Browned Italian sausage combined with Mexican taco seasoning and Velveeta, cheddar, and Monterey Jack cheese makes an irresistible Rotel Dip. Perfect for pairing with any of your favorite chips, crackers, quesadillas, tacos, or fajitas. This cheesy dip is one that never disappoints. Plus, it's super easy to make thanks to the magic of the slow cooker!
A true crowd pleaser, you can get this dip going early so it's ready for dipping once your guests have arrived. You can also prepare it the night before to get it off your to-do list. Either way, it will go quickly - that's for sure!
If you love this Rotel cheese dip, you may also enjoy this Smoked Queso Dip and this zesty Pizza Dip.
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Why You'll Love This Rotel Dip Recipe
- Easy: It's just a matter of simmering the sausage and placing all the ingredients in the slow cooker to make this easy recipe.
- Flavorful: This dip is loaded with flavor from the sausage, taco seasoning, and cheese.
- Super cheesy: We used THREE kinds of cheese in this dip; you can't get any cheesier than this.
- Clean ingredients: Unlike some store-bought dips, there are no fillers or additives in this dip, just pure ingredients.
- Set it and forget it: Making a Rotel dip crock pot recipe means there's no need to watch over a simmering pot. Though, it does need a stir here and there.
Ingredients
- Italian sausage: We used ground Italian sausage in this dip recipe for a perfectly spiced meaty flavor.
- Cheese: We used Velveeta, mild cheddar, and Monterey jack cheeses, cut into cubes to make the dip extra cheesy!
- Rotel diced tomatoes: For a touch of spice, we used the Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies. It makes an easy option for adding flavor. Feel free to use regular canned tomatoes and a can of green chilies, if that's all you can find.
- Taco seasoning: A packet of store-bought taco seasoning adds loads of flavor, but feel free to make your own if you've got a recipe handy.
- Green onion: Chopped green onion adds a pop of color and a mild onion flavor.
- Garlic: We also added some freshly minced garlic for more flavor.
- Milk: Milk helps make this dip smooth and creamy. For the best flavor and texture, use full-fat milk rather than low-fat.
See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts, nutritional information, and detailed instructions.
Variations
- Swap the Rotel: Use your favorite restaurant-style salsa instead or try it with green salsa for something completely different.
- Add some heat: For a spicier dip, throw in diced jalapenos or a chipotle in adobo sauce into the slow cooker.
- Instead of Velveeta: Try a block of cream cheese in place of all or some of the Velveeta; plain or any savory variety will work.
- Try ground beef: Make Rotel cheese dip with ground beef instead of the ground sausage.
How to Make Rotel Dip in the Crock Pot
Pull out all your ingredients and get the slow cooker ready.
Step 1: Cook the sausage. Cook the Italian sausage in a skillet until browned. Drain any excess fat and set it aside.
Step 2: Place the ingredients in the slow cooker. Place the cooked sausage and all the remaining ingredients in your slow cooker.
Step 3: Cook the dip. Cook the dip on low for 2 hours or high for 1 hour. Make sure to stir it a few times while it cooks. Give the dip a final stir to ensure everything is well combined before serving.
Hint: Serve the Dip Right From the Slow Cooker
You can cook and serve the dip right in the slow cooker! Once the dip is cooked, place the slow cooker on warm to keep it nice and hot throughout your party or event.
Serving Suggestions
This Rotel cheese dip recipe is super tasty and fun to serve with loads of different things. It's perfect to serve for game day events, family gatherings, or for a simple nacho dinner when you don't have time to cook.
Here are some great ways to enjoy it.
- Pair this Rotel queso dip with these homemade breadsticks, these air fried tater tots, or your favorite tortilla chips, crackers, pretzels, or veggies.
- Make this Rotel dip with sausage for your next Mexican meal along with these tender and juicy steak tacos, these chicken tacos, steak quesadillas, or these sheet pan chicken fajitas.
- Planning a party? Enjoy this dip with other party favorites such as these ham and cheese sliders and twice baked potatoes.
Expert Tips
- Spray the slow cooker: This dip is cheesy and gooey, so give your slow cooker a spritz of non-stick cooking spray to make clean up a little easier.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat in the slow cooker or on the stove. .
- Do not drain the tomatoes: Use everything that's in the can; don't discard the liquid, as it is used to create the silky texture.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, you can combine all the ingredients in a Dutch oven and simmer the dip on the stove over low heat until it is smooth and creamy.
No, we don't recommend freezing this dip, as it will lose its creamy texture
Sure thing! Prepare the dip as directed and store in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat the dip on top of the stove until heated through or you can heat it slowly in the slow cooker and then keep it on warm during serving.
More Delicious Appetizer Recipes
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Rotel Cheese Dip
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage
- 16 ounces Velveeta cheese cut into 2" cube
- 16 ounces mild cheddar cheese cut into 2" cube
- 16 ounces Monterey Jack cheese cut into 2" cube
- 2 (10 ounce) cans Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 1 bunch green onion
- 2 teaspoons garlic (minced)
- ½ cup milk
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add Italian sausage and cook until brown, about 5-7 minutes. Drain the excess fat and set aside.
- Add cooked sausage and remaining ingredients to a 6-quart slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 2 hours or on high for 1 hour. Stir 2-3 times while cooking.
- Stir until well combined and serve with the slow cooker left on warm.
Notes
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- Spray the slow cooker: This dip is cheesy and gooey, so give your slow cooker a spritz of non-stick cooking spray to make clean up a little easier.
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- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat in the slow cooker or on the stove. We don't recommend freezing this dip, as it will lose its creamy texture.
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- Do not drain the tomatoes: Use everything that's in the can; don't discard the liquid, as it is used to create the silky texture.
Nutrition
*All nutrition information provided is automatically calculated and is an estimate and will vary based on ingredients, brands, and changes in cooking methods listed in the recipe. If you need exact numbers on your ingredients, I would recommend calculating them with your prefered nutrition calculator.
Ryan Allen
You are going to love this cheesy dip that is perfect for game day or parties.