Velveeta Queso Recipe (Rotel Dip) - The Cookie Rookie® (2024)

Velveeta Queso Recipe (Rotel Dip) - The Cookie Rookie® (1)

By: Becky Hardin

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This Velveeta Queso Recipe is the ultimate Super Bowl appetizer. This easy Rotel dip is loaded with Velveeta, beer, pepper jack, black beans, Rotel, and sausage! Make this for the Super Bowl and beyond!

Velveeta Queso Recipe (Rotel Dip) - The Cookie Rookie® (2)

Table of Contents

What’s in This Velveeta Queso Recipe?

If you’re a cheese dip lover, this Rotel Dip recipe with sausage, Velveeta, beans, and more is a must-make!

  • Old El Paso Taco Boats: These make such a fun dipper! The boat shape is perfect for scooping up gooey, cheesy queso!
  • Olive Oil Spray: Helps the chips brown in the oven.
  • Taco Seasoning: Adds yummy Mexican flavor to the chips.
  • Pork Sausage: Adds a delicious umami flavor to this dip.
  • Salt + Pepper: Enhances the flavor of the sausage.
  • Beer: I like to use an IPA, but any type of beer will work. It adds a complex flavor and helps the queso stay smooth.
  • Velveeta: Makes the ultimate smooth and creamy queso.
  • Pepper Jack Cheese: Adds a buttery and spicy flavor to the queso.
  • Rotel: Adds that classic tomato and green chile flavor.
  • Black Beans: Adds an earthy flavor.
  • Cilantro: Brightens the queso and adds a herbaceous flavor.

Notes from the Test Kitchen

When melting the Velveeta, use low heat so it doesn’t burn. Stir often as well. If the queso seems to thick, add some more liquid to thin. Heavy cream, milk, and Rotel juice are great options.

If making in a slow cooker, add everything and cook on high for 2-3 hours. You can also keep the dip warm on the “warm” setting for long periods of time.

Variations on Rotel Dip

Any true dairy lover hasn’t lived until they’ve tried this Rotel Dip Queso. Feel free to add in other favorite ingredients that you might love such as chopped jalapenos, a layer of refried beans, Mexican rice, or whatever your heart desires! This recipe is so fun because it’s fully customizable.

Velveeta Queso Recipe (Rotel Dip) - The Cookie Rookie® (3)

Velveeta Queso Recipe (Rotel Dip) - The Cookie Rookie® (4)

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Recipe

Velveeta Queso Recipe (Rotel Dip)

4.59 from 215 votes

Prep: 15 minutes minutes

Cook: 15 minutes minutes

Total: 30 minutes minutes

Velveeta Queso Recipe (Rotel Dip) - The Cookie Rookie® (5)

Serves8

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Velveeta Queso Dip is loaded with sausage, beer, tomatoes, cheese, black beans, and more. It's the ultimate Super Bowl Recipe.

Step-by-step photos can be seen below the recipe card.

Velveeta Queso Recipe (Rotel Dip) - The Cookie Rookie® (6)

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Ingredients

For the Chips

  • 13.4 ounces Old El Paso Taco Boats (2 (8-count) packages)
  • Olive oil spray
  • 1 ounce taco seasoning store-bought or homemade

For the Dip

  • ½ pound pork sausage hot or regular, casing removed (such as Jimmy Dean)
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • ¾ cup Pale Ale beer or your favorite type of beer
  • 16 ounces Velveeta cut into 1-inch cubes
  • ½ cup freshly shredded pepper jack cheese
  • 14.5 ounces Rotel tomatoes (1 can) – do not drain!
  • 1 cup black beans drained and rinsed
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro

Recommended Equipment

Instructions

For the Chips

  • Preheat oven to 350°F.

  • Cut the Taco Boats in half width-wise and place them on a large baking sheet. Spray with olive oil spray (or drizzle with olive oil) and then sprinkle with the Taco Seasoning. Spray with more olive oil.

