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A wooden bowl filled with creamy white cheese dip mixed with browned ground beef, topped with fresh diced tomatoes and green onions, served with tortilla chips.

Spicy Rotel Dip with Ground Beef

This Spicy Rotel Dip with Ground Beef is rich, cheesy, and packed with bold flavors. Perfect for parties, game day, or anytime you need a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Calories: 430
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Dip
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 10 oz Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies undrained
  • 8 oz cream cheese cubed
  • 2 cups cheddar cheese shredded
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp fresh cilantro chopped, for garnish

Equipment

  • Large Skillet

Method
 

  1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened.
  3. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, until fully browned.
  4. Drain excess fat if needed, then add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Stir in the Rotel tomatoes with their juices.
  6. Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
  7. Reduce heat to low and add the cubed cream cheese.
  8. Stir continuously until the cream cheese is fully melted and smooth.
  9. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted and creamy.
  10. Simmer gently for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  11. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Notes

Serve warm with tortilla chips, crackers, or fresh vegetables. This dip can also be kept warm in a slow cooker for parties.