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Cheesy Rotel Ranch Queso

  • Author: Ava Garrison
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Slow Cooker / Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Description

If you’re searching for the ultimate party dip, look no further than this Cheesy Rotel Ranch Queso. This easy recipe combines Velveeta cheese, ground beef, ranch seasoning, and Rotel tomatoes to create a rich, zesty, and creamy queso that’s perfect for tortilla chips, pretzels, fries, or even tacos. Ideal for quick appetizers, game day snacks, or last-minute dinner ideas, this crowd-pleasing queso is bold, flavorful, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re after a quick snack, an easy dinner dip, or new food ideas, this cheesy ranch queso is guaranteed to be a hit.


Ingredients

1 lb ground beef

16 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed

1 can (10 oz) Rotel tomatoes with green chilies, undrained

1 packet ranch seasoning mix

4 oz cream cheese (optional)

2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream (optional)

2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro or parsley (optional)


Instructions

1. Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until no longer pink. Drain excess grease.

2. Cube the Velveeta cheese into small chunks for faster melting.

3. Add the cooked beef, Velveeta cubes, Rotel (with liquid), and ranch seasoning to a slow cooker or large saucepan.

4. Heat on low for 1–2 hours (slow cooker) or 15–20 minutes (stovetop), stirring occasionally until fully melted and smooth.

5. If using, stir in the cream cheese and milk toward the end for extra creaminess.

6. Adjust the consistency by adding a bit more milk if needed.

7. Top with chopped fresh cilantro or parsley before serving.

8. Keep warm in a slow cooker or serve immediately with chips, fries, or as a topper.


Notes

Always melt the cheese on low heat to prevent curdling or separation.

Do not drain the Rotel tomatoes—the liquid adds flavor and helps with texture.

For a vegetarian version, skip the beef and add black beans or corn for a hearty twist.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/2 cup
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 980mg
  • Fat: 24g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 9g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 65mg

Keywords: quick snack, cheesy dip, ranch queso, party appetizer, easy dinner ideas, food ideas