Tamale Dip

Spice up your gatherings with Tamale Dip! Crafted with canned tamales, robust chili, creamy Velveeta cheese, spicy beans, and zesty Rotel tomatoes and chilies, this easy Crock Pot recipe will turn every game day into a fiesta.

It's the perfect blend of comforting and zippy flavors that'll have your guests coming back for seconds...and thirds! Just dump the ingredients in the slow cooker, and let it do its magic. Perfect for potlucks and parties.

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What Makes Tamale Dip the Perfect Dip for a Large Gathering? 

Are you looking to feed a crowd without breaking the bank or spending hours over a hot stove? This Velveeta Tamale Dip might be the perfect take-along for potlucks, tailgates, or other large gatherings.

It's meaty, cheesy, and has enough spice to be interesting. And talk about simple. Tamale Dip with canned tamales is only a little more complicated than the average dump-and-heat recipe, but it is so much more delicious. Don't miss the chance to serve this dip at your next event. 

Why You Should Try This Recipe 

With most of the ingredients coming out of cans, you don't need to be a master chef to make this crave-worthy dip. But don't think that means this recipe is bland and boring because it definitely isn't.

There are quite a few Tamale Dip recipes online, but you won't find another that delivers such a hearty, satisfying taste as this one. Check out the "Recipe Variation" section for several suggestions for tweaking this dip to match your preferences. 

Tamale Dip Ingredients

For this Tamale Dip recipe, you'll need:

• Beef tamales, canned 
• Jalapeno pepper
• Cilantro
• Velveeta cheese
• Tomatoes
• Red onion
• Chili with or without beans, canned
• Hot chili beans, canned
• Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies
• Cumin
• Tabasco sauce
• Ground black pepper

Ingredient Notes

Making Tamale Dip with canned tamales, like Horme Beef Tamales, is convenient, but you can certainly substitute fresh tamales if you prefer. Just make sure to remove the corn husks before using them. 

Ranch Style Beans are a popular brand of chili beans, but you can go with your favorite.

How to Make Crock Pot Tamale Dip

To prepare this Tamale Dip recipe:

1. Remove the paper wrapper from the tamales.
2. Roughly chop tamales, jalapeno, cilantro, and Velveeta cheese. 
3. Seed and dice the tomatoes into medium pieces. 
4. Mince the red onion.
5. Add all of the ingredients into the bowl of the slow cooker.

6. Cover and cook the dip on LOW until the cheese melts. Stir from time to time. 
7. Transfer to a bowl and serve immediately. For a more casual occasion, you can keep the dip in the crock pot set to the WARM setting. 

Alternate Cooking Methods

Oven Baked

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a baking dish with nonstick spray.
2. Prep the ingredients and place them in a large mixing bowl. Stir to combine.
3. Pour the mixture into a baking dish and cover with foil.
4. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until heated through.

Stovetop

1. Prep the ingredients and place them in a large saucepan or Dutch oven.
2. Heat over low heat, stirring often, until hot throughout.

Recipe Variations 

There are a lot of ingredients in Velveeta Tamale Dip, but feel free to switch or eliminate some. Here are a few options for you to try:

• Get rid of the red meat. Use canned chicken tamales and chicken chili instead of beef. 
• Substitute the variety of the Rotel and chili beans. There are lots of types of Rotel. Try the version with chipotle peppers to add a smoky component to the dip. If you love hot and spicy food, you can't beat the Ranch Style Beans with jalapeno peppers. 
• Not really into spicy food? Reduce the amount or leave the jalapeno peppers and Tabasco sauce out altogether. 
• Bring more flavor to the dip with salsa. Skip the fresh tomatoes and use 12 ounces of your favorite salsa or pico de gallo. 
• Give people what they want: Avocados! Add a layer of guacamole to the top of the dip immediately before serving.
• Add more cheese: Sprinkle some Monterey Jack or sharp cheddar cheese on top or stir it in.

What to Serve With Crock Pot Tamale Dip

Start with various traditional dippers like pita, bagel, and corn chips. But there is no need to stop there. Spread this dip on toasted bread or use it as a topping for a baked potato or a bowl of white rice. It will also make the perfect burrito or taco cup filling. 

How to Store the Leftovers 

Throw away any extra dip that you served to be safe, but you can keep any unserved dip in the fridge. Spread the dip on a rimmed baking tray to cool quicker, then transfer it to an airtight container. It should stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to three days. 

How to Reheat Tamale Dip

If you have time, the best way to reheat the dip is in a slow cooker set to LOW. Stir frequently.

For faster reheating, put the Tamale Dip in a microwave-safe bowl, cover the bowl, and heat the food at medium power for one minute. Stir the dip and continue heating it in one-minute increments until hot. 

More Game Day Dips

• Curry Dip
• Shrimp Layer Dip
• Mexican Corn Dip

Find lots of easy recipes for dips right here on Game Day Eats!