This Slow Cooker Rotel Dip is always a huge crowd pleaser! Made with just 4 simple ingredients, it's easy to put together before guests arrive.

This version of the beloved classic is made in the Crock Pot, meaning it's easier than ever! Perfect for potlucks, holidays, football games, and Super Bowl parties.

A tortilla chip being dipped into a slow cooker full of rotel dip.

This easy dip recipe has been one that we have served for many, many years. It's quick, easy, and everyone loves it. Basically, it's the perfect dip.

Whether it's your first time making Rotel Dip, or you're just looking for a tried, tested, and true version, this is the recipe for you.

We've tested this creamy dip countless times, and there are a few little tweaks we like to make to make it perfect. I know you'll enjoy it just as much as we have!

Why You'll Love It:

Quick and easy appetizer. If you're hosting a party (or even just getting ready to attend one), it can be hard to prepare the food and keep it warm at the same time. This 4-ingredient dip is the answer to your prayers.
Crowd favorite. This cheesy dip is always the first to go at parties, and you'll be asked to bring it time and time again.
Stays warm in the slow cooker. Rotel dip tastes best when served warm, but it's hard to keep a bowl warm and melty. You can serve this dip right out of the Crock Pot, leaving it plugged in and on the "WARM" setting. Problem solved!

Ingredients

Rotel: Also known as diced tomatoes and chilies, this little can packs a lot of flavor! This recipe calls for 2 cans of Rotel tomatoes. If you don't have it in your region, you can make my Rotel Substitute instead; it uses diced tomatoes, canned green chilies, cilantro, and a splash of lime (optional).
Lean ground beef (or sausage): After making this recipe for many years, we prefer to use browned ground beef seasoned with taco seasoning. There are many versions of this recipe that use ground sausage, and if you like that flavor, you can absolutely do that instead! You could also use ground chicken or ground turkey.
Velveeta: Also known as American cheese, or "processed cheese product", this melts smoothly and holds up very well to cooking, unlike traditional cheeses. This recipe calls for using the larger 1-pound block (454-500g), but you can use 2 smaller ones instead if you prefer.
Taco seasoning (optional): This adds extra flavor, and we love it! It perfectly complements the Tex-Mex flavors you get from Ro•tel.

Check the recipe card for a full list of ingredients and the quantities needed.

How to Make Crock Pot Rotel Dip

This Rotel cheese dip is the ultimate party food! Cheesy, creamy, and filled with seasoned beef, it's sure to become your favorite recipe for entertaining a crowd. Here's how to make it even easier by preparing it in a crockpot!

Adding browned ground beef to a slow cooker with cubed American cheese and rotel tomatoes.

Step one: Brown the ground beef over medium heat, crumbling it with the bottom of a wooden spoon as you go. Drain off any excess grease.
Step two: Sprinkle in 1 package of taco seasoning and ¼ cup of water. Simmer for a few minutes, or until most of the water has been absorbed.
Step three: Add 2 cans of Rotel to a slow cooker, along with 1 pound of cubed American cheese.
Step four: Pour the seasoned ground beef into the Crock Pot.
Step five: Stir well so everything is combined.
Step six: Cover with a lid and cook on HIGH for 2-3 hours, stirring once to help the cheese melt evenly. Stir well before serving with tortilla chips, veggie sticks, bagel chips, etc.

Make It Extra Special with Garnishes

To add extra flair, garnish the top with chopped tomatoes, minced bell peppers, jalapenos, and fresh cilantro.

Dipping a tortilla chip into a slow cooker filled with cheesy rotel dip.

Variations and Substitutions

With ground sausage: Feel free to swap the ground beef for your favorite ground sausage to make a Rotel sausage dip. We recommend that you omit the taco seasoning, as sausage is often flavored with herbs and spices that are not complementary to those in taco blends.

Without Velveeta: This recipe can be made without Velveeta, although the texture and flavor will not be the same. Swap out the block of American cheese for 1 block of softened cream cheese and 8 ounces of shredded sharp cheddar. Be sure to stir often to prevent scorching or curdling.

With ground turkey or chicken: The ground beef can be substituted for ground poultry if you prefer. I recommend browning the meat with 1-2 tablespoons of oil (to prevent sticking) and adding ½ cup of taco sauce for added flavor and moisture.

How to Store Leftovers

Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat portions as needed in the microwave until the cheese is melted and thin, and the temperature reaches 165ºF (74ºC).

Dipping a chip into a cheesy ground beef dip.

More Easy Dip Recipes:

If you loved this recipe for Slow Cooker Rotel Dip, let me know by leaving a 5-star review in the recipe card or comment below! You can also tag me on Instagram @dashfordinner.

A tortilla chip dipping into a cheesy rotel dip in a slow cooker.

Slow Cooker Rotel Dip

This Slow Cooker Rotel Dip is the ultimate party food! Made with just 4 ingredients, this dump-and-go Crock Pot appetizer is always a hit!

5 from 1 vote

Print Pin Rate

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: American, Southern, Southwest

Prep Time: 10

Servings: servings

Calories: 192kcal

Author: Dorothy Bigelow

Ingredients

▢ 1 pound ground beef or sausage*
▢ 16 ounces (1 large package) Velveeta cubed (processed cheese product)
▢ 2 cans (10oz each) Rotel chilies and tomatoes undrained (or my Rotel substitute)
▢ 2 ½ teaspoons taco seasoning
▢ ¼ cup water

Instructions

Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat.
Once the ground beef is cooked through and no longer pink, drain off any excess fat.
Sprinkle the ground beef with the taco seasoning and stir to combine.
Add the water and stir well. Simmer until thickened, about 1-3 minutes.
Transfer the browned ground beef to the crock of a slow cooker.
Pour in both cans of Rotel (chilies and tomatoes) and stir to combine.
Top the ground beef and Rotel mixture with the cubed Velveeta, then cover the Crock Pot.
Cook on "high" for 2-3 hours, stirring once or twice to help the Velveeta cheese melt into the other ingredients.
At the end of the cooking time, stir well to incorporate the melted cheese. Switch the slow cooker to "warm" and serve immediately with tortilla chips, veggie sticks, Fritos, etc. Garnish with chopped tomatoes, fresh cilantro, and chopped jalapenos (if desired).

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Notes

*Ground sausage: If using ground sausage, omit the taco seasoning and water. Sausage already has seasonings added, and the taco seasoning will compete with the flavors.

Without Velveeta: Substitute the Velveeta for an 8-ounce brick of cream cheese and 8 ounces of freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese.

Storing leftovers: Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. Store in a refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave until it reaches a minimum temperature of 165ºF (74ºC), is melty and hot. Stir between each interval to encourage even heating.

Stovetop version: Brown the ground beef, drain, and season with taco seasoning. Add all of the remaining ingredients to a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed saucepan. Heat over medium heat until the cheese is melted and hot. Stir frequently to prevent scorching.

Ground chicken or turkey: Brown the meat with oil to prevent sticking, and (optionally) add ½ cup of taco sauce to improve flavor and moisture.

Nutrition

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Why You'll Love It:

Ingredients