This Velveeta Queso Recipe is my favorite Super Bowl appetizer. I made my version of easy Rotel dip, but loaded it with Velveeta, beer, pepper jack, black beans, Rotel, and sausage! I make this for our family every game day, party, and beyond.
What’s in This Velveeta Queso Recipe?
If you’re a cheese dip lover like me, this Rotel Dip recipe with sausage, Velveeta, beans, and more is a must-make!
- Olive Oil Spray: Helps the chips brown in the oven.
- Taco Seasoning: Adds yummy Mexican flavor to the chips.
- Pork Sausage: Adds a delicious umami flavor to this dip.
- Salt + Pepper: Enhances the flavor of the sausage.
- Beer: I like to use an IPA, but any type of beer will work. It adds a complex flavor and helps the queso stay smooth.
- Velveeta: Makes the ultimate smooth and creamy queso.
- Pepper Jack Cheese: Adds a buttery and spicy flavor to the queso.
- Rotel: Adds that classic tomato and green chile flavor.
- Black Beans: Adds an earthy flavor.
- Cilantro: Brightens the queso and adds a herbaceous flavor.
Notes from the Test Kitchen
When melting the Velveeta, I always use low heat and stir often so it doesn’t burn. If the queso seems to thick, I add some more liquid to thin. Heavy cream, milk, beer, and Rotel juice are great options.
If I’m making in a slow cooker, I add everything and cook on high for 2-3 hours. You can also keep the dip warm on the “warm” setting for long periods of time. Be sure your ingredients like the sausage are cooked before adding.
Variations on Rotel Dip
Any true dairy lover hasn’t lived until they’ve tried this Rotel Dip Queso. Feel free to add in other favorite ingredients that you might love such as chopped jalapenos, a layer of refried beans, Mexican rice, or whatever your heart desires! This recipe is so fun because it’s fully customizable.
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Serving Suggestions
I have developed all kinds of fun game day recipes that pair really well with this Velveeta Rotel Dip. I recommend serving with our Skinny Margarita, Chicken Wings, Chicken Tacos, and Tortilla Roll Ups to start!
Velveeta Queso Recipe (Rotel Dip)
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Ingredients
For the Dip
- ½ pound pork sausage hot or regular, casing removed (such as Jimmy Dean)
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- ¾ cup Pale Ale beer or your favorite type of beer
- 16 ounces Velveeta cut into 1-inch cubes
- ½ cup freshly shredded pepper jack cheese
- 14.5 ounces Rotel tomatoes (1 can) – do not drain!
- 1 cup black beans drained and rinsed
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
Recommended Equipment
Instructions
- Start by browning the sausage in a medium skillet over medium heat. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Use a wooden spatula to crumble and turn the sausage as it cooks.½ pound pork sausage, Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Once the sausage is cooked through, add in the beer and allow to cook down/reduce for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.¾ cup Pale Ale beer
- Stir in the Velveeta and shredded pepper jack. It should take about 3-5 minutes for all the cheese to melt in.16 ounces Velveeta, ½ cup freshly shredded pepper jack cheese
- Once melted, stir in the tomatoes, beans, and cilantro.14.5 ounces Rotel tomatoes, 1 cup black beans, ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Serve immediately with the homemade chips. Enjoy!
Last step! Don’t forget to show me a pic of what you made! Upload an image or tag me @thecookierookie on Instagram!
Becky’s tips
- When melting the Velveeta, use low heat and stir often to prevent scorching or burning.
- If the queso seems too thick, you can add a small amount of liquid to thin it out. Options include milk, heavy cream, or even some of the juice from the Rotel can. Add it gradually and stir until you reach your desired consistency.
- If you’re serving the queso for a longer period, such as during a party or gathering, transfer it to a slow cooker or fondue pot on the warm setting to keep it at a desired temperature.
- If making in a slow cooker, you can add all dip ingredients (cook the sausage fully first) into a slow cooker and cook on high for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
How to Make Velveeta Queso Step by Step
Cook the Sausage: While the chips are cooking, begin your dip: Start by browning ½ pound of pork sausage in a medium skillet over medium heat. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Use a wooden spatula to crumble and turn the sausage as it cooks.
Add the Beer: Once the sausage is cooked through, add in ¾ cup of Pale Ale beer and allow to cook down/reduce for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Melt in the Cheese: Stir in 16 ounces of Velveeta and ½ cup of shredded pepper jack. It should take about 3-5 minutes for all the cheese to melt in.
Stir in the Rotel: Once melted, stir in 14.5 ounces (1 can) of Rotel tomatoes, 1 cup of black beans, and ¼ cup of chopped fresh cilantro. Serve immediately with the homemade chips. Enjoy!
How to Store and Reheat
Leftover queso can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat it gently on the stovetop before serving. I do not recommend freezing this dip.
Yes, you can use different varieties of Rotel in your queso, such as Mild, Original, or Hot, depending on your heat preference. Feel free to experiment and choose the one that suits your taste.
If you prefer a spicier queso, you can add additional ingredients like diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or crushed red pepper flakes. Adjust the amount to your desired level of spiciness.
While Velveeta is known for its smooth melting properties, you can substitute it with real cheese. However, keep in mind that the texture and consistency of the queso may differ. Consider using a cheese that melts well, like cheddar or Monterey Jack, and adjust the recipe accordingly.
Yes! Cook the sausage fully, then add all of the dip ingredients (including the cooked sausage) to the crockpot. Cook on high for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
Yes, you can make Velveeta queso with Rotel in the microwave. Brown the sausage, then place the dip ingredients in a microwave-safe bowl and heat it in short intervals, stirring in between, until the cheese is fully melted.
It is not recommended to freeze Velveeta queso with Rotel. The texture of the cheese can change upon thawing, resulting in a grainy or separated consistency.
More Queso Recipes We Love
- White Queso
- Poblano Queso
- Queso Fundido
- Healthy Queso
- Vegan Queso
- See all of our Cheese Dip Recipes!
I’m wondering if I can make this vegetarian? Should I add a second can of beans?
Sure, that sounds like a great idea!
This is an excellent dip. Just one thought, maybe a couple. If you do not like the tangy/bitter of the beer, substitute one cup of whole milk to help thin the mixture, substitute one can Wolf Brand Chile w/o Beans for flavor. I would never cook it for over 2 hours on high in the slow cooker to prevent the dip from breaking down, but you can cook it for two hours and then turn it to low for an indefinite time to keep it warm.
Thanks so much for sharing your experience, Harold!
This is a keeper ❣️❣️❣️😋 I’ll be making this again ❣️Thank you!!!
Looks delicious, Amy!
I made this recipe once before and loved it so much that I bookmarked it. I just came back to make it again, and I don’t see any of the measurements. Can you please tell me the measurements again?
Hey sorry for any confusion, the measurements are in the recipe card at the bottom of the post. You can click “recipe” at the top to jump there or just scroll down. The top is just a summary. I”m glad you loved the recipe!
The dip never got thick.
Love to try the recipe