forms the base of your Ro-Tel Dip.
- Heat over medium-low (or set slow cooker to low) and stir until the cheese is fully melted and everything blends together.
- Serve warm with tortilla chips, pretzels, or veggie sticks — let everyone dig into the delicious Ro-Tel Dip.
Personal Notes
This dip is a staple for us. It’s the kind of recipe you can make on autopilot when friends stop by, and everyone still asks for the recipe. Adding a pinch of chili powder makes the flavors pop—it’s just the right amount of heat without overpowering that creamy, cheesy goodness of Ro-Tel Dip.
Substitutions & Variations
- Meat: Use spicy sausage instead of beef for extra flavor.
- Cheese: Try pepper jack or cheddar cheese cubes for a different twist.
- Heat level: Go with hot Ro-Tel if you love spice, or add jalapeños for even more kick.
- Vegetarian: Skip the meat and add black beans for a hearty, meat-free version.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in a covered container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring often. Add a splash of milk if the dip thickens too much.
Serving Ideas
This dip is RIDIC-ULICIOUS with tortilla chips, but it’s also fantastic spooned over baked potatoes, drizzled on nachos, or even stirred into pasta for a quick cheesy taco pasta.
More Recipes You’ll Love
- Hamburg Gravy
- Hoagie Dip
- Easy Crab Muffin Appetizers
- Easy Homemade Chili Recipe
- Garlic Chili Beef Bowls
- Easy Veggie Dip Recipe
- Cucumber Onion Dip Recipe
FOODIE & GRILLER APPAREL
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Ro-Tel Dip in a slow cooker?
Yes! Just add the browned ground beef, Velveeta, Ro-Tel, and seasoning to your slow cooker. Set it to low for 1–2 hours, stirring occasionally until everything is smooth and melty. It’s a great option for parties because it keeps the dip warm.
What can I use instead of Velveeta?
Velveeta melts beautifully, but you can swap it with American cheese, cheddar, or even pepper jack if you like a little extra spice. Just keep in mind, the texture may not be quite as creamy.
Can I make Ro-Tel Dip ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Cook it, cool it, and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of milk if it thickens.
Ro-Tel Dip
Equipment
- slow cookier optional
Ingredients
- 1 lb Velveeta cheese cubed
- 1 can Ro-Tel diced tomatoes and green chilies undrained
- 1 lb ground beef or sausage, browned and drained
- 1 tsp chili powder or taco seasoning optional, but highly recommended!
- fresh tomatoes cubed and fresh parsley for garnish optional
Instructions
- In a skillet, cook and crumble the ground beef (or sausage) until no longer pink. Drain well.
- In a saucepan or slow cooker, combine the cooked meat, Velveeta cubes, Ro-Tel, and chili powder/taco seasoning.
- Heat over medium-low (or set slow cooker to low) and stir until the cheese is fully melted and everything blends together.
- Serve warm with tortilla chips, pretzels, or veggie sticks.
Notes
Notes
- Spicy sausage gives a fun twist.
- Hot Ro-Tel will kick up the heat.
- Vegetarian option: replace meat with black beans.
- Store leftovers in the fridge up to 3 days and reheat gently with a splash of milk.