    13.4 ounces Old El Paso Taco Boats, 1 ounce taco seasoning, Olive oil spray

    Velveeta Queso Recipe (Rotel Dip) - The Cookie Rookie® (7)

  • Bake for 10 minutes, or until the taco boats are browned and crispy. Remove from the oven and set aside.

    Velveeta Queso Recipe (Rotel Dip) - The Cookie Rookie® (8)

For the Dip

  • While the chips are cooking, begin your dip: Start by browning the sausage in a medium skillet over medium heat. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Use a wooden spatula to crumble and turn the sausage as it cooks.

    ½ pound pork sausage, Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

    Velveeta Queso Recipe (Rotel Dip) - The Cookie Rookie® (9)

  • Once the sausage is cooked through, add in the beer and allow to cook down/reduce for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.

    ¾ cup Pale Ale beer

    Velveeta Queso Recipe (Rotel Dip) - The Cookie Rookie® (10)

  • Stir in the Velveeta and shredded pepper jack. It should take about 3-5 minutes for all the cheese to melt in.

    16 ounces Velveeta, ½ cup freshly shredded pepper jack cheese

    Velveeta Queso Recipe (Rotel Dip) - The Cookie Rookie® (11)

  • Once melted, stir in the tomatoes, beans, and cilantro.

    14.5 ounces Rotel tomatoes, 1 cup black beans, ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro

  • Serve immediately with the homemade chips. Enjoy!

    Velveeta Queso Recipe (Rotel Dip) - The Cookie Rookie® (12)

Last step! Don’t forget to show me a pic of what you made! Upload an image or tag me @thecookierookie on Instagram!

Becky’s tips

  • When melting the Velveeta, use low heat and stir often to prevent scorching or burning.
  • If the queso seems too thick, you can add a small amount of liquid to thin it out. Options include milk, heavy cream, or even some of the juice from the Rotel can. Add it gradually and stir until you reach your desired consistency.
  • If you’re serving the queso for a longer period, such as during a party or gathering, transfer it to a slow cooker or fondue pot on the warm setting to keep it at a desired temperature.
  • If making in a slow cooker, you can add all dip ingredients (cook the sausage fully first) into a slow cooker and cook on high for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally. Enjoy!

Storage:Store Rotel dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 429kcal (21%) Carbohydrates: 39g (13%) Protein: 23g (46%) Fat: 20g (31%) Saturated Fat: 9g (56%) Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g Monounsaturated Fat: 5g Trans Fat: 0.1g Cholesterol: 51mg (17%) Sodium: 1992mg (87%) Potassium: 502mg (14%) Fiber: 4g (17%) Sugar: 9g (10%) Vitamin A: 1060IU (21%) Vitamin C: 7mg (8%) Calcium: 475mg (48%) Iron: 3mg (17%)

Did You Make This?I want to see! Be sure to upload an image below & tag @thecookierookie on social media!

Velveeta Queso Recipe (Rotel Dip) - The Cookie Rookie® (13)

Velveeta Queso Recipe (Rotel Dip) - The Cookie Rookie® (14)

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Serving Suggestions

We have all kinds of fun Super Bowl recipes that pair really well with this Velveeta Rotel Dip. We recommend our Skinny Margarita, Chicken Wings, Chicken Tacos, and Tortilla Roll Ups to start!

How to Make Velveeta Queso Step by Step

Season the Taco Boats: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Cut 13.4 ounces (2 packages) of Taco Boats in half width-wise and place them on a large baking sheet. Spray with olive oil spray (or drizzle with olive oil) and then sprinkle with 1 ounce (1 packet) of taco seasoning. Spray with more olive oil.

Velveeta Queso Recipe (Rotel Dip) - The Cookie Rookie® (15)

Bake the Taco Boats: Bake for 10 minutes, or until the taco boats are browned and crispy. Remove from the oven and set aside.

Velveeta Queso Recipe (Rotel Dip) - The Cookie Rookie® (16)

Cook the Sausage: While the chips are cooking, begin your dip: Start by browning ½ pound of pork sausage in a medium skillet over medium heat. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Use a wooden spatula to crumble and turn the sausage as it cooks.

