Description
This warm, comforting Rotel Dip with creamy cheese, ground beef, and spices is a perfect quick appetizer or hearty snack for family dinners. It’s a classic recipe elevated for an irresistible, creamy texture that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb lean ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 (10-oz) can Rotel Diced Tomatoes with Green Chiles, undrained
- 8 oz cream cheese, cubed
- 16 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed (or a blend of 8 oz grated sharp cheddar and 8 oz Monterey Jack)
- 0.5 medium yellow onion, diced (about 0.5 cup)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 0.5 tsp ground cumin
Instructions
- Brown The Beef: In a large 10-inch skillet, cook 1 lb ground beef (or preferred protein) and diced onion over medium heat until the meat is no longer pink and the onion softens, about 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat thoroughly; this step is crucial for a non-greasy dip. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- Combine And Melt: Stir in the undrained Rotel Diced Tomatoes with Green Chiles, cubed cream cheese, and cubed Velveeta (or cheese blend) into the skillet, ensuring all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Simmer To Perfection: Heat over medium-low, stirring frequently with a spatula, until all cheeses are fully melted and the Rotel dip is smooth, glistening, and bubbling gently around the edges. This usually takes 5-7 minutes. If the dip starts to look too thick, stir in 1-2 tablespoons of milk or a splash of beef broth.
- Serve Warm: Transfer the hot Rotel Dip with Creamy Cheese to a serving bowl immediately or keep it warm in a small slow cooker for parties.
Notes
For a quick alternative, use a microwave; combine all ingredients (except drained beef if using) and heat in 2-minute intervals, stirring, until melted and creamy (about 6-8 minutes total). Avoid scorching or overheating cheese to prevent separation and greasiness. Consider using low-fat cream cheese or a plant-based Velveeta alternative to lighten it up.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 185 g
- Calories: 380 calories
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 950 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: Rotel dip, creamy cheese, ground beef, Velveeta, appetizer, party food, easy recipe, skillet, weeknight, comfort food