Sometimes you’re midway through making that amazing queso or spicy casserole, and then—bam—you’re out of Rotel. We’ve been there, scrambling to figure out what can fill the gap without ruining the dish.
The good news? There are plenty of simple substitutes that work just as well and keep things rolling. From canned tomatoes to salsa, there’s always a way to keep the recipe on track.
We pulled together seven great options that are versatile and easy to use. No complicated ingredients or hard-to-find stuff.
Just practical swaps you might already have in the pantry. Stick with us, and that dish will turn out just fine!
7 Easy Substitutes for Rotel
Here are seven easy substitutes for Rotel that you can use in a pinch. Most of them are readily available and require little to no preparation.
1 – Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies
Sometimes, we just grab diced tomatoes with green chilies and call it a day. It’s basically Rotel’s sibling. Same vibe, slightly different branding. The flavor is close enough that no one will notice.
Use it in a 1:1 ratio. Got a can of this? Use it like you would Rotel. It’s that easy. The balance of tomatoes and chilies works in soups, dips, and casseroles.
Sometimes brands mix up the spice levels. Check the label if you’re picky about heat. It might lean mild or extra spicy.
2 – Salsa
Salsa is a quick swap that works in loads of recipes. It’s already packed with diced tomatoes, chilies, and spices. It’s like a pre-mixed version of Rotel in a jar.
We like the chunkier versions for the closest texture match. Thin ones might throw off the consistency. Use the same amount as you would Rotel.
Heat levels can vary a lot. Mild, medium, or hot—it’s all on the label. Adjust based on what you’re cooking or your spice tolerance.
The flavors might be bolder due to the added seasonings. Great for soups, dips, or anything needing a quick mix-in. Simple, easy, effective.
3 – Tomato Sauce with Chili Flakes
For tomato sauce with chili flakes, we’re looking at a simple mix that gets the job done. Use plain tomato sauce from a can or jar, then add your preferred amount of chili flakes. Start with half a teaspoon per cup and adjust to your spice level.
The texture is smooth, so it won’t give you chunky bites like Rotel or salsa. This substitute is mild until you spice it up yourself. More flakes equal more heat. It’s flexible and works in soups, stews, or even sauces.
We recommend tasting as you go since spice can build up fast. For more substitute tips, check out our guide to tomato sauce substitutes.
4 – Canned Diced Tomatoes with Jalapeños
If you like your tomatoes with a feisty kick, canned diced tomatoes with jalapeños are your ticket. The jalapeños bring a medium heat that livens up dishes without burning your taste buds.
The texture is chunky, which makes it great for soups or hearty stews. Use it as a 1:1 substitute for Rotel, and the jalapeños handle the spice for you. Adjust the heat by draining some of the liquid or keeping it all for extra flavor.
The flavor is bold, combining tangy tomatoes and spicy jalapeños in a way that stands out. It works best in recipes that welcome both texture and heat. For more ways to sub jalapeños, check out our guide to jalapeño substitutes.
5 – Fresh Tomatoes with Diced Peppers
If fresh tomatoes are all you have, combine them with diced peppers for a quick fix. Use a 1:1 ratio as a straight-up substitute for Rotel. Chop the tomatoes finely and mix with bell peppers or jalapeños, depending on the heat you want.
This combo has a crisp, fresh vibe. Tomatoes give you that juicy base, while the peppers crank up the flavor. Drain excess liquid if it’s too watery; keep it chunky for salsas or stew. The mix works in tacos, casseroles, and anywhere a little zing is welcome.
Fresh ingredients bring bright flavors. It’s versatile for recipes where texture matters. Make small tweaks to suit your dish’s mood.
6 – Tomato Paste with Spices
For tomato paste, we mix it up with some spices and water to fake that Rotel vibe. It’s thicker, so we thin it out — one part paste, one part water. Add chili powder, cumin, and paprika for that bold kick.
This one’s great for soups or sauces because it blends in so well. The flavors aren’t fresh, but they’re rich and intense. Toss in diced peppers or onions if you want texture.
For another way to use tomato paste creatively, check out our tomato paste substitutes guide.
7 – Enchilada Sauce
Last but certainly not least, enchilada sauce is a quick Rotel substitute. It’s tomatoes with chilies and spices mixed in. Many brands make this mild or spicy, so the balance of flavors can vary.
Use it as you would Rotel, but be mindful of the heat level. Some are hotter than others.
This might seem like an odd substitute, but it works well in casseroles and dips that welcome extra texture. It adds some zest and tang without being too bold. It’s great for kids or folks who don’t do hot stuff.
Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.