Velveeta Queso Recipe (Rotel Dip) - The Cookie Rookie® (17)

Add the Beer: Once the sausage is cooked through, add in ¾ cup of Pale Ale beer and allow to cook down/reduce for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Velveeta Queso Recipe (Rotel Dip) - The Cookie Rookie® (18)

Melt in the Cheese: Stir in 16 ounces of Velveeta and ½ cup of shredded pepper jack. It should take about 3-5 minutes for all the cheese to melt in.

Velveeta Queso Recipe (Rotel Dip) - The Cookie Rookie® (19)

Stir in the Rotel: Once melted, stir in 14.5 ounces (1 can) of Rotel tomatoes, 1 cup of black beans, and ¼ cup of chopped fresh cilantro. Serve immediately with the homemade chips. Enjoy!

Velveeta Queso Recipe (Rotel Dip) - The Cookie Rookie® (20)

How to Store and Reheat

Leftover queso can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat it gently on the stovetop before serving. I do not recommend freezing this dip.

Velveeta Queso Recipe (Rotel Dip) - The Cookie Rookie® (21)

Can I use a different kind of Rotel?

Yes, you can use different varieties of Rotel in your queso, such as Mild, Original, or Hot, depending on your heat preference. Feel free to experiment and choose the one that suits your taste.

How can I make it spicier?

If you prefer a spicier queso, you can add additional ingredients like diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or crushed red pepper flakes. Adjust the amount to your desired level of spiciness.

Can I use real cheese instead of Velveeta?

While Velveeta is known for its smooth melting properties, you can substitute it with real cheese. However, keep in mind that the texture and consistency of the queso may differ. Consider using a cheese that melts well, like cheddar or Monterey Jack, and adjust the recipe accordingly.

Can I make it in a crockpot instead?

Yes! Cook the sausage fully, then add all of the dip ingredients (including the cooked sausage) to the crockpot. Cook on high for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.

Can I make it in the microwave?

Yes, you can make Velveeta queso with Rotel in the microwave. Brown the sausage, then place the dip ingredients in a microwave-safe bowl and heat it in short intervals, stirring in between, until the cheese is fully melted.

Can I freeze it?

It is not recommended to freeze Velveeta queso with Rotel. The texture of the cheese can change upon thawing, resulting in a grainy or separated consistency.

More Queso Recipes We Love

  • White Queso
  • Poblano Queso
  • Queso Fundido
  • Healthy Queso
  • Vegan Queso
  • See all of our Cheese Dip Recipes!

Velveeta Queso Recipe (Rotel Dip) - The Cookie Rookie® (22)

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Velveeta Queso Recipe (Rotel Dip) - The Cookie Rookie® (2024)

FAQs

How do you keep Velveeta queso creamy? ›

You can melt Velveeta in the microwave or in a double boiler. You'll want to cut the cheese into chunks and add a little milk before you start melting though. About 1/4 cup milk for each half pound of cheese seems about right.

How do you keep Rotel cheese dip from getting hard? ›

ROTEL Dip will start to get harder as it cools down. You can avoid this by serving it hot as soon as you can. I like to serve this in a small slow cooker on low or warm setting, to keep it warm the entire time.

What is cheese dip at Mexican restaurants made of? ›

Many people think it contains goat cheese, but what you customarily find in restaurants is made from easy melt white american cheese, purchased thru suppliers or large supermarkets."

Is Queso and Rotel the same thing? ›

Queso is what Texans refer to melted processed cheese mixed with Rotel or generic canned diced tomatoes and peppers. Nacho cheese is what midwesterners, in particular, refer to the same basic melted processed cheese sans the diced tomatoes and peppers.

How do you keep melted Velveeta cheese smooth? ›

Add milk, if desired.

Velveeta cheese can turn into a burnt, lumpy, and thick mess when you melt it using this method, but you should be able to prevent all of that from happening by adding up to 7 Tbsp (105 ml) of milk to the pan when the cheese is only partially melted.

