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Home » Recipes » Slow Cooker

Slow Cooker Mexican Dip (Meal Prep Friendly)

Published: Jun 29, 2021 · Modified: Mar 12, 2024 by Ginny · This post may contain affiliate links.

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This crowd-pleasing slow cooker Mexican dip is easy, delicious, and great for making in large batches. As if this wasn’t already a perfect appetizer it also comes with meal prep options. Serve for holidays, and game nights, or cut it in half for a casual day when you need some comfort food.

top down view of a red bowl filled with the Mexican dip from the crock pot with corn chips on the table.
Delicious Slow Cooker Mexican Dip!
Contents hide
1 📝 Why This Recipe Works
2 🧀 Ingredients
3 🍲 Instructions
4 💡 Expert Tips
5 🍱 Storage & Reheating
6 🔄 Additions & Substitutions
7 🍽️ Serving Suggestions
8 ❓ Recipe FAQ
9 Slow Cooker Mexican Dip

My favorite thing about slow cooker recipes is that they’re easy and virtually hands-off. But, when the dish calls for browned ground meat (like this one), it may not be convenient to prepare it the same day, especially if you have a lot going on or are just looking for truly hands-off preparation (which is probably why you’re using a slow cooker recipe in the first place!).

So, I’m sharing one of my favorite “kitchen hacks” when working with slow cooker recipes – browning your meat ahead of time!

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Browned minced beef in freezer bags.
Brown the meat ahead of time and store it in the freezer.

Before cooking, just be sure to defrost in the fridge. You’ll save time and clean up as you prepare your next meal! This is SUCH an easy way to speed up any meal!

📝 Why This Recipe Works

✔️Minimal Prep Time – This is one of those easy recipes where you just dump in the ingredients and go on with your day.

✔️Great For All Occasions – It doesn’t matter if you are having a huge party, or you’re sitting around watching football on a Monday night, this dip is a hit.

✔️Makes A Large Batch – You will get around 18 servings per batch.

✔️Scalable – This slow cooker Mexican dip is definitely one of those recipes you can rely on for large gatherings but you can also cut it in half. This way, even a few people can enjoy it!

🧀 Ingredients

You aren’t going to believe how simple the ingredients are to work with.

ingredients for this Mexican Dip stacked on a counter with labels.
Simple Ingredients for a Delicious Dip!

🛒Ground Beef – Ground beef is the perfect hearty meat to add. I like to use 80/20 for the balanced meat-to-fat ratio.

If you’re feeling a little wild, swap it out for ground sausage. Ground turkey or chicken would also be lovely options as well.

🛒Velveeta Cheese – You will need 32 oz of cubed cheese. This dip is so cheesy and filling you’re going to be so glad you finally made it.

🛒Black Beans – The rich taste and firm texture of the black beans are one of my favorite additions to this fantastic slow cooker taco dip. I used one can for this recipe.

🛒Rotel – This is a recipe that feeds a crowd so we used 2 cans of Rotel with diced tomatoes and green chilies.

🛒Onion – I recommend using freshly chopped onions for the best flavor. Onion powder alone won’t cut it this time. You can add some but don’t skip the fresh onions.

🛒Fresh Garlic – It will give a very mild taste since it is slow cooker but that is what we want. Just another layer to complete the rest.

🛒Taco Seasoning – The mandatory ingredient for a taco dip.

🍲 Instructions

🍳 Browning The Ground Beef

👉Step 1: Preheat a large skillet or pan, over medium-high heat.

👉Step 2: Once the skillet is hot, add the ground beef to the pan. Break up the meat using a spatula or a wooden spoon to distribute it evenly.

👉Step 3: Allow the ground beef to cook without flipping it for a few minutes, so it browns on one side. As it cooks, use your spatula or spoon to break it up and turn it over after the first few minutes so it browns evenly.

👉Step 4: Continue cooking and breaking up the meat until it is browned and cooked through. This will take around 6-10 minutes.

Top view of browned minced beef in a white bowl.
The plain browned beef mince can be used for many recipes.

👉Step 5: Drain excess fat if needed. Now is the time to add seasoning, if you want to. I didn’t add any as I would use taco seasoning when making the dip later and the plain browned beef would serve as the perfect blank canvas for the dip’s flavors.

Browned minced beef in freezer bags.
Brown the meat ahead of time and store it in the freezer.

