This Rotel and Sausage Cheese Dip includes cooked sausage, Velveeta cheese, cream cheese, and Rotel. It’s thick, super cheesy, and has just the right amount of heat. A little bit of taco seasoning adds even more flavor. It’s always a huge game day hit, served with tortilla chips. I make it in the crockpot but it can easily be made on the stovetop too!

This classic Rotel and sausage cheese dip has been a game day staple in my house for years. It’s just so easy – cook the sausage and then dump everything into the crockpot. That’s it! I also love that I can customize the spice level. When I’m serving this for a big crowd, I keep it pretty mild with breakfast sausage and mild Rotel. When I know everyone is a fan of spice, I use hot Italian sausage and hot Rotel to take it up a notch. Either way, it’s usually one of the first dips to disappear!

Helpful Tips and Variations

• Only Velveeta. Cut the Velveeta into 1-inch cubes so it melts easily. I don’t recommend any substitutions here as nothing has quite the same flavor or texture as smooth, creamy Velveeta! Regular cheese will make the dip separate and be greasy.
• Cream cheese. Adding a bit of cream cheese helps to balance the richness of the Velveeta flavor, while still keeping the dip thick and creamy. It’s completely fine to omit the cream cheese and use more Velveeta. The flavor doesn’t have quite as much depth and is very Velveeta-forward but it’s still so yummy.
• Sausage. Breakfast sausage, mild Italian, or hot Italian sausage all work, depending on the flavor and level of spiciness you’re aiming for.
• ROTEL. Choose mild, medium, or hot based on your preference. I usually stick with mild when making this for a crowd. Do not drain it before adding it to the recipe as the juices help thin the sauce a bit.
• Make it thinner. This Rotel and sausage cheese dip is pretty thick, which I love. If it’s too thick or you just prefer a thinner dip, feel free to stir in 1/4-1/2 cup of milk. I’d recommend whole milk or 2% instead of skim to maintain that ultra creamy texture.
• Add some heat. As I mentioned above, this dip can be made spicy by using hot Italian sausage and hot Rotel. For even more of a kick, add in some chopped jalapenos.

How to Make Rotel and Sausage Cheese Dip Step by Step

• Brown the sausage. In a medium nonstick skillet, brown a 1/2 pound Italian sausage, breaking it up into tiny crumbles until no pink remains. Add in 1/2 cup diced onion and sauté until softened, then stir in 1 clove minced garlic and cook until fragrant.

• Drain and add to crockpot. Remove from heat and drain off any grease, then add the sausage mixture to a greased 6-quart crockpot.

• Add other ingredients. Top with 16 ounces cubed Velveeta, 4 ounces cubed cream cheese, 1 can ROTEL, and 1 teaspoon taco seasoning.

• Cover and cook on low. Set the crockpot to low and cook for 2 hours, or until melted. (Alternatively, place all ingredients in a nonstick skillet on the stovetop over low heat until melted.) Give it a stir to incorporate.

• Keep warm and enjoy. Serve hot or set crockpot to warm until ready to serve. Stir just before serving. Top with chopped cilantro or parsley and enjoy with tortilla chip scoops for dipping!

What To Serve With This Cheesy Sausage Dip

I often serve this Rotel and sausage dip straight from the crockpot with Tostitos scoops tortilla chips for dipping. Any tortilla chips work, though! Crostini or pieces of crusty bread are also good options. It’s great as part of an appetizer spread, whether it’s for game day or another gathering with friends and family. Other favorites that usually end up on the menu include chicken alfredo french bread pizza or Philly cheesesteak cheesy bread, dill pickle dip, and pizza dip.

How To Store & Reheat Leftovers

• Fridge. Leftover dip can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for 3 days. I don’t recommend freezing this dip due to the high amount of dairy.
• Reheat. Reheat leftovers in the crockpot until warmed through and loose again or on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. Individual portions can be reheated in the microwave.

I hope you love this delicious and easy recipe – be sure to give it a review below! Also don’t forget to follow Belly Full on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and YouTube!