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Home » Recipes » Thanksgiving Recipes

Rotel Sausage Dip

Published: Sep 13, 2025 by Debra Clark · 7 Comments

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This easy dip recipe steals the show on game day-and every day! The gooey, cheesy dip is made with three simple ingredients but is packed with mouthwatering, spicy flavor. It's an easy appetizer and goes great with your favorite chips and dippers!

Hand holding tortilla chip filled with sausage and cheese dip, ready to take a bite!
Easy Rotel Dip Recipe

Be sure to make the Taco Dip with Ground Beef for your party as well. It's always a hit!

Jump to:
  • What makes this easy recipe irresistible   
  • Ingredients you'll need
  • Rotel Sausage Dip
  • Creative variations to try
  • Step-by-step instructions
  • Frequently asked questions (FAQ's)
  • Don't overlook this tip
  • Make it a party with more great appetizers
  • Wrapping it up

What makes this easy recipe irresistible   

The Rotel sausage dip recipe is an easy appetizer! Great for parties, potlucks, and tailgating! It's a spicy dip, but not too hot so everyone will enjoy it.

The ground sausage is spicy, tender, and juicy. Adding a can of Rotel tomatoes and tangy green chiles brings in an acidic component that perfectly balances the creamy cheese. 

And-let's talk about that cheese. Ooey, gooey, smooth, and warm, Velveeta Rotel dip has tons of flavor and the perfect texture. The only thing that makes it better is loads of salty tortilla chips and good friends to share it with!

Ingredients you'll need

Ingredients needed to make this easy appetizer recipe. With print overlay.

Please refer to the printable recipe card below for the measurement.

Velveeta sausage cheese dip in serving bowl, with hand dipping a chip into the sauce.
5 from 2 votes

Rotel Sausage Dip

Sausage Rotel Cheese Dip is a must make for tailgating, movie night, or your next party. It's perfect for parties and so easy to make! This spicy dip is a real crowd pleaser
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Prep Time5 minutes mins
Cook Time10 minutes mins
Total Time15 minutes mins
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Servings: 12 servings
Calories: 219kcal
Author: Deb Clark

Ingredients

  • 1 pound spicy Italian sausage cooked, crumbled and drained
  • 1 pound Velveeta cheese
  • 10 ounce can spicy Rotel tomatoes and green chiles undrained

Instructions

  • In a large skillet over medium heat, brown and crumble the spicy Italian sausage. Cook until no longer pink. Drain well.
  • Cube the Velveeta cheese. Add to the cooked sausage along with the undrained can of Rotel.
  • Melt the cheese and stir until it is hot and bubbly. Serve with your favorite tortilla chips and enjoy!

Notes

Refrigerate leftover dip in an airtight container for up to three days. Slowly reheat creamy Rotel dip in the microwave in thirty-second increments, stirring in between each.
Freezing isn't recommended. The creamy cheese thaws with a grainy texture.

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    Nutrition

    Calories: 219kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 45mg | Sodium: 878mg | Potassium: 270mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 399IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 231mg | Iron: 1mg

    Creative variations to try

    Want to mix things up? Try swapping in mild or sweet Italian sausage for a different flavor twist. Got extra ground meat in the fridge? Toss in some ground turkey or beef to stretch the dip a little further. It still turns out deliciously cheesy and satisfying.

    Not a fan of Velveeta? No problem! You can melt together 4 ounces of cream cheese and 4 ounces of shredded cheddar, or play around with other flavors like Pepper Jack or smoked Gouda. Can't find RoTel with green chilies? Use plain diced tomatoes and add a small can of green chiles (usually hiding near the taco shells at the grocery store).

    And if you want to punch up the flavor even more, stir in some diced onion, corn, jalapeños, or a spoonful of homemade taco seasoning. With cheesy sausage dip, you really can't go wrong!

    Step-by-step instructions

    Step-by-step instruction to make this easy appetizer recipe. With print overlay.

    This is an overview of the instructions. For complete directions refer to the recipe card above.

    Frequently asked questions (FAQ's)

    How long can you leave Rotel sausage dip out?

    At room temperature, you can keep it out for about two hours before you risk food poisoning. However, it can stay out much longer when kept warm on the stove or in a slow cooker.

    Can I make this in a crockpot?

    You can, as long as you brown the sausage on the stovetop, first. Then, combine all the ingredients and cook on low until the cheese is melted. Switch to the warm setting once it's gooey and hot all the way through.

    Sausage rotel dip in cast iron pan surrounded by chips for dipping.

    Don't overlook this tip

    Never pour the sausage grease down your sink. It can cause major clogs. Instead, pour it into a small, foil-lined cup. Let it solidify, and then toss it in the garbage.

    Sausage Rotel Dip in pan with spoon.

    Make it a party with more great appetizers

    Craving more cheesy goodness? If you love queso, don't miss my Velveeta Cheese Dip-it's rich, creamy, and loaded with salsa and sautéed veggies for extra flavor in every bite. Sausage Cream Cheese Balls are another crowd-pleaser!

    !For something scoopable and bold, my Quesadilla Dip combines shredded chicken, tangy peppers, and two types of melty cheese. And if beans are your thing, Bean and Cheese Dip brings that classic Mexican flair and tastes amazing with crunchy corn chips.

    Wrapping it up

    RoTel Dip is one of those no-fuss, big-flavor recipes that never lets you down. Whether you're tailgating, party prepping, or just need a cheesy fix fast, this dip always delivers.

    If you give it a try, drop a comment below and let me know how it went-bonus points if you share what you dipped! ⭐️ And if you're a fan of easy appetizers, be sure to hit that subscribe button so you never miss another tasty bite.

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    About Debra Clark

    Hey I'm Deb Clark, and I'm the owner of Bowl Me Over! We live in the sleepy little town of Scappoose, Oregon. And I admit it... I love food! Join me in this foodie journey (even if you've never cooked before!) I will help you learn to be confident in the kitchen! Want to learn more? Let's stay connected, you can email me at debra@bowl-me-over.com and find me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.

    Comments

      5 from 2 votes (1 rating without comment)

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Debbie says

      November 27, 2023 at 12:19 pm

      Rotel sausage dip is one of the most delicious dips on the planet! I love making this recipe for any and all potlucks.

      Reply
      • Bowl Me Over says

        November 30, 2023 at 4:40 pm

        This recipe is without a doubt perfect for potlucks, tailgating, and movie night!

        Reply
    2. Alyssa says

      November 20, 2023 at 8:14 am

      Rotel sausage dip is one of my go to recipes. This is the perfect app for an great together!

      Reply
    3. Kristen says

      November 19, 2023 at 4:07 pm

      I always keep all of the ingredients needed to make rotel sausage dip stocked during November - January each year for last-minute holiday guests! SO simple and always a crowd pleaser!

      Reply
      • Bowl Me Over says

        November 23, 2023 at 6:59 am

        That is so smart Kristen! I love this recipe for tailgating and it's always a hit with kids!

        Reply
    4. Cynthia says

      November 16, 2023 at 4:16 pm

      Bring on the spice! My family loves everything about this sausage dip!

      Reply
    5. Brittany says

      November 09, 2023 at 9:14 am

      5 stars
      This is the rotel sausage dip I grew up on! It's so easy and delicious..perfect for any party!

      Reply
    Blogger Deb Clark smiling at camera holding a plate filled with a casserole.
    Welcome to Bowl Me Over!

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