Meal Prep Option: You can brown the meat in advance and freeze it. If you want to do this, let the browned beef cool to room temperature, divide it into portions, place it in freezer-safe Ziploc bags, and push out as much air as possible before sealing them.

I portioned the cooked beef using two cup sizes in quart-sized freezer bags – they can hold close to 1 pound of ground meat per bag. Let the frozen browned beef thaw in the fridge before using it.

Use within 3 months for the best texture and flavor!

🥘 Making The Dip

Top view of Mexican dip ingredients in a slow cooker.
Add everything, but the cheese, and mix well.

👉Step 1: Spray the slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray. Add the browned beef, drained black beans, rotel, chopped onions, minced garlic, and taco seasoning (all ingredients but cheese). Mix well to combine.

Taco dip ingredients with Velveeta cheese on top in slow cooker.
Time to add the missing ingredient. Velveeta!

👉Step 2: Add the cubed Velveeta cheese on top. Cover with the lid. Turn the slow cooker on low and cook for 1 hour.

👉Step 3: After cooking for an hour, stir well to mix the cheese thoroughly into the dip. The cheese won’t be completely melted at this point, but it will continue to melt as it cooks.

👉Step 4: Place back the lid and cook for another hour. Once done, stir before serving to combine.

dip poured over a pile of corn chips on a white plate.
Nice and Gooey Dip on Corn Chips

Fair Warning: This is not the prettiest dip in the world, but don’t let that fool you for one second. This dip will become your new obsession! It’s THAT delicious!

💡 Expert Tips

⚡️Properly Drain The Beans – Allow the canned beans to drain excess liquid before adding them to the slow cooker. You don’t want a watery dip!

⚡️Don’t Drain The Rotel Tomatoes – This is not the liquid we want to get rid of. It adds flavor to the dip and as long as you use the correct amount of Velveeta it will become creamy.

Short version: just pour the entire contents of the Rotel cans into the slow cooker.

⚡️Use Fresh Ingredients – When it comes to the cheese, onions, and garlic, nothing pre-packaged can replace them. Freshly grated cheese, and freshly diced onions, and garlic contribute to both the flavor and texture of the dip.

⚡️Keep The Lid On – Don’t take the lid off of the slow cooker any more than what the recipe recommends. Otherwise, the crockpot can’t do its job as efficiently.

⚡️Don’t Overcook – Once the dip is done, get it out of the slow cooker. If you overcook it the cheese will develop an unpleasant texture.

🍱 Storage & Reheating

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through before serving again.

If it is too thick, add a tablespoon or so of milk and stir to combine. This should ease up the thickness to make the dip perfect.

🔄 Additions & Substitutions

👍Add Some Heat – There is a small hint of spice from the taco seasoning, but if you want to kick it up a notch, use hot taco seasoning and hot ROTEL instead of the mild variety. Add in a few jalapeños if you want to add even more zest to this one.

👍Vegetarian Option – Even without beef or a different type of meat, this dip will taste fantastic.

👍Cheesy Twist – Don’t be afraid to try various types of cheese. Sharp cheddar, pepper jack, or Monterey Jack cheese are great options to experiment with.

👍Spice It Up – As much as I love taco seasoning, this dip lends itself well to other spice blends.

Try mixing cumin, garlic powder, and chili powder for a classic Tex-Mex flavor profile. Smoked paprika and onion powder are also great for this slow cooker Mexican dip.

I also recommend using freshly ground black pepper if you plan to include it. It’s so much better when it’s freshly ground!

👍Extra Creamy – Mix in some sour cream or Greek yogurt for an even creamier texture.

👍Salsa Verde Variation – Swap the rotel for salsa verde and you get a tangy and slightly spicy twist!

👍Bean Medley – For a more layered flavor profile, mix and match several types of beans such as kidney beans, black beans, and pinto beans.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Plate of quesadillas topped with jalapeño peppers.
Air Fryer Quesadillas Are Super Fast and Delicious!

⭐Guacamole Garnish – A dollop of store-bought or homemade guacamole makes a creamy and flavorful topping for this Mexican dip.

⭐Fresh Herbs – Create unique flavor profiles by adding fresh herbs like cilantro, parsley, or green onions. Sprinkle them over just before serving for freshness and color.

