If you’re looking for more game day dips, try my Cream Cheese Fruit Dip for something sweet, my Caramel Apple Dip for dessert and my Taco Dip for a dip that eats like a meal! Made with simple ingredients, this homemade Rotel Dip still packs a punch and is such a crowd pleaser! Rotel cheese dip recipe is unique because it does not include any Velveeta cheese at all (I promise you won’t miss it!). We love creamy, cheesy, comforting foods but I also love making food with real ingredients — and real cheese is a must here! If you’re looking for a Rotel Dip without Velveeta, you’ve come to the right place. This classic cheese dip is the perfect appetizer for parties as it goes well with so many dishes. It’s a favorite Game Day recipe, and this stove top version only takes 20 minutes to make. Serve this flavorful dip with tortilla chips and other handy snacks. If you want some other great Appetizer recipes check out this Buffalo Chicken Dip, this Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Dip, these Air Fryer Chicken Wings or my Classic Homemade Salsa.
Rotel Dip Ingredients Needed:
This recipe is made with simple ingredients! See the recipe card for the amounts needed.
Ground Beef: I use lean ground beef as this gives the best beefy flavor without the unnecessary fat. If you use regular ground beef, you may want to drain it before continuing with the recipe. Flour: All Purpose Flour works best for this recipe. Flour binds with the any fat from the beef to thicken our dip and make it creamy. Taco Seasoning: You can use chili powder as an alternative. See below for homemade taco seasoning instructions. Half and Half: Makes the dip creamy and gives it a great consistency. You can swap for any other cream or even whole or evaporated milk. The heavier the cream, the richer the dip will be. Rotel Tomatoes: You need one can of Rotel tomatoes. Use the original or mild if you prefer. Cheese: I use cheddar cheese, but you can also use other types such as mozzarella, Monterey Jack or whatever you’ve got kicking around in your fridge! Salt: To enhance the flavors. You may want to reduce the added salt if your taco seasoning is quite salty. Tortilla Chips: These are for serving, so you can use plain, lightly salted, cheesy, or a variety of flavors for your guests to choose.
How to Make Rotel Dip:
This Rotel cheese dip just takes 20 minutes to make! See the complete recipe down in the recipe card.
What to Serve with Rotel Dip:
Crackers: Try this dip with your favorite crackers! Try Triscuits, Ritz, pretzels, you name it. Chips: Tortilla chips are a classic side to Rotel dip. I like the lightly salted kind, but also other flavors like cool ranch or cheesy Doritos with it too. Bread: This dip works well on slider buns or baguette slices. Take it up a notch and toast the bread, add the dip and top with some chopped cilantro! Other Appetizers: Chicken Tenders, Flatbread Pizza, Mozzarella Sticks, or Tater Tots.
How to Make Rotel Dip in a Slow Cooker
This easy dip recipe can also be cooked in a slow cooker! It is super easy to do, and can make this easy recipe even easier, as there is very little prep. Simply cook the ground beef until browned and drain the excess fat. Put all the ingredients into a slow cooker or Crock Pot, and cook on low for 2-3 hours. Make sure to stir the mixture occasionally to melt cheese evenly. Once the cheese has melted, turn heat to a warm setting and serve.
Homemade Taco Seasoning
You can use store-bought taco seasoning, but making your own taco seasoning means you can adjust the flavor to exactly how you like it. Save time by making a big batch of this seasoning and storing it in a labeled jar to use it in other dishes! For homemade taco seasoning, mix together:
2 teaspoons garlic powder 2 teaspoons chili powder 1 ½ teaspoons cumin 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon onion powder ½ teaspoon paprika 1 pinch of black pepper
Variations and Substitutions
Add a little heat. Customize this dip to your preference for spiciness. Add in diced jalapeños, chili powder, or your favorite hot sauce for added heat! Use different kinds of cheese. Substitute some of the cheddar cheese with pepper jack cheese to add some extra heat as well. Swap the meat. Instead of ground beef, you can use ground sausage meat, ground turkey, shredded chicken, or even shredded turkey. It can be a useful recipe to have on hand to use up those Thanksgiving turkey leftovers! Substitute the half and half. Use evaporated milk, whole milk or greek yoghurt instead of half and half, but the quantities for each may vary depending on the type used. Fresh veggies: Add some finely diced veggies into the dip, or serve with fresh veggie sticks like carrots, celery, and cucumber.
More easy appetizer recipes you’ll love:
Taco Dip
Baked Chicken Wings
Ham and Cheese Sliders
Honey Lime Chicken Quesadillas
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