This Chili Cheese Dip is a warm, cheesy delight! Made with creamy cheese and spicy chili, it’s perfect for parties or movie nights. Grab some tortilla chips, and let’s dig in!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the main protein for the dip. If you prefer a healthier option, you can use ground turkey or chicken. For a vegetarian twist, try using black beans or lentils instead.
Chili with Beans: Choose a chili that matches your heat preference. If you can’t find canned chili, you can make a quick version with canned diced tomatoes, kidney beans, and spices like chili powder and cumin.
Cream Cheese: Cream cheese adds creaminess to the dip. Neufchâtel cheese is a great low-fat alternative. For dairy-free, you could use cashew cream or a plant-based cream cheese.
Cheddar Cheese: While shredded cheddar is the go-to, feel free to mix it up with Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for an extra kick!
What’s the Best Way to Brown Ground Beef?
Browning ground beef properly is key for flavor. Here’s how to do it right:
- Use a large skillet over medium heat and make sure it’s hot before adding your beef.
- Add the beef in a single layer and let it sear for a few minutes without stirring.
- Once it starts to brown, break it apart with a spatula and continue cooking until fully browned.
- This method enhances the flavor and creates a nice texture for your dip!
By following these tips and techniques, you’ll create a Chili Cheese Dip that’s sure to be a hit at any gathering!
Chili Cheese Dip
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 can (15 oz) chili with beans (mild or hot, according to preference)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: sliced jalapeños, chopped green onions
- Tortilla chips, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Chili Cheese Dip will take about 10 minutes to prepare, plus an additional 20-25 minutes for baking. In total, expect to invest around 30-35 minutes to have a hot, cheesy dip ready for your next party or snack time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your dip cooks evenly and gets that lovely melted cheese on top.
2. Cook the Beef and Onion:
In a skillet over medium heat, combine the ground beef and chopped onion. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is softened—about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to drain any excess fat from the skillet to keep your dip nice and creamy.
3. Season It Up:
Once drained, add the garlic powder, ground cumin, salt, and pepper to the beef mixture, stirring well so the spices coat the meat evenly. This adds great flavor to your dip!
4. Mix the Cheeses:
In a separate mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and the canned chili with beans. Use a spatula or spoon to mix until it’s nice and smooth. Don’t worry if it looks thick; it will blend perfectly with the beef!
5. Combine Everything:
Stir the cooked beef and onion mixture into the cream cheese and chili blend until everything is well combined. This is the yummy goodness that will make your dip irresistible!
6. Prepare for Baking:
Transfer the entire mixture into a baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Top with the shredded cheddar cheese—this is where the magic happens!
7. Bake to Perfection:
Place your dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, gooey, and bubbly. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t overcook.
8. Cool and Garnish:
Once baked, carefully remove the dip from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes to cool slightly. Then, if you like, garnish with sliced jalapeños and chopped green onions for an extra kick!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Grab some tortilla chips and serve your warm Chili Cheese Dip straight from the baking dish. Get ready for everyone to enjoy this creamy, cheesy goodness!
Enjoy this creamy, cheesy, spicy dip at your next gathering or cozy night in! 🥳
Can I Use a Different Type of Meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are great alternatives if you want a leaner option. For a vegetarian version, try black beans, lentils, or mushroom for a hearty texture.
How Can I Make This Dip Spicier?
If you’re looking for extra heat, consider using hot chili instead of mild, adding diced jalapeños to the mix, or mixing in some hot sauce before baking. You can garnish it with pickled jalapeños on top as well!
Can I Prepare This Dip Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can assemble the dip the night before and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, just pop it in the oven for about 25-30 minutes, allowing some extra time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in the oven or microwave until heated through, stirring occasionally for even heating.
