Valentina Ablaev
A homemade Rotel dip is exactly what you need for your next appetizer spread! This dip is loaded with tender ground beef and loads of cheese, and did I mention… more cheese! There’s nothing quite like a bite of this Tex-Mex classic!
Dips for Days
When it comes to a party dip, you can’t not love a rotel! It’s up there with the classics, like chicken buffalo dip and our creamy spinach and artichoke dip!
Ingredients for a Homemade Rotel Dip
- Ground beef – Lean ground beef makes the perfect protein for a classic rotel.
- Swap: Swap out ground beef for italian sausage for an incredible flavor.
- Rotel – A can of Rotel tomatoes is loaded with diced tomatoes and green chilis, which is a must in this dip.
- Cream cheese – Cream cheese adds richness and great flavor to this dip.
- Cheeses – We use sharp cheddar and american cheese for a gooey and flavorful blend.
- Seasoning – Our secret to making this rotel dip is a finishing touch of taco seasoning.
See the recipe card below for a complete list of ingredients and quantities.
Tools for this Recipe
Shop all of Valentina’s favorite kitchen essentials, gadgets, and kitchen must-haves!
We bake up this rotel in a 9” round dish!
How to Make Rotel Dip
- Heat the oil in a large skillet. Add the chopped onion and ground beef.
- Cook over medium-high heat, breaking up the meat as it browns.
- When the meat is fully cooked, stir in the minced garlic.
- Transfer the beef mixture to a 9×13” casserole dish.
- Add the rotel tomatoes, cream cheese, cheddar, American cheese, and taco seasoning. Mix everything together.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake at 375°F for 25–30 minutes.
- When the cheese is melted and bubbling, remove from the oven.
- Serve warm with chips or crackers and enjoy!
Crockpot Rotel Dip
Make this rotel extra easy in the slow cooker!
- Cook the meat according to instructions, then add it to the crockpot instead of the dish.
- Add remaining ingredients to the crockpot and cook on low for 2-3 hours, or on high for 1-1.5 hours.
- Serve Rotel in the crockpot to keep the dip warm.
Expert Tips:
- Sauté the beef. It’s essential to cook the meat before adding all the remaining ingredients. This will give the beef a great texture and flavor.
- Keep warm. For the best flavor and texture, keep the dip warm when serving. This can be done with a warming tray or a crockpot on the “keep warm” setting.
How to Serve Rotel
- Classic: Enjoy this rotel simply with a side of chips, crackers, and pretzels.
- Hot dogs: Serve this rotel over hot dogs for a delicious loaded hot dog.
- Veggies: This Rotel tastes incredible with a side of carrots and celery.
- Nachos: Top homemade nachos with this cheesy Rotel for a delicious appetizer! Top with homemade pico and a fresh guacamole for a delightful presentation.
Store & Reheat
- Storage. Keep leftovers refrigerated for 1-2 days.
- Reheat. Warm up the leftover dip on the stovetop or in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
- Freeze. We don’t recommend freezing this dip as it won’t reheat well.
More Appetizer Recipes
If you enjoyed this cheesy rotel recipe, be sure to try our other easy appetizer recipes; here are some of our favorites:
Appetizer- Appetizer
- Dips
- Finger Foods
- Finger Foods
- Appetizer
If you tried this easy Rotel dip recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below – we appreciate it!
Easy Rotel Dip
Ingredients
- 1 tsp of oil
- 1/2 onion finely chopped
- 1 lb 90/10% ground beef
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 10 oz rotel tomatoes drained
- 8 oz cream cheese room temp
- 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese
- 4 oz American cheese shredded
- 3 Tbsp taco seasoning
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat the oil, then add the chopped onion and ground beef.
- Cook over medium-high heat, breaking up the beef as it cooks.
- Once the beef is cooked through, add the minced garlic back in.
- Add the beef into a 9” round casserole dish. Mix in rotel tomatoes, cream cheese, cheddar, american cheese, and taco seasoning.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes.
- Once the cheese is bubbling, stir everything together.
- Serve the dip with chips and crackers, and enjoy!
Notes
- Don’t skip cooking the beef separately; it gives the meat a better texture and flavor.
- When serving, keeping the dip warm is essential for it to taste great throughout the night! Serve the dip on a warming tray or a crockpot!
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for 1-2 days. Reheat the dip on the stove or in the oven until bubbling.
Nutrition
FAQs
You don’t need to drain the Rotel as the liquid helps break up the cheeses.
If the cheese isn’t fully melted, simply stir everything together and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
Add fresh jalapenos to the casserole dish for a little kick of spice!
Once the rotel dip is off the heat, it can be kept at room temperature for 2 hours before refrigeration.
