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This creamy Velveeta cheese dip made in the crock pot is the ideal party appetizer or game day treat that keeps everyone coming back for more. It combines savory ground beef with zesty Rotel tomatoes and smooth Velveeta cheese for a melty, irresistible dip that tastes like a warm hug in every bite.
My family first fell in love with this dip during a lazy football afternoon. Now it’s a staple whenever we gather with friends and everyone always asks for the recipe.
Ingredients
- Velveeta cheese: cubed about an inch wide so it melts evenly and smoothly — choose fresh, refrigerated blocks for the best texture
- Canned Rotel: for a perfect balance of diced tomatoes and green chilies, adding brightness with a touch of heat — pick original flavor for mild spice or hot variety if preferred
- Ground beef: for heartiness and a meaty base that complements the creamy cheese — lean or regular ground beef, browned well to develop flavor
Instructions
- Sear the Ground Beef:
- Cook the pound of ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until fully browned and no pink remains. Break up the meat with a spatula so it cooks evenly. Drain any excess fat to prevent an oily dip.
- Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker:
- Place the browned ground beef, cubed Velveeta, and canned Rotel directly into your crock pot. Make sure the Velveeta cubes are roughly one inch wide so they melt consistently throughout without clumping.
- Slow Cook Until Smooth:
- Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 2 to 3 hours. Keep an eye on the cheese as it melts, stirring occasionally to avoid browning or sticking on the sides. The mixture is ready when fully melted and creamy.
- Serve Warm With Dippers:
- Once the dip is hot and bubbling slightly, transfer to a serving bowl or keep in the crock pot on warm. Offer tortilla chips, crackers, or fresh veggies like celery and carrot sticks for dipping.
My favorite part is watching everyone’s faces light up as they taste the first smooth, cheesy bite. One memorable game night my family ate the whole batch before the halftime show even started.
Storage Tips
Store leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring to maintain smooth consistency. Adding a splash of milk or cream while reheating helps restore the creamy texture.
Ingredient Substitutions
Ground turkey or chicken work well if you want a leaner option without sacrificing flavor. You can swap canned Rotel for diced tomatoes plus a dash of chili powder and cumin for a homemade touch. For a vegetarian dip, skip the meat and add extra diced bell peppers or black beans.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with classic tortilla chips or crunchy crackers for texture contrast. Crisp cut veggies like bell peppers, cucumbers, and baby carrots keep it balanced and fresh. If you want to turn this into a meal, use the dip as a topping for baked potatoes or nachos.
This recipe never fails to bring people together around the snack table and it’s one of those go-to dishes that feels like a little celebration with every bite.
FAQs about Recipes
- → How do I prevent the cheese from scorching?
Stir the mixture occasionally during cooking to keep the cheese melting evenly and avoid browning on the crock pot edges.
- → Can I use a different type of cheese?
While Velveeta melts smoothly, you can experiment with other melting cheeses but texture and flavor might vary.
- → What can I serve with this dish?
This creamy dip pairs well with chips, crackers, and fresh vegetables like celery or bell peppers.
- → Is it necessary to cook the beef beforehand?
Yes, browning the ground beef separately ensures even cooking and removes excess fat before combining.
- → How long should I cook the mixture in the crock pot?
Cook on low for 2 to 3 hours until the cheese is fully melted and combined with the other ingredients.