How do you keep Velveeta queso from getting hard? ›

Evaporated milk makes for a smoother tasting Velveeta Cheese Dip. It sounds a bit strange, but it's a huge difference-maker, especially when it comes to the pace at which the dip hardens. If you don't have evaporated milk, you can sub in fresh milk or even water.

How do you make Velveeta dip less thick? ›

The ratio of milk to Velveeta will depend on your desired level of thickness. You can add fresh, chopped red and green peppers and fresh chopped white onions. The water from the vegetables will thin the Velveeta, and the dip will be more interesting.

What makes Rotel dip thicker? ›

Adding a bit of cream cheese to your Rotel dip can help thicken the dip to the perfect consistency for layering on a chip and also lend an unparalleled rich, lush creaminess and rich and tangy flavor that complements the other cheeses perfectly (regardless of the cream cheese brand you use).

How do you thicken Velveeta cheese dip? ›

Flour or cornstarch can both thicken a liquid. In a small separate bowl, mix a tablespoon of either flour or cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cheese sauce until the mixture is smooth. Add the mixture back to the milky cheese sauce, and stir until combined and desired thickness is achieved.

What is the difference between queso and cheese dip? ›

Scanning the internet and the supermarket shelf, we realized that the cheese sauces are divided into two basic categories: Queso Dips, which include some amount of heat, spices, and other flavorings, and Cheese Dips, which are cheese and little else.

What do Mexicans call queso dip? ›

Queso Fundido: A Mexican variation of queso dip that typically includes melted cheese mixed with cooked chorizo (spicy sausage), mushrooms, or other savory ingredients. It's often served in a skillet and meant to be scooped up with tortillas.

What kind of cheese do you use for Mexican queso? ›

Asadero Cheese

Because of its spectacular melting properties, it's an ideal base for queso on nachos, burritos, tacos, enchiladas or any Mexican dish.

What makes queso taste like queso? ›

If you're wondering what is queso made of, you needn't look much further than the name. It's mostly cheese. Beyond that, there is usually tomato, onion, and jalapeños or chiles for some added heat. Add in evaporated milk and cornstarch for thickening, and viola!

Why is Rotel dip so good? ›

One of the best things about Rotel dip is that it's totally customizable: opt for Velveeta Jalapeño Cheese if you're craving an extra kick; fold in some cream cheese for an additional layer of rich flavor; or stir in cooked sausage for an appetizer that's extra hearty.

Is Velveeta queso Real cheese? ›

Velveeta may look like cheese, smell like cheese, and even taste like cheese, but it is technically classified as a “pasteurized process cheese product.” Though Velveeta was originally made from real cheese (sure it was runoff, but still), it is now mainly whey protein concentrate, milk protein concentrate, milk, fat, ...

How do you keep cheese dip creamy? ›

For dips, you'll want to use a tablespoon of cornstarch per pound of cheese, then add at least five ounces of evaporated milk. After that, you can use more evaporated milk to thin out your dip as much as you need.

How do you melt cheese and keep it creamy? ›

There are several ways to melt cheddar cheese so that it is creamy rather than stringy or rubbery:
  1. Grate the cheddar cheese before melting it. ...
  2. Use a low heat setting and be patient. ...
  3. Add a small amount of milk, cream, or broth to the cheese as it melts. ...
  4. Use a smooth, creamy cheese in addition to or in place of th.
Dec 31, 2022

How do you keep queso from drying out? ›

Storing Cheese

Always re-wrap cheese in fresh wrapping, preferably in waxed or parchment paper, after the cheese has been opened to avoid having the cheese dry out or pick up other flavors.

How do you keep cheese dip soft? ›

The keys to making authentic, smooth, melty queso are:
  1. Grate your own cheese. Don't buy pre-grated, which has additives to prevent clumping.
  2. Add cream, milk or evaporated milk.
  3. Add a sufficient amount of acid to break down the milk proteins in the cheese.
  4. Work slowly.
Dec 24, 2020

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