⭐Nachos – This slow cooker taco dip becomes the ultimate indulgence when served with a platter of crispy nachos.

Layer the tortilla chips on a serving tray and generously spoon the creamy dip over them. Then, add your favorite toppings – I never skip shredded cheese and sliced jalapeños. Black olives, diced tomatoes, and green onions are other classic toppings I almost always have on hand for nachos.

⭐Sour Cream Swirl – Add a dollop of sour cream on top of the dip. It offers a cool and tangy contrast to the rich and savory flavors of this yummy taco dip.

⭐Lime Wedges – I love a bit of extra acidity and brightness for a savory dip like this one and serving some lime wedges on the side will give you just that.

⭐Pico de Gallo – This is one of the best toppings for taco dips and other dishes. You just can’t go wrong with pico de gallo – a fresh salsa made with diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice.

⭐Quesadilla Wedges – The cheesy, crispy air fryer quesadillas are the perfect complement to this creamy dip. Cut them into wedges for easy serving!

⭐Tortilla Chip Assortment – Everyone knows this is the classic pairing for any Mexican dip. It’s even better when you offer a variety of tortilla chip options for dipping such as traditional corn chips, multigrain chips, or flavored varieties like lime or chili.

⭐Fresh Vegetable Platter – Create a platter of fresh veggies for dipping such as carrot sticks, bell pepper strips, cucumber slices, and cherry tomatoes. They will balance the richness of the dip for a healthier meal.

⭐Mexican Rice – Pair the Mexican dip with Mexican rice. Makes total sense!

Mexican rice, also known as Spanish rice or arroz rojo, is a popular side dish in Mexican cuisine. Try my instant pot Spanish rice for an effortless version you can scale as needed.

❓ Recipe FAQ

What can I use in place of ground beef?


Swap the ground beef for ground turkey, sausage, or shredded chicken. You’ll need to cook the meat ahead of time. Alternatively, leave out the meat altogether to make this vegetarian.

Can I thin the dip out?


Sure! If you like your dip a little thinner, add in some milk and stir it well until it’s incorporated. I recommend starting with 1/4 cup and adding more if needed. Don’t go overboard and add too much at once.

How can I make taco dip this less spicy?


Use mild salsa instead of Rotel for a milder version of this recipe that still is packed with flavor.

What is taco dip made of?


Taco dip is a flavorful and creamy Mexican-inspired appetizer. There are numerous variations, but the classic ingredients of this dip usually include ground beef, cream cheese, shredded cheese, taco seasoning, and canned diced tomatoes with green chilies. Some variations might also use black beans, refried beans, sour cream, salsa, or guacamole.

The dip is often garnished with additional toppings such as diced onions, black olives, chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, or diced avocado.

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Tried this recipe? Please leave a star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating in the recipe card below and/or a review in the comments section further down the page. You can also stay in touch with me through social media by following me on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook!

top down view of a red bowl filled with the Mexican dip from the crock pot with corn chips on the table.

Slow Cooker Mexican Dip

Oh so good! Oh so yummy! Grab some chips and dig in! The slow cooker makes this one a "set up and walk away" recipe. Preparation takes less than five minutes if you meal prep your hamburger.
5 from 3 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Mexican
Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours hours
Total Time: 2 hours hours 5 minutes minutes
Servings: 18
Calories: 206kcal
Author: Ginny

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker
  • Skillet or Pan
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula
  • Cutting Board

Ingredients

  • 1 lb Ground Beef cooked
  • 1 can Black Beans 15 oz, drained and rinsed
  • 2 cans Rotel with Diced Tomatoes and Green Chilies
  • 1 Onion medium, chopped
  • 3 Garlic Cloves chopped
  • 3 tbsp Taco Seasoning
  • 32 oz Velveeta Cheese cubed

Instructions

Browning The Meat

  • Preheat a large skillet or pan, over medium-high heat.
  • Add the ground beef to the pan and start breaking it up using a spatula or a wooden spoon.
  • Don't flip the meat for the first couple of minutes, so it browns on one side. Keep breaking it up using your spoon or spatula. After the first on one side. As it cooks, use your spatula or spoon to break it up and turn it over after the first few minutes so it browns evenly.
  • Continue cooking and breaking up the meat until it is browned and cooked through. This will take around 6-10 minutes.
  • Drain excess fat if needed. Now is the time to add seasoning, if you want to. I didn’t add any as I would use taco seasoning when making the dip later and the plain browned beef would serve as the perfect blank canvas for the dip’s flavors.

