Rotel Dip without Velveeta

Rotel Dip without Velveeta is the ultimate cheesy, beefy appetizer—made with taco-seasoned ground beef, pimento cheese, American cheese, and Rotel tomatoes—perfect for game days or any gathering.

You’ll Love This Recipe Because …

• It’s irresistibly cheesy and full of bold, Tex-Mex flavor.
  
• Takes less than 30 minutes and uses pantry-friendly ingredients.
  
• Crowd-pleasing, easy to make ahead, and great for ovens or outdoor grills.

What is This Recipe?

Rotel Dip is a gooey, meaty cheese dip baked until bubbly with taco-spiced ground beef, creamy American cheese, store-bought pimento cheese, and classic Rotel tomatoes with green chilies.

Think of this as the grown-up, slightly Southern cousin of classic Velveeta Rotel Dip. The pimento cheese adds extra creaminess and depth, while baking it in a skillet adds a beautiful golden crust.

Tips and Tricks that Make this Recipe Work

• Brown your ground beef well for the best flavor—let it get a little crispy.
  
• Use a well-seasoned cast iron skillet for even baking and great presentation.
  
• Don’t skip the pimento cheese—it makes it extra creamy and adds a subtle tang.
  
• Bake until the edges are bubbling and golden—this means the cheese is fully melted.
  
• Want it spicier? Add diced jalapeños or use hot Rotel tomatoes. I love the fire-roasted rotel tomatoes!
  
• Feel free to top with fresh extras like a pico de gallo, or guacamole!
  
• If you watch the video above, you’ll notice I used a paper towel on the baked dip. I like to soak up as much of that extra grease that the cheese produces as I can. Not to be healthier, but it’s just gross looking!

What to Serve with Rotel Dip

Pair this cheesy dip with:

• Party Quesadillas
  
• Three-Ingredient Sour Cream Dip
  
• Taco Tower
  
• Simple Margaritas
  

Tools & Equipment

• Cast Iron Skillet (like this one on Amazon)
  
• Mixing Spoon or Spatula
  
• Heat-resistant serving board or trivet
  

FAQ

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Prep everything and store in the fridge. Bake just before serving.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely—just season it well with taco seasoning for full flavor.

Is there a stovetop version?
Yes! After browning the beef, mix everything in the skillet and heat on low until melted. Just be sure to stir it often so nothing sticks to the bottom and burns!

What can I use instead of pimento cheese?
You can substitute with cream cheese mixed with a little shredded cheddar, but pimento adds that extra Southern flair.

Print