Creamy Rotel Ranch Queso: Easy Game Day Dip (Print Version)
Get the recipe for easy, creamy Cheesy Rotel Ranch Queso! Perfect for parties or a cozy night in, this dip is a family favorite.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 10 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 8 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Dietary: Contains Dairy, Contains Meat
# Ingredients:
→ Base Ingredients
01 -
1 lb ground beef (80/20 preferred)
02 -
1 small onion, chopped
03 -
2 cloves garlic, minced
04 -
1 (10 oz) can Rotel Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies, drained
→ Creamy Goodness
05 -
1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened and cubed
06 -
1 (16 oz) block Velveeta cheese, cubed
07 -
1/2 cup whole milk
→ Flavor Boosters
08 -
1 (1 oz) packet ranch seasoning mix (like Hidden Valley)
09 -
1/2 tsp ground cumin
10 -
1/2 tsp chili powder
→ Garnish & Serving
11 -
Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
12 -
Tortilla chips or Fritos, for serving
# Instructions:
01 -
Okay, first things first, grab your biggest skillet or a Dutch oven – you'll need the space! Brown your ground beef over medium-high heat. Break it up with a spoon, you know the drill. Once it's nicely browned, drain off all that extra grease. Honestly, I always forget a step here and there, but draining the fat is a must. Then, toss in your chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them until they're soft and smell amazing, about 3-5 minutes. Your kitchen should start smelling incredible right about now, a warm, savory start to our Cheesy Rotel Ranch Queso!
02 -
Reduce the heat to low. Now, add your drained Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, cream cheese, and the glorious Velveeta cheese, cubed up. This is where the magic starts to happen. Stir, stir, stir! Keep it moving, you don't want anything sticking to the bottom. I usually see the cream cheese softening first, then the Velveeta slowly joining the party. It takes a few minutes, but be patient, it's worth it for that smooth base.
03 -
Once the cheeses are mostly melted and your Cheesy Rotel Ranch Queso is looking creamy, it’s time for the secret weapon: the ranch seasoning packet! Sprinkle that whole packet right in. Add your cumin and chili powder too. And then, slowly pour in the milk, just a little at a time, until you hit that perfect consistency. Sometimes I add a bit more, sometimes a bit less, depending on how thick my Velveeta was. It’s all about feel here!
04 -
Keep stirring over low heat until everything is completely melted and smooth. You want a luscious, dippable Cheesy Rotel Ranch Queso, no lumps! Let it simmer gently for about 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This helps all those flavors really get to know each other. It'll start to bubble softly, and the aroma? Oh, it's heavenly—spicy, cheesy, and just a hint of ranch.
05 -
Taste your queso! This is important. Does it need a little salt? Maybe a tiny dash of hot sauce if you like extra kick? Sometimes I add a pinch more chili powder if I'm feeling adventurous. This is your moment to make it truly yours. I always sneak a spoonful at this stage, purely for quality control, of course. Adjust seasonings as you see fit.
06 -
Transfer your glorious Cheesy Rotel Ranch Queso to a serving bowl. A slow cooker set to "warm" is a lifesaver if you're serving a crowd, it keeps it perfectly dippable. Garnish with some fresh cilantro or a sprinkle of extra chili powder if you're feeling fancy. Serve immediately with tortilla chips, Fritos, or even some sturdy veggie sticks. It’s going to disappear fast, trust me!
# Notes:
01 -
Personal cooking tip I've learned through experience: Don't rush the melting! Low and slow heat prevents scorching and keeps the cheese smooth.
02 -
Storage advice that actually works from my kitchen trials: If it gets too thick after chilling, stir in a splash of milk or broth while reheating on the stovetop.
03 -
Substitution I've tried that worked surprisingly well: Swap ground beef for ground turkey or even a plant-based crumble for a lighter version.
04 -
Serving suggestion that makes this dish extra special: A dollop of sour cream and some pickled jalapeños take it to the next level!
# Equipment Needed:
01 -
Large skillet or Dutch oven
02 -
Wooden spoon or spatula
# Nutrition (Per Serving):
Calories: 350
Total Fat: 28g
Total Carbohydrate: 10g
Protein: 15g