Crockpot Rotel Dip is the perfect recipe for queso lovers because it's cheesy and full of flavor! I love the texture of the Rotel tomatoes and chilies with the seasoned ground beef. If you love tacos and taco night, then this is a dip that you need to make.
Recipe Essentials
- 🍽️ Course: Dip
- ⏱️ Cooking Time: 2 Hours
- 🍴 Servings: 16
- 🧄 Flavor Profile: Cheesy, creamy, and perfectly spiced with the bold kick of Rotel tomatoes and smooth melted Velveeta.
- 🍚 Best Served With: Tortilla chips, pretzel bites, soft bread cubes, or poured over nachos and baked potatoes.
- 🧊 Make Ahead?: Yes, you can prepare it up to a day ahead. Just reheat on low in the slow cooker, stirring occasionally until smooth.
Summarize and Save This Content On
I love that you can make Velveeta Rotel dip in the crock pot with almost no fuss! The only real prep involved is browning the ground beef, but that is so quick and easy to do. I enjoy making this recipe for parties, and it's great during the holidays, on game day, or whenever you want.
Some other warm queso dips you can try are salsa con queso and Instant Pot queso.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- It's minimal work: The only real "work" in this crockpot velveeta cheese dip is browning the beef. The crockpot does everything else.
- It's versatile: You aren't limited just to chips and dip with this recipe! Dip or add it to whatever you like, from quesadillas to fajitas!
- It features simple ingredients: The components of this rotel dip are incredibly simple and common, so you don't have to purchase several obscure items to make it.
Ingredients
These 3 ingredients are the essence of a good and hearty Crockpot Rotel dip. They are so easy to find at any grocery store.
- Ground beef: I like to use 80% lean ground beef so you still get a little flavor from the fat, but it's not too greasy. It must be browned before you put it into the slow cooker.
- Velveeta: Either the original or white queso version will work in this recipe. Ensure you cut it into small cubes so it melts evenly and easily.
- Rotel tomatoes: Any variety will work. My favorites are original and fire-roasted. You don't need to drain this.
See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts, nutritional information, and detailed instructions.
Variations
- Chicken: Swap the ground beef for cooked, shredded chicken for a fun twist.
- Southwest-style: Add some drained black beans and corn to make a Southwest version.
- Spicy: Bring the heat with hot Rotel tomatoes and a splash of your favorite hot sauce.
- Cream cheese: Make crockpot rotel dip with ground beef and cream cheese by replacing some or all of the Velveeta with cream cheese to make a rich and tangy version.
How to Make Rotel Dip in the Crock Pot
These are all the steps needed to prepare this Rotel dip recipe in the crock pot. Once the meat and onions are cooked, the slow cooker does the rest!
Step 1: Cook the beef, onions, and garlic. Add the ground beef and onions to a skillet and cook until the meat is no longer pink. Drain the grease, add the garlic, and cook for about a minute.
Step 2: Add to the pot with seasoning. Next, pour the beef mixture directly into the slow cooker. Sprinkle the spices on top.
Step 3: Layer cheese and tomatoes. Then, pour one can of Rotel tomatoes over the beef, and then add the cubes of Velveeta.
Step 4: Add the remaining Rotel. Now you may pour the remaining can of Rotel on top of the cheese.
Step 5: Cook and stir. Pop the lid on and let the dip cook for 2-3 hours on low or 1 hour on high. Then, give it a good stir to combine all the ingredients.
Step 6: Garnish and serve. Finish the dip with chopped parsley or cilantro and enjoy!
Recipe Tips
- Serve it in the slow cooker: I like to keep the Velveeta Rotel dip in the slow cooker when serving to prevent it from seizing. This is especially important if you plan to serve it as a party appetizer.
- Drain the beef well: Ensure that you drain as much excess grease from the ground beef as possible to prevent the dip from separating or having a greasy taste.
- Do not freeze leftovers: You can't freeze any leftovers of this dip as it doesn't thaw and reheat well. It becomes so watery!
- Grease the crockpot: Sometimes, the cheese can get stuck to the sides of the pot, so I like to spray the bottom and sides with nonstick cooking spray before preparing the dip.
Another delicious, protein-packed dip recipe I recommend you try is smoked tuna dip.
Are you in love with dips like this? Are you known for all the varieties of dips you serve on game day? If you said yes, you should check out this totally amazing healthy spinach artichoke dip. It's always a crowd pleaser.
Our cold spinach artichoke dip and our creamy horseradish dip are worth checking out too. It's great to have a variety of options come game day and these ones definitely step up to the plate.
Storage Directions
- Storing: Store your Rotel dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: You may reheat this Rotel cheese dip in the crockpot if you like. It should only take around 30 minutes on high heat. It reheats well in the saucepan and microwave, too.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve this Crockpot Rotel dip with dinner! Spoon it into air fryer chicken tacos or over Taco Bell nacho fries, or even steak fajita nachos.
- Go classic and dip your favorite tortilla chips in this cheesy dip!
- A surprise is how good it is with breakfast taquitos. Total gamechanger!
Recipe FAQs
This can happen if there's too much excess liquid. Don't add anything extra like milk to the pot; it won't need it!
Sure! Brown the beef, saute the onions, and add the remaining ingredients. Pop the lid on and let it simmer over medium-low heat for 8-10 minutes or until the Velveeta is fully melted.
This is normal after refrigerating the dip. I recommend reheating it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. This helps it come back together and become creamy again.
More Delicious Dip Recipes
Do you like dip recipes? Here are some recipes you may also like to try.
If you try this recipe and love it please leave a star rating in the recipe card below or even better, drop a review in the comment section. I always appreciate your feedback. Be sure to follow along with me on Facebook, Pinterest, and YouTube for more easy recipes!
Crockpot Rotel Dip
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound Velveeta cheese cubed
- 2 cans Rotel tomatoes with green chiles undrained
- 1 small yellow onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Fresh cilantro or parsley chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the slow cooker by coating it with a light coating of cooking spray.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and onion until the beef is browned and the onion is softened, then drain excess grease.
- Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute to release fragrance, then transfer the beef mixture to the slow cooker.
- Add the Velveeta cubes and Rotel tomatoes directly to the slow cooker.
- Sprinkle in the chili powder, onion powder, and garlic powder.
- Stir to combine, then cover and cook on Low for 2-3 hours or High for 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until the cheese is fully melted and smooth.
- Stir well before serving and garnish with cilantro or parsley if desired.
- Serve warm with tortilla chips, crackers, or fresh vegetables for dipping.
Notes
- Feel free to prepare this Rotel dip on the stovetop instead of in your crockpot.
- Avoid freezing the leftovers to best preserve the texture and flavor.
- Ensure that you drain the excess grease from the beef well to prevent the dip from taking on a greasy texture and taste.
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