Making The Dip

  • Spray your slow cooker with non stick cooking spray. Add all of the ingredients except the cheese and mix well to combine. 
  • Add cubed cheese over the top. Cover with lid. Turn the slow cooker on low and cook for one hour. 
  • After cooking for an hour, stir well to mix cheese thoroughly into mixture. The cheese will not be totally melted, but will continue to melt as it cooks. 
  • Replace the lid and cook for another hour. Once done, stir before serving. 

Notes

Meal Prep: Make the hamburger ahead of time by cooking it early and freezing in a Ziploc bag. Remove from freezer the day before to defrost in the refrigerator. Cube up the Velvetta early and toss everything into the crockpot in under a minute. 
Dip Hardens: If the dip begins to harden, add a bit of milk to it and stir. Keeping it on a warm setting on the slow cooker also helps, but you may have to add the milk if it isn’t eaten quickly. 
Storage: Refrigerate for up to 4 days and reheat in the microwave or stove top on low with a splash of milk. Stir to combine. 
Ninja Foodi and Instant Pot Directions | Start by cooking your ground beef on the saute feature, until no longer pink. I add in the diced onion while the beef cooks. Then once cooked I toss in the garlic and saute for a minute. Turn off the saute and stir in the seasoning. 
Add in Rotel and beans and stir with the meat. Make sure to scrape the bottom of the pot to remove any stuck-on bits. Add Velveeta on top of the meat. Make sure to leave it on top or it will create a burn notice. 
Place lid on and valve set to sealing. Cook high pressure for 5 minutes with a quick release. 
Open lid stir well, and serve. 

Nutrition

Calories: 206kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 39mg | Sodium: 856mg | Potassium: 388mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 590IU | Vitamin C: 5.1mg | Calcium: 314mg | Iron: 1.3mg
Tried this recipe?Mention @savorandsavvy or tag #savorandsavvy!
Ginny
Ginny

Hi!

Ginny Collins is a passionate foodie and recipe creator of Savor and Savvy and Kitchenlaughter. Indoors she focuses on easy, quick recipes for busy families and kitchen basics. Outdoors, she focuses on backyard grilling and smoking to bring family and friends together. She is a lifelong learner who is always taking cooking classes on her travels overseas and stateside. Her work has been featured on MSN, Parade, Fox News, Yahoo, Cosmopolitan, Elle, and many local news outlets. She lives in Florida where you will find her outside on the water in her kayak, riding her bike on trails, and planning her next overseas adventure.

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Slow Cooker Mexican Dip (Meal Prep Friendly)Slow Cooker Mexican Dip (Meal Prep Friendly)
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About Ginny

Hi!

Ginny Collins is a passionate foodie and recipe creator of Savor and Savvy and Kitchenlaughter. Indoors she focuses on easy, quick recipes for busy families and kitchen basics. Outdoors, she focuses on backyard grilling and smoking to bring family and friends together. She is a lifelong learner who is always taking cooking classes on her travels overseas and stateside. Her work has been featured on MSN, Parade, Fox News, Yahoo, Cosmopolitan, Elle, and many local news outlets. She lives in Florida where you will find her outside on the water in her kayak, riding her bike on trails, and planning her next overseas adventure.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. AS says

    December 25, 2023 at 2:20 pm

    What setting on the slow cooker? It doesn’t say it anywhere.

    Reply
    • Ginny says

      January 16, 2024 at 3:23 pm

      Step 2 says to turn it on LOW. It also says that in the blog post. Hope you enjoyed it!! 🙂 Cheers!

      Reply
  2. Bindi U says

    December 11, 2023 at 10:17 am

    5 stars
    Chef’s kiss!!!

    Reply
  3. mary says

    January 16, 2019 at 10:35 am

    the photo of the pot with the beans, meat, onion, seasoning and tomatoes appears as though the tomatoes have been drained, but doesn’t specify in ingredients list or directions. end product looks kind of thin. drained? not drained?

    Reply
5 from 3 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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Family Photo Hi! I'm Ginny and for over 30 years, I've been creating simple and easy recipes without sacrificing on taste for our family on the go. I can't wait to show you how to do the same for your family. Read More...

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