Queso News

Dallas dish of the week: New chipotle variety of Ro-Tel tomatoes

Smoky and sweet = irresistible.

Photo courtesy of Ro-Tel

Editor's note: Every week, we'll spotlight a culinary treat found around Dallas-Fort Worth — whether it's a new opening, a dish at a restaurant, or a grocery find.

Dish: Ro-Tel Diced Tomatoes with Green Chiles and Chipotle Peppers
Location: Supermarket aisle

Ro-Tel canned tomatoes are the building block of proper queso, the other block being Velveeta. The Chipotle chain learned the hard way when it tried to introduce a queso made with "real" cheese that the Velveeta version is the one most people crave. Do not try to give us "real" cheese.

The queso most people love is the world's dumbest recipe, which Ro-Tel is nonetheless not embarrassed to post: Combine one can of Ro-Tel and a block of Velveeta. Heat until blended. Voila: queso.

Ro-Tel tomatoes are definitely a Texas thing. Founded in 1943, they were originally available only in San Antonio, Houston, and Dallas.

In the '80s, Ro-Tel decided to bump it up and partnered with Kraft, maker of Velveeta, to turn queso dip into an Official Thing.

In the '90s, Ro-Tel began expanding its line, introducing hot and mild versions, no salt, habaneros, and more; there are now nine varieties.

Ro-Tel Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies and Chipotle Peppers is the newest. It was released in late 2017 and is now readily available at supermarkets.

It is unquestionably the best. Sorry, Fire Roasted, the most previous newbie which was introduced in 2015, but you've been beat.

The new ingredient is chipotle peppers, added to the original recipe of diced tomatoes and green chilies.

"This brings a smoky taste to any dish where Ro-Tel can be used, from everything to meats and fish to traditional queso," says a Ro-Tel spokesman.

You hear "chipotle" a lot in Texas, and not because of the Chipotle chain. Chipotle is a staple flavor in Tex-Mex and Southwest cuisines, and a favorite for chefs like Dean Fearing and Stephan Pyles.

A chipotle is actually a jalapeno pepper that's been dried and smoked. It might be the most perfect chile ever. It's warm but not hot; moderately smoky without hammering your nasal passages; and a little sweet.

Straight out of the can, Ro-Tel with chipotles is a little sharp and astringent, as canned tomatoes often are, and the smokiness of the chipotles is almost harsh.

But when blanketed by melted cheese in a Ro-Tel chipotle queso (seen here on Instagram), the edges soften. The tomato-chipotle mix gives the tangy, creamy cheese warmth and dimension. The sweet-and-smoky with the creamy are irresistible — rendering old-school Ro-Tel queso dull by comparison.

As with all Ro-Tel products, the chipotle version has chunky chopped tomatoes which add substance to the texture, and make you feel like there is possibly something "healthy."

That Ro-Tel would introduce a chipotle pepper flavor seems inevitable, since recipes have been circulating in which you combine Velveeta, regular Ro-Tel, and canned chipotle peppers.

This just allows you to do it with one less can.

sustainability

Closing News

Longtime Dallas restaurant Sevy's Grill to close after nearly 30 years

Photo courtesy of Sevy's Grill

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A longtime Dallas restaurant is closing in 2026: Sevy's Grill, which has been open at 8201 Preston Rd. near Preston Center for nearly 30 years, will close on June 27, 2026.

According to a release from the owners, they're closing due to what appears to be an increase in rent.

"After months of negotiations, we were not able to come to a mutually beneficial agreement for our fourth 10-year lease," the post said.

The restaurant is located in Preston Sherry Plaza, which was acquired in September 2025 by Austin-based Endeavor Real Estate. Somebody gotta foot the bill.

Sevy's says they are looking at other locations.

"Our focus now is to finish these next 6+ months taking care of our guests and staff at the same caring level we built our brand on: Warm, professional service, consistently good food and a comfortable ambiance where the guest is always first," the post says. "First on our list of priorities is taking care of our guests in December and all the wonderful celebrations of family, friends and business groups. We do still have some availability for reservations, including our last New Years Eve at Preston Sherry. Come celebrate with us as the exciting anticipation of a new year for all of us."

"Our second priority will be the search for a new location to continue doing what we love," they said. "We are already reviewing possible sites and will keep everyone updated regularly."

Owned by chef Jim "Sevy" Severson and his wife Amy Severson, the restaurant has long been a neighborhood favorite with a lively bar scene, and was nominated in CultureMap's 2018 Tastemaker Awards for Best Neighborhood Restaurant. They were a frequent choice for winemaker events and are also known for the longevity of their staff.

"Eight team members have been with us all 29+ years, with an average tenure in the kitchen of 15+ years and a Management team that you all know," their post said. "Come support our staff as we celebrate the next 6+ months.Thank you again for your support through all the normal challenges of running a restaurant as well as economic downturns, market bubbles, Y2K, and of course the COVID era. As I tell my family and friends to “enjoy the ride in life”, wow, what an amazing ride it has been for us! And as always, Sevy’s Grill is here for you."