Rotel Dip With Ground Beef

Name: Velveeta Hamburger Dip
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1 pound lean ground beef; 1 ounce taco seasoning packet; 16 ounces Velveeta (cubed); 20 ounces rotel (undrained (2 10-ounce cans) ); ½ teaspoon ground cumin ((optional)); 8 ounces Mexican blend cheese (shredded)

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

Wow your crowd with this quick and Easy Beefy Skillet Queso—melty, meaty, and packed with bold, cheesy flavor. It’s a 15-minute game day or party favorite that’s simple to make, budget-friendly, and always the first thing to disappear!

Cheesy Rotel Dip With Ground Beef in a cast iron skillet.

This Beefy Skillet Queso is more than just a dip—it’s one of my son’s all-time favorites and a Game Day tradition in our home. What sets it apart? It’s ready in 15 minutes, uses budget-friendly ingredients, and brings that creamy, cheesy goodness with just the right kick.

No fancy steps, no fuss—just a skillet full of flavor that’s perfect for feeding a hungry crowd fast. Whether it’s football or Friday night, this cheesy dip never lasts long at our house. It’s always the first to go.

Skillet Queso with Ground Beef Ingredients

Labeled image of ingredients needed to make easy beef queso with rotel.

Ground Beef – Go with lean, 90% or higher. Brown and drain for the best texture.
Taco Seasoning – Use your favorite taco seasoning or my homemade taco blend.
Rotel – Adds a kick. Use mild, original, or hot, based on your heat level.
Velveeta – Classic choice for smooth, creamy queso. Cube it to melt faster.
Mexican Blend Cheese – Adds richness. Cheddar or Colby Jack works too.
Cumin – Optional, but brings in warm, Tex-Mex flavor.
Garnishes – Shredded cheese, cilantro, olives—whatever you love.

How to Make Ground Beef Queso Dip

✱ Be sure to see the recipe card below for exact ingredients and full recipe instructions!

Step 1 | Brown the Beef
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, crumble and cook the ground beef until fully browned, about 6–10 minutes. Drain any excess grease if needed.

Crumbled cooked ground beef and a cast-iron skillet.

Return the beef to the skillet and add the taco seasoning, stirring to coat the ground beef.

Step 2 | Melt the Velveeta
Reduce the heat to medium-low. Then, add the cubed Velveeta, both cans of Rotel (undrained), and the cumin (if using).

I'll need the cubes Rotel and cumin added to ground beef.

Stir until the cheese is fully melted and smooth, about 3–4 minutes.

Melted velveeta with ground beef queso in a skillet.

Step 3 | Add Shredded Cheese
Stir in the shredded Mexican blend cheese and continue to cook until everything is melted and creamy, about another 3–4 minutes.

Shredded Mexican blend cheese added to Velveeta mix you go outture.

Step 4 | Serve and Enjoy
Serve warm straight from the skillet.

Top with extra cheese, chopped cilantro, black olives, or your favorite toppings. Great with tortilla chips, pork rinds, celery sticks, or carrot chips!

If you want to serve this for a party, keep it warm in a slow cooker.

How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Queso Dip

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, crumble and cook the ground beef until fully browned, about 6–10 minutes. Drain any excess grease if needed and add to the slow cooker.

Add cubes of taco seasoning, cumin, Rotel, and Velveeta. Stir the ingredients. Then, place the lid on the slow cooker.

Cook on LOW for 2 -3 hours, stirring halfway through the cooking time.

Variations and Substitutions

Meat – Swap ground beef for ground turkey, sausage, or chorizo.
Cheese – Use white Velveeta or pepper jack for a spicy twist.
Rotel – Sub with diced tomatoes + green chilies if needed.
Spices – Substitute fajita seasoning for a different flavor, amp it up with extra chili powder, or smoked paprika for additional flavor.
Add-ins – Stir in black beans, corn, or sautéed onions and peppers to bulk up the dish.
Make it meatless – Skip the beef and add an extra can of beans or more veggies.

Recipe Tips

Cut the Velveeta into small cubes so it melts faster and smoother.
Don’t overheat once the cheese goes in—low and slow keeps it creamy, not grainy.
Use freshly shredded cheese if you can; this gives you so many choices with your blend of cheese. I often keep it simple and use my favorite thick-cut Sargento Mexican blend cheese.
Drain the beef well: If your ground beef has extra fat, make sure to drain it off to keep the queso from getting greasy.
Keep it warm in a slow cooker on low if serving at a party or game day.

Dipping a tortilla chip into queso beef dip.

Want to Save this Recipe?

Enter your email below & we'll send it straight to your inbox. Plus you’ll get great new recipes from us every week!

By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from Soulfully Made.

Recipe FAQs

Is it spicy?

With original Rotel, it’s mild to medium. Use hot Rotel for more heat or mild for a kid-friendly version. Want more spice? Add in some diced jalapeños or dashes of hot sauce.

What can I use instead of Velveeta?

You can try American cheese slices from the deli as they melt the best, or a mix of cream cheese and cheddar, but Velveeta gives the smoothest texture.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes! Brown the beef first, then add everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.

Storage

Storage – Cool completely and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Reheat – Warm on the stove over low heat or microwave in short bursts, stirring often. Add a splash of milk if it gets too thick.

Make-Ahead – Brown the beef and cube the cheeses ahead of time. Store separately in the fridge and melt everything together when ready to serve.

What to Serve with Beef Queso Dip

Tortilla chips – Classic and perfect for scooping every cheesy bite.
Pork rinds – Great low-carb option with a nice crunch.
Celery sticks or carrots – Fresh, crisp, and perfect for dipping.
Mini bell peppers – Sweet and sturdy for scooping. Another low-carb option!
Soft pretzel bites – A fun and hearty pairing.
Over baked potatoes or nachos – Turn it into a meal!

A plate with tortilla chips, topped with queso dip and guacamole, salsa, and black olives.

This Beefy Skillet Queso is a total crowd-pleaser at any Mexican fiesta—think bright colors, lively conversations, and those irresistible flavors! Set it out alongside colorful bowls of salsa and creamy guacamole, and you’ve got an instant fiesta vibe!

Pair it with your Creamy Mexican Spinach (Espinaca) or Mexican 7‑Layer Dip for a deliciously cohesive spread. And don’t forget to serve up piping hot Buffalo Chicken Tacos or Carne Asada Tacos for guests who want to build a full-on taco tray.

Hungry for more easy, home-cooked, delicious recipes?

Sign up for my free recipe club to get family-friendly recipes in your inbox each week! Find me sharing daily meal-time inspiration on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram.

Recipe

Pin Print Rate Recipe Save

This Beefy Skillet Queso is a perfect appetizer for game day, a party or any family gathering.

Ingredients

▢ 1 pound lean ground beef
▢ 1 ounce taco seasoning packet, (or 2 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning)
▢ 16 ounces Velveeta, cubed
▢ 20 ounces rotel, undrained (2 10-ounce cans)
▢ ½ teaspoon ground cumin, (optional)
▢ 8 ounces Mexican blend cheese, shredded

Get Recipe Ingredients