Slow Cooker Rotel Dip
This Slow Cooker Rotel Dip is rich, cheesy, and just the right kind of spicy. It’s one of those easy, dump-and-go recipes that always hits the spot. With only three ingredients, two hours, and zero effort, you can create a delicious and satisfying dip that everyone will love.
I make this every time I need something that basically cooks itself. You toss everything in, walk away, and come back to a pot of bubbling, creamy goodness. It’s thick, cheesy, and just a little spicy from the Rotel—basically, it tastes like comfort in a bowl.
It’s also foolproof. You can’t mess it up. Stir it around now and then, and it’ll melt into this smooth, savory dip that’s ready to scoop up with chips, veggies, or even poured over tacos.
You can play around with the protein, tweak the spice level, or mix in extras like black beans or corn. It’s a recipe that never lets you down and is super versatile.
The smell alone is enough to make everyone hover in the kitchen waiting for it to be done. Fair warning: it won’t last long once you set it out.
If you love dips and simple appetizers to serve anytime of the year, then check out this Beef Con Queso Dip or these Crispy Cauliflower Bites.
Ingredients
Here is a quick look at what you will need. You can find the full measurements in the recipe card below.
- Reduced-Fat Velveeta Cheese: The base of this dip. It melts smoothly and is creamy without being overly greasy. Reduced fat keeps it a little lighter but still rich and cheesy.
- 96/4 Ground Beef: Lean but flavorful. You get that hearty, meaty bite without extra fat pooling in your dip. Cook it well and crumble it fine so it blends right into the cheese.
- Rotel Diced Tomatoes & Green Chiles: Adds tang, spice, and a bit of texture. The tomatoes keep the dip from feeling too heavy, and those chiles bring the perfect little kick.
See recipe card for quantities.
How to Make Slow Cooker Rotel Dip
This is a quick overview of the steps. See the Recipe card below for the rest.
Step 1: Brown and crumble the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
Step 2: Slice the Velveeta into chunks and add them to your slow cooker.
Step 3: Pour in the can of Rotel (don’t drain it) and add the cooked beef.
Step 4: Cover and cook, stirring every 30–45 minutes until everything is melted, smooth, and combined. Switch the slow cooker to “warm” and serve straight from the pot.
Variations and Substitutions
- Spicy Upgrade: Add jalapenos, a few dashes of hot sauce, or spicy sausage for extra heat.
- Protein Swap: Swap the ground beef out for ground turkey or chicken. It would work great if you want something a little lighter.
- Flavor Boost: Stir in taco seasoning, black beans, or corn to make it heartier.
Serving Suggestions
- These low-calorie tortilla chips are light, crisp, and strong enough to scoop up big bites of cheesy dip. You get the crunch you crave without feeling weighed down.
- Pair this with Buffalo Chicken Thighs for the ultimate game day combo. The tangy heat from the chicken and the creamy dip balance each other out perfectly.
- Slice up a Mediterranean Quesadilla and dunk it right in. The cheesy dip mixed with those fresh veggies and herbs? Unreal.
- A warm bowl of this dip tucked into your Brunch Charcuterie Board adds something cozy and savory next to all the lighter breakfast bites.
- For something lighter, serve it with celery sticks, bell pepper strips, and cucumber slices. The crunch and freshness cut through the richness just right.
Storage
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Skip freezing. Velveeta doesn’t thaw well and can turn grainy.
- Reheat: Microwave or warm on low in the slow cooker, stirring occasionally. You can also add a splash of milk if it thickens too much.
💡 Pro Tips
- Stir Often: Stir every 30 minutes or so to keep the cheese from sticking and ensure a smooth texture.
- Keep It Warm: Leave the slow cooker on the “warm” setting during parties so it stays creamy and dippable.
- Prep Ahead: Cook and store the beef the night before to make setup even faster the next day.
FAQ
Yep! Just melt everything on low in a large pot, stirring often to prevent burning.
Use mild Rotel or regular diced tomatoes instead of the spicy kind.
Definitely, just use a larger slow cooker and extend the cooking time slightly.
More Appetizers You May Love
Slow Cooker Rotel Dip
Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Large Skillet
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- sharp knife
- Serving spoon or ladle
Ingredients
- 32 ounce Reduced Fat Velveeta cheese
- 1 pound 96/4 ground beef
- 10 ounce Rotel diced tomatoes & green chile
Instructions
- In a large skillet, cook and crumble the ground beef until browned.
- Slice the Velveeta cheese and add to your crock pot.
- Add the browned ground beef and the can of Rotel.
- Cook on low for 2 hours, stirring every 30-45 minutes, until dip is melted.
Disclaimer:
Any nutritional data I provide is an approximation and actual dietary information can vary based on ingredients and proportion sizes.
