Name: Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 lb sausage (smoked, Italian, or favorite, sliced or crumbled); 1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed); 1 small onion (finely chopped); 2-3 garlic cloves (minced); 1 can (14 oz Rotel diced tomatoes with green chiles, undrained); 8 oz cream cheese (cubed); ½ teaspoon black pepper; ½ teaspoon salt (to taste); Optional: ½ teaspoon chili powder or paprika; Optional garnish: chopped green onions or cilantro

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Experience the perfect blend of creamy, spicy, and savory flavors with this Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Skillet. This dish combines flavorful sausage with the tang and mild heat from Rotel diced tomatoes with green chiles, all enveloped in a rich, velvety cream cheese sauce that melts beautifully in the skillet.

Whether you’re gathering with friends for game day or looking for a quick, satisfying meal, this skillet is incredibly versatile and simple to prepare. It’s ideal for dipping with chips, scooping over rice, or serving alongside crusty bread for a cozy dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich and creamy texture balanced with the zesty kick from Rotel tomatoes.
Quick and easy skillet meal that comes together in under 30 minutes.
Perfect for versatile serving options like dipping, scooping, or topping pasta and rice.

Ingredients

Sausage (500 g / 1 lb): Use smoked, Italian, or your preferred sausage, sliced or crumbled for hearty flavor and protein.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Optional for sautéing; helps brown sausage evenly if it’s lean.
Small onion, finely chopped: Adds sweetness and depth as it softens in the skillet.
Garlic cloves (2–3), minced: Brings aromatic warmth and layers of savory flavor.
Rotel diced tomatoes with green chiles (1 can, 400 g / 14 oz): Provides tangy, mildly spicy tomato base to the dish.
Cream cheese (8 oz / 225 g), cubed: Melts into a creamy sauce, offering rich texture and mellow flavor.
Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds a subtle heat that enhances all components.
Salt (½ teaspoon, to taste): Balances and elevates the overall taste.
Chili powder or paprika (optional, ½ teaspoon): Offers mild smoky undertones and extra zing.
Chopped green onions or cilantro (optional garnish): Fresh herbs for bright, vibrant finish and color contrast.

Instructions

Cook the Sausage: Heat a large skillet over medium heat to ensure even cooking. Add the sausage sliced or crumbled, depending on your preference. Cook for about 6–8 minutes until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up if crumbly sausage is used for uniform texture. Remove excess grease for a less oily dish.
Sauté Aromatics: Add the finely chopped onion to the hot skillet with sausage. Sauté until softened and translucent, about 3–4 minutes, to build foundational flavor. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 30–60 seconds until fragrant to avoid bitterness while releasing its aroma.
Add Tomatoes and Cream Cheese: Pour in the undrained can of Rotel diced tomatoes with green chiles. Stir to combine and distribute flavors. Add cubed cream cheese and season with black pepper and optional chili powder or paprika. Stir gently until the cream cheese fully melts into a smooth, creamy sauce.
Simmer the Mixture: Allow the skillet mixture to simmer for 3–5 minutes to let the ingredients marry and the sauce thicken slightly. This step ensures all the flavors meld beautifully and the dish is heated through for serving.
Serve Warm: Enjoy your skillet warm as a dip with tortilla chips, spooned over steamed rice or pasta, or alongside crusty bread for dipping. This dish’s rich and zesty profile makes it a flexible centerpiece for casual meals or entertaining.

You Must Know

Adjust heat by selecting mild, original, or hot Rotel varieties.
For extra spice, incorporate fresh jalapeños or a splash of your favorite hot sauce.
Boost cheesiness by stirring in shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days and reheat gently over low heat to maintain creaminess.

Storage Tips

Keep any leftover Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Skillet refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave to preserve the creamy texture without separating.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this creamy sausage skillet as a dip with crispy tortilla chips, over fluffy white or brown rice, or alongside buttered pasta. It also pairs beautifully with toasted crusty bread or as a flavorful topping for baked potatoes.

Professional Tips

Use a skillet wide enough to give ingredients space; this promotes even browning and melting.
Don’t rush the cream cheese melting process—stir slowly for a silky sauce.
Adjust salt and pepper at the end to perfectly balance the tang and spice.
If you prefer a smoother texture, blend the sauce briefly before adding sausage back in.

FAQs

Can I use turkey or chicken sausage in this recipe?: Yes, poultry sausages work well. Just be sure to keep an eye on cooking time as they may cook faster than pork sausage.
Is this dish very spicy?: The spice level depends on the Rotel variety you choose; mild varieties offer subtle heat, while hot ones add kick. Adjust spices to taste.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?: Absolutely. Prepare the skillet, cool, and store in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently before serving.
What can I use as a substitute for cream cheese?: For a dairy-free option, use vegan cream cheese or blend in sour cream or Greek yogurt at the end for creaminess.
Can I add vegetables to this skillet?: Yes, diced bell peppers, corn, or black beans can be stirred in with the tomatoes for added texture and nutrition.
How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?: Simmer a few extra minutes uncovered to reduce liquid, or add a small slurry of cornstarch and water before simmering.
What is the best way to reheat leftovers?: Warm gently on low heat in a skillet or microwave in short bursts, stirring frequently to keep the sauce creamy without curdling.