Melty Rotel Dip with Ground Beef (Printable)

A velvety blend of seasoned beef, processed cheese, and spicy Rotel tomatoes finished with tangy sour cream.

# What You'll Need:

→ Meats

01 - 1 pound lean ground beef

→ Vegetables & Canned Goods

02 - 1 (10-ounce) can Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
03 - 1 small onion, finely chopped (optional)

→ Dairy

04 - 16 ounces processed cheese, cubed
05 - 3/4 cup sour cream

→ Seasonings

06 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
07 - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
08 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
09 - Salt and black pepper, to taste

→ Serving

10 - Tortilla chips, for serving
11 - Sliced green onions or chopped cilantro (optional garnish)

# Directions:

01 - In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef (and onion, if using) until browned and fully cooked, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
02 - Add the Rotel tomatoes with juices, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and cook for 2 minutes.
03 - Reduce heat to low. Add the cubed processed cheese. Stir frequently until the cheese is completely melted and the mixture is smooth, about 5–7 minutes.
04 - Remove from heat. Stir in the sour cream until fully incorporated and creamy.
05 - Transfer to a serving bowl or slow cooker set to warm. Garnish with sliced green onions or cilantro if desired. Serve hot with tortilla chips.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The sour cream creates an incredibly smooth, restaurant-style texture that sets this apart from typical cheese dips
  • It comes together in just 25 minutes but tastes like it simmered all afternoon
  • This dip stays creamy for hours, making it perfect for relaxed parties where guests graze throughout the evening
02 -
  • Stirring in the sour cream off the heat is the difference between silky smooth dip and a separated, grainy disappointment
  • Using hot Rotel instead of original makes this dip genuinely spicy—adjust accordingly if your guests are heat-sensitive
  • This dip thickens as it sits, so keep it thinner than you think you need it, especially when serving in a slow cooker
03 -
  • A splash of milk while reheating leftovers brings back that just-made consistency
  • The smoked paprika is optional, but it adds a subtle smoky depth that makes people ask what's different about your dip

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