How To Make Rotel From Scratch

If you love using Rotel, but don’t like having to read the ingredients on every can to make sure it doesn’t have any unwanted ingredients (not all cans of Rotel are the same), then here’s how to make Rotel from scratch instead.

Depending on what can of Rotel you pick up, some will have added ingredients such as sugar or other preservatives. I’ll be the first to say that there are actually some cans of Rotel out there that have a clean ingredient list. But they aren’t always easy to find.

If you have a vegetable garden with tons of tomatoes, this recipe for homemade Rotel can help you use them up and enjoy them all winter long, too.

What Is Rotel?

Rotel is the brand name of a delicious blend of tomatoes and peppers that can be added to a variety of dishes to give them an extra boost of flavor with a kick of spiciness. Rotel has been a staple ingredient in southwestern dishes for a long time. Made in Texas, Rotel has been a favorite ingredient of cooks since 1943.

Created by Carl Roettele, and canned in Elsa, Texas, Mr. Roettele was afraid consumers wouldn’t know how to pronounce his name to ask for it. So he named his diced tomatoes and peppers Ro*Tel instead, Initially only made and sold in Texas, by the 1960’s it had made its way around the USA.

Rotel was originally only sold as tomatoes and diced chili, but today you can purchase it with varying degrees of heat. There are mild, medium, and hot versions as well as a fire-roasted tomato option.

Rotel comes in a can conveniently ready for you to add to your recipe. The savory and zesty flavor of Rotel is a simple way to add a big boost of flavor to any meal without a lot of extra effort.

Is Salsa Similar To Rotel?

When you first open up a can of Rotel you could easily mistake it for salsa, but while Rotel and salsa have some similar characteristics they aren’t the same thing. Both salsa and Rotel are tomato-based, and both have green chilies, but that’s where the similarities end.

Salsa is generally more complex and made with a few more ingredients than Rotel. Garlic, cilantro, lime juice, and additional spices are usually included in salsa. You can, however, use Rotel as the base for making a delicious salsa for dipping your tortilla chips in or for serving on your favorite tacos and burritos.

What Is Rotel Made Of?

Rotel is made with tomatoes, jalapeno peppers, onions, and green chilies. All of these ingredients are diced and cooked down with oregano, and salt until the flavors come together for a zesty mixture you can use in a variety of recipes.

What To Make With Rotel?

There is a LOT that you can make with Rotel or rather that you can add Rotel too. From soups and chili to casseroles, nachos, and even your eggs for breakfast. Here are even more delicious ways for you to use your homemade Rotel:

• Chicken Spaghetti
• Queso Dip
• Taco Soup
• Enchilada Casserole
• Stuffed Bell PeppersChili
• Chicken Tortilla Soup
• Nachos
• Mac and Cheese
• Rice and Beans Skillet
• Salsa Rice
• Breakfast Casserole
• Salsa Chicken
• Frito Pie
• Breakfast Burritos
• Beef Tacos
• Chili
• Taco Casserole
• Burritos

How To Make Rotel Dip?

Rotel dip is hugely popular at parties, especially around football season, but you shouldn’t wait for a party to make it because it’s delicious! Rotel dip is made by adding a few ingredients to your already amazing homemade Rotel.

The Rotel dip that you are likely most familiar with is the one made with Velveeta cheese. You simply combine your Rotel with some cubed Velveeta cheese and voila, you’ve got Rotel dip.

However, if you’ve been here for more than a minute you know that I am not the biggest fan of processed foods, especially HIGHLY processed “foods” like Velveeta cheese. You can STILL make a delicious Rotel dip without the Velveeta cheese.

Make a delicious and creamy Rotel dip with cream cheese and some shredded cheddar cheese. Add your homemade Rotel, a pinch of chili powder, and cumin to taste, and you are all set for a mouth-watering cheese dip that everyone will love. If you are serving a crowd you can make this in a slow cooker so that it will stay warm for your guests. Just keep the setting on low.

You can make Rotel dip with or without ground beef, depending on your preferences. If you want yours to have meat, add some taco-seasoned ground beef to your dip. If you prefer it without, just skip it. You can also use taco-seasoned ground turkey if you prefer that.

Do I Drain The Rotel?

No, you do not need to drain the Rotel before adding it to your Rotel dip, or into other recipes. The juice in your homemade Rotel is full of wonderful flavor that you don’t want to miss out on.

What Are The Ingredients In Rotel?

(Scroll down to the recipe card for the full recipe)

Tomatoes

Jalapeno pepper – Add this with your heart. If you love spicy food, add more of this, or use a hotter pepper. Your choice.

Green chillies

Yellow onion – If you want a hint of sweetness in this, you can use red/purple onions. But I find that yellow works best in this recipe.

Salt – You can add to taste, as you wish. Just don’t overdo it if you plan to use this in other recipes that may also require, or already have, salt.

Dried Oregano – You can use fresh oregano if you prefer. Either will work here.

Lemon juice – Or lime juice.

How To Make Rotel From Scratch

Gather all your ingredients.

Chop up the tomatoes, onions, and dice all of your chilies.

In a pan, combine the chopped tomatoes, onions, and diced chilies.

Add the salt and oregano and let it simmer over medium-high heat for 35-40 minutes.

Once done, cool completely, and add the lemon juice.

Ladle the Rotel in sterilized jars  Wipe the rims, and add lids. Store in the fridge.

Storage

Store this in the fridge for up to five days.

Freezing

Homemade Rotel can be frozen, you will just need to defrost it before using it. To freeze your Rotel you will need to let it cool completely. After it has cooled you can place it in freezer bags, glass jars, or freezer-safe plastic containers.

If you use glass jars, be sure to leave some headspace so that your jars don’t break in the freezer. You can safely freeze and use your Rotel for up to a year. There is

Canning

If you are interested in canning this, please show this recipe to a master canner. Homemade Rotel can be preserved with a water-bath canner, however, you will need the proper ratios and substitutions to do it safely. I don’t know enough about canning to give instructions on how to preserve this particular recipe safely. So please ask a professional before canning this recipe.

More How-To Recipes

• How To Cook A Whole Chicken (And Not Waste A Bit Of It)
• How To Make Onion Soup Mix
• How To Make Ranch Dressing Mix From Scratch

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