Don Pablo’s Queso Dip Copycat

This is a copycat recipe for Don Pablo’s queso dip that can be made on the stovetop or in the slow cooker. It’s made with sautéed onions, Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, melted Velveeta, and sharp cheddar cheese.

Don Pablo’s queso dip is a savory and creamy Tex-Mex dip made with melted cheese, onions, diced tomatoes, and green chiles. It’s a popular party favorite, often served with tortilla chips or as a topping for tacos. The combination of gooey melted cheese and the spice of the green chilis creates a deliciously addictive snack, and it’s the ultimate comfort food.

I used to go to Don Pablo’s with my mother when we lived in Tulsa, Oklahoma, before all of their locations closed. Their queso dip was our favorite!

You’ve probably seen a similar Velveeta Rotel dip around for years at various potlucks and get-togethers because it’s a real crowd pleaser.

What’s different about this recipe is that it contains no meat and has the addition of onions and sharp cheddar cheese. Even with the additions, it only takes a handful of ingredients to make this easy dip recipe.

I’ve also included additional add-ins that you can try at your next party or game day to make it burst with flavor. It will be the star of the show (or game!)

Ingredients for Don Pablo’s Queso Dip Copycat

• Diced Yellow Onions
• Butter
• Rotel Diced Tomatoes and Green Chilies
• Velveeta Block, or other processed cheese
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese

How to Make Queso Dip

Stove Top Method

• Melt butter in a large pot or saucepan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add diced onions. Cook until tender.

• Add both cans of drained Rotel. Cook for about a minute, until heated through.
• Add cubed Velveeta and sharp cheddar cheese to the pan. Continuously stir until melted over medium-low heat. Serve immediately and keep on a low heat to prevent the cheese from hardening.

Crock Pot Method

• Follow step 1 above to cook the onions.
• Add the Velveeta and sharp cheddar cheese to a microwave-safe bowl and cook in 30 to 60-second intervals until the cheese is melted.
• Once melted, add cheese, sautéed onions, and Rotel to the Crock Pot. Stir and keep on the warm setting for up to 4 hours.

Optional Add-ins

For an extra kick of flavor, you can add minced garlic, chili powder, a packet of taco seasoning, or chopped jalapeños to your Rotel cheese dip.

There’s also a range of Rotels with different levels of spiciness. There’s original Rotel all the way to hot Rotel that gives it a spicy kick.

I tend to use mild or a mix of mild plus hot so that it’s not too spicy, but that’s just my personal preference.

Some people also like to add cooked ground beef, spicy sausage, and black beans for a heartier version. To add meat, brown sausage or ground beef, then drain the excess grease before adding it to the cheesy dip. It’s a great way to use up leftover taco meat or ground beef.

For a touch of freshness, consider topping the dip with diced avocado, cilantro, or a squeeze of lime juice before serving.

This is a thicker dip, so if you are looking for a thinner consistency, add a bit of milk, half-and-half cream, or broth (for extra flavor).

What to Serve with Queso Dip

Creamy queso dip pairs perfectly with a variety of options for dipping. Classic choices include tortilla chips, corn chips, or even crispy potato wedges.

For a healthier alternative, serve it with sliced fresh veggies. Additionally, you can use it as a topping for tacos, baked potatoes, or even grilled meats such as chicken or steak for a Tex-Mex twist.

Storing Leftovers

Refrigeration

Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days for best quality. Sometimes I save a step and just cover the removable inner pot of my CrockPot and cover it with plastic wrap before putting it in the fridge.

I don’t recommend freezing this recipe because it can cause the cheese to change texture as it thaws. It becomes watery and grainy.

Reheating Leftovers

Reheat leftovers in the microwave by cooking in 30 to 60-second intervals, then stirring. Continue cooking until completely melted.

Another option is reheating over low heat in a saucepan.

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