Rotel Dip with Doritos
Rotel Dip with Doritos is a bold, creamy, crowd-pleasing party favorite made with just a handful of ingredients.
This Southern-style classic delivers big flavor with minimal effort — the perfect appetizer for game day, casual gatherings, or late-night snacking.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick & Easy: Just a few simple ingredients and ready in 15 minutes.
Big Flavor, Minimal Effort: Savory, cheesy, a little spicy — everything you want in a dip.
Customizable: Use your choice of ground meat and seasoning.
Perfect for Sharing: Great for parties, potlucks, or family movie nights.
One-Skillet Dish: Less cleanup, more snacking.
Key Ingredients
Rotel Tomatoes: A can of diced tomatoes with green chilies adds both flavor and a touch of heat.
Ground Meat: Ground beef, sausage, or a combination adds hearty, savory depth.
Velveeta Cheese: Melts smooth and creamy, making the base of the dip irresistible.
Spices (Optional): Chili powder or taco seasoning adds a flavor boost — totally customizable to your taste.
Rotel Dip with Doritos
Ingredients:
1 can Rotel tomatoes (diced tomatoes with green chilies)
1 lb ground beef, ground sausage, or a mix of both
1 block (16 oz) Velveeta cheese, cubed
Optional: pinch of chili powder, taco seasoning, or your favorite spices
Instructions:
Brown the Meat:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and/or sausage until fully browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
Add Seasoning:
Stir in chili powder or taco seasoning to the meat for extra flavor. Cook for 1–2 minutes to blend the spices.
Melt the Cheese:
Reduce heat to low and add the cubed Velveeta to the skillet. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and smooth.
Mix in Rotel:
Pour in the can of Rotel (do not drain). Stir everything together until evenly combined and heated through.
Serve:
Serve warm with a big bowl of Doritos, tortilla chips, or even over fries or baked potatoes.
Recipe Notes: Rotel Dip with Doritos
Use Quality Ground Meat:
For best flavor, use 80/20 ground beef or a mix of beef and sausage. Draining the fat after browning is key to preventing a greasy dip.
Velveeta Melts Smoothest When Cubed:
Cut Velveeta into 1-inch cubes before adding to the pan. This helps it melt evenly and prevents clumping.
No Need to Drain Rotel:
The juice from the can adds moisture and flavor. Draining it can make the dip too thick or less flavorful.
Keep Stirring While Melting Cheese:
Stir regularly over low heat while Velveeta melts to prevent burning or sticking.
Use Low Heat After Combining:
Once all ingredients are added, keep the heat low to avoid scorching the cheese or making the dip separate.
Tweak the Heat to Your Taste:
Use mild, original, or hot Rotel depending on your spice preference. You can also add jalapeños or extra chili flakes.
Great in a Slow Cooker:
After cooking, transfer to a small slow cooker set to warm — perfect for parties or gatherings.
Pair with Bold Chips:
Nacho cheese Doritos add extra flavor, but plain tortilla chips also let the dip shine.
Make It a Meal:
Spoon leftovers over baked potatoes, burgers, or nachos for a quick and cheesy upgrade.
Nutrition Information
(Approx. per serving, 8 servings total)
Calories: ~310 | Protein: 15g | Carbohydrates: 8g | Fat: 25g | Sodium: ~800mg | Fiber: 1g
Kitchen Tools & Timing
Large skillet
Wooden spoon or spatula
Knife and cutting board (for Velveeta)
Serving bowl or mini slow cooker
Recipe Swaps and Variations
Meat-Free: Skip the meat and stir in black beans or sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
Cheese Options: Try using a mix of Velveeta and shredded pepper jack or cheddar for more flavor.
Add-ins: Stir in a can of drained corn or diced jalapeños for extra texture and flavor.
Low-Sodium Version: Choose low-sodium Rotel and use unseasoned ground turkey.
How to Store Leftovers
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring frequently.
Freezing Not Recommended: Dairy-based dips like this don’t freeze well — the texture changes when thawed.
Food and Drink Pairings
Dippers: Doritos, tortilla chips, waffle fries, or toasted baguette slices.
Drinks: Ice-cold beer, margaritas, or a fizzy soda.
Sides: Serve with guacamole, salsa, or a crunchy coleslaw for a full spread.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this in the microwave?
Yes! Brown the meat separately, then combine everything in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until melted and smooth.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Make it up to a day in advance, store in the fridge, and reheat when ready to serve.
Is Velveeta the only cheese I can use?
It’s preferred for the smooth texture, but you can mix in other melty cheeses like cheddar or Monterey Jack.
Can I use plant-based meat?
Absolutely. Plant-based ground meat substitutes work well in this dip.
Is Rotel spicy?
It comes in mild, original, and hot — choose based on your spice preference.
Should I drain the meat after browning?
Yes — draining excess fat keeps the dip from becoming greasy.
How can I make the dip thicker?
Simmer it a little longer, uncovered, or add extra cheese to thicken it up.
Can I double the recipe for a party?
Definitely! Just use a larger skillet or transfer to a slow cooker for serving.
Can I use pre-cooked meat like taco leftovers?
Yes! Leftover seasoned ground beef works perfectly — just skip the extra seasoning step.
How do I keep the dip warm while serving?
Pour it into a mini slow cooker or fondue pot on warm setting to keep it smooth and creamy.