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!
Be sure to make the Taco Dip with Ground Beef for your party as well. It's always a hit!
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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
Please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for the exact measurements.
- Spicy sausage—hot sausage adds the best flavor. You can also use Jimmy Dean Sausage or sweet Italian sausage.
- Velveeta Cheese—try to find the Velveeta cheese block, not the cheese dip from the chip section. Cream Cheese can also be used in this recipe.
- Ro-tel Tomatoes—undrained. Use the kind with green chilies.
Creative variations to try
If you’re not a fan of too much spice, you can use mild or sweet Italian sausage. Have some extra ground meat to use up? Throw in a little ground turkey or beef to make the dip stretch.
Instead of using Velveeta, melt down 4 oz cream cheese and 4 oz shredded cheddar cheese. Alternatively, experiment with other flavors, like Pepper-Jack or smoked Gouda.
Struggling to find Rotel tomatoes with green chilies? Use regular, plain diced tomatoes and a small can of chiles—you can generally find them near the taco ingredients at the grocery store.
Some people like to toss in corn, diced onions, or jalapenos for extra flavor. For extra zest add a tablespoon of homemade taco seasoning. With cheesy sausage dip, you really can’t go wrong!
Step-by-step instructions
This is an overview of the instructions. For complete directions, scroll down to the bottom.
- In a large skillet, brown the sausage and drain off the excess grease.
- Stir in the cheese and tomatoes.
- Cook over medium heat until the cheese is bubbly and melted.
- Serve hot with chips, baguette slices, crackers, and veggies.
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Frequently asked questions (FAQ’s)
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.
You can, but you still have to 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.
Top Tip
Want Rotel sausage dip to stay hot throughout the big game? After cooking, scoop the dip into a crock pot or and set it to the warm setting. (This is an easy way to transport it, too!)
- Don’t overcook the meat. It continues to cook after you add the cheese and tomatoes, and you don’t want the sausage to taste dry!
- Don’t 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.
How to store leftovers
Refrigerate - Store the Rotel sausage dip in an airtight container for up to three days.
Freezer - You technically can freeze this dip for up to three months, but Kraft (the makers of Velveeta) doesn’t recommend doing so. The creamy cheese thaws with a grainy texture.
Reheat - Slowly reheat creamy Rotel dip in the microwave in thirty-second increments, stirring in between each.
More great dip recipes
- If you enjoy queso, you’ll adore this Velveeta Cheese Dip. It’s ultra creamy and so flavorful, thanks to the salsa and sauteed veggies.
- Sausage Cream Cheese Balls are a party favorite, and great for snacking while mingling! You don’t even need a plate to enjoy ‘em.
- With shredded chicken, tangy peppers, and two types of creamy cheese, Quesadilla Cheese Dip tastes like your favorite snack in a scoopable form!
- Bean and Cheese Dip is a Mexican favorite that tastes great with corn chips—it’s a must if you like beans!
Make it a party: more great appetizers
- Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Wings are so easy and taste crunchy and juicy. It’s as if you actually deep-fried them but without all the mess!
- You already have the chips—why not serve some creamy, chilled Guacamole to cool down your taste buds after bites of spicy Rotel dip?
- Ground Turkey Sliders - super easy to make, these mini burgers are always so popular!
If you love this recipe please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating!
Rotel Sausage Dip
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!
Debbie says
Rotel sausage dip is one of the most delicious dips on the planet! I love making this recipe for any and all potlucks.
Bowl Me Over says
This recipe is without a doubt perfect for potlucks, tailgating, and movie night!
Alyssa says
Rotel sausage dip is one of my go to recipes. This is the perfect app for an great together!
Kristen says
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!
Bowl Me Over says
That is so smart Kristen! I love this recipe for tailgating and it's always a hit with kids!
Cynthia says
Bring on the spice! My family loves everything about this sausage dip!
Brittany says
This is the rotel sausage dip I grew up on! It's so easy and delicious..perfect for any party!