Calling all cheese lovers! This 3 Ingredient Rotel Dip is a creamy, spicy, and meaty appetizer that’s ready in minutes and is always a hit at parties.
Are you on the hunt for a dip that’s both incredibly easy to make and irresistibly delicious? Look no further, because this 3 Ingredient Rotel Dip has got you covered. It combines smooth, melty Velveeta cheese, spicy Rotel, and hearty browned sausage to create a warm, comforting dish that you’ll want to dive into headfirst. Plus, it’s simple enough to throw together on a moment’s notice, making it a perfect go-to easy dip recipe for impromptu get-togethers.
Whether you’re gearing up for game night, prepping for a potluck, or just settling in for a cozy evening at home, this cheesy Rotel dip is the mouthwatering, crowd-pleasing dish you didn’t know you needed. Trust us, once you give this recipe a try, it’ll become a regular in your lineup.
Our bacon dill pickle dip is another winner for parties and game day celebrations.
So grab your 3 simple ingredients and get ready to make a delicious dip that’s bound to have everyone begging for the recipe. It’ll be the hit of the party. Let’s get started!
Ingredients for Cheesy Rotel Dip
This section is meant to provide an overview of the ingredients required for the recipe. For specific amounts and instructions, please refer to the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
- Velveeta Cheese — This is the base of your dip, providing a creamy, velvety texture. It’s well-loved for its smoothness and meltability, making it perfect for dips.
- Rotel Tomatoes — This canned mix of diced tomatoes and green chilies gives the dip its tangy and slightly spicy flavor profile. It adds complexity and zest to the dish, balancing out the richness of the cheese. You can use original, mild, or hot, depending on your preferences for spice. If you need a substitute for Rotel, we have a post covering that.
- Sausage — Browned sausage gives the dip a hearty, savory, meaty flavor and makes the dip more filling. Use spicy sausage if you want to ramp up the heat for this dip!
Equipment Needed
No fancy equipment required! All you need are these tools:
- knife
- cutting board
- large skillet for browning sausage and melting cheese
- chips and dip platter
How to Make 3 Ingredient Rotel Dip
This section provides a brief overview of the instructions but the steps are not detailed. For exact step-by-step instructions, refer to the recipe card below.
Cube the Velveeta: Cut the Velveeta into cubes. This will make it easier to melt. Set aside.
Brown the sausage: Heat a skillet over medium heat on your stove top. Add the sausage, breaking it up into smaller pieces with a spatula. Cook the sausage, stirring occasionally, until it’s well-browned and no pink remains, about 10-15 minutes. Drain any excess grease, and return the sausage to the skillet.
Melt the cheese: Place the cubed Velveeta and Rotel in the pan along with the sausage. Cook on medium heat for about 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted.
Serving Suggestions
Looking for tips on serving up this dip or using it in different ways if you have a lot leftover? Try some of these ideas.
- Dip Bar: Set up a dip bar with this as the star, alongside other dips like guacamole, salsa, or hummus. Add a variety of dippables, such as tortilla chips, corn chips, pita bread, pretzels, and raw veggies.
- Taco Filler: Use leftovers (if there are any!) as a filling for tacos or burritos. Add some lettuce, tomato, and sour cream for an instant meal.
- Baked Potatoes: Spoon some of this hearty dip over baked potatoes for a quick and satisfying dinner.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwiches: Spread some of this dip between two slices of bread and grill for a decadent, cheesy sandwich.
- Nachos: Lay out a bed of tortilla chips on a baking tray, spoon over the Rotel Dip, add some jalapeños or olives, and broil briefly for the ultimate nachos.
Storing this Easy Rotel Dip
You can store leftover Rotel Dip in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to cover it well or store it in an airtight container.
I do not recommend freezing this cheesy dip.
Tips and Tricks for Spicy Rotel Cheese Dip
- Cube the Cheese: Cut the Velveeta into small cubes before melting. It helps the cheese melt evenly and speeds up the cooking process.
- Stir Frequently: When combining the ingredients in the pan, make sure to stir frequently to prevent the cheese from sticking to the bottom and burning.
- Make Ahead: You can brown the sausage ahead of time and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to make the dip. This can save you some prep time if you’re hosting a party.
- Keep it Warm: If you’re serving this at a gathering, consider using a small slow cooker or a warming dish to keep the dip warm and melty.
- Quality Chips Matter: Invest in some sturdy tortilla chips (like the scoopable tortilla chips pictured). The dip is quite hearty, and flimsy chips might break off in the dip.
- Potluck Powerhouse: Double or triple the recipe for a crowd-pleasing contribution to a neighborhood potluck or office party.
Additions and Variations
Protein Swap: Instead of sausage, try using ground beef, ground turkey, or even shredded chicken for a different taste.
Add Veggies: For a bit more texture and freshness, add some diced bell peppers, corn, or onions into the mix.
Spice it Up: If you like heat, use hot Rotel and hot sausage. You can also chop up a fresh jalapeno to add to the dip.
Tex-Mex Twist: Add some black beans and a sprinkling of cilantro to this 3 ingredient Rotel sausage dip for a Southwestern vibe. You could also add a little taco seasoning if you want.
Make it Low Carb: Since this dip is already pretty low in carbs, pair it with some pork rinds or veggies to stay on track with your diet.
FAQ for 3 Ingredient Sausage Dip
Can I make this Rotel dip recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make this dip a day ahead. Just store it covered in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove or in a slow cooker before serving. Stir occasionally during reheating to maintain a smooth texture.
What type of sausage works best for this dip?
You can use any type of ground sausage that you prefer. Italian sausage, breakfast sausage, or even spicy chorizo can add different flavor profiles to your dip.
Can I make this dip spicier?
Definitely! You can add some diced jalapeños, a dash of hot sauce, or even use a hot variety of Rotel to add more heat to your dip.
Can I make this dip vegetarian?
Yes, you can leave out the sausage or replace it with a plant-based alternative similar to sausage crumbles or ground beef crumbles. You could also add some black beans or corn for additional protein and texture.
More Easy Appetizers and Dips
Here are a few more party starters and finger foods to try for your next gathering or for the big game.
- Cantaloupe Salsa — yummy with cinnamon-sugar chips!
- Bacon Ranch Dip — perfect with potato skins, crackers, and thick chips.
- Keto Nachos — great option for those watching their carbs.
- Low Carb Cheese Bread — another for the keto-conscious folks.
Don’t forget to pin this easy 3-ingredient dip recipe. You’ll want to come back to it again and again!
3 Ingredient Rotel Dip
Ingredients
- 32 oz Velveeta cheese cubed
- 10 oz Rotel
- 1 lb sausage browned
Instructions
- Cut Velveeta cheese into cubes.
- Place in a pan with the Rotel and the browned sausage. If you haven't browned your sausage yet, go back and do that first. Drain the sausage before adding the other ingredients.
- Cook the Velveeta, Rotel, and browned sausage on medium heat for about 5 minutes or until Velveeta is fully melted.
- Serve with tortilla chips, and enjoy!