This fun Chili Cheese Dip combines spicy chili and creamy cheese for a tasty treat. Perfect for parties or movie nights, it’s sure to make everyone happy!
You can serve it with chips or veggies—both are great for scooping. Trust me, you’ll want to keep this dip on hand for all your gatherings! 🌶️🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This gives the dip its hearty texture. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken. For a vegetarian version, use black beans or a meat substitute.
Chili Beans: These add a nice thickness and flavor. Kidney beans also work well if chili beans aren’t available. Canned black beans can also make a good substitution.
Cheddar Cheese: I prefer sharp cheddar for its rich flavor, but feel free to mix it with Monterey Jack for a creamier taste. If you need a dairy-free option, there are great vegan cheeses available.
Onion: A small onion adds sweetness and depth. You could use green onions or shallots instead if you prefer a milder taste.
How Do I Get the Cheese Melty and Golden?
The secret to that perfect melty cheese topping is all in the baking technique. Here’s how to do it right:
- Make sure your oven is fully preheated so the cheese cooks evenly.
- Spread the cheese evenly over the top of the chili mixture before baking to ensure every bite has cheesy goodness.
- Keep an eye on it while it bakes—remove when the cheese is bubbly and has that lovely golden hue, usually after about 15-20 minutes.
Chili Cheese Dip Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dip:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 (15 oz) can chili beans (or kidney beans), drained and rinsed
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce or chili sauce
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
For Serving:
- Tortilla chips or crackers
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Chili Cheese Dip takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 15-20 minutes to bake. So, in about 30-35 minutes, you can have a delicious, hot dip ready to serve at your next get-together!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your dip will bake evenly and the cheese will melt perfectly!
2. Cook the Beef and Onion:
In a skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and chopped onion. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is soft, about 5-7 minutes. Be sure to drain any excess fat to keep the dip nice and tasty!
3. Combine the Ingredients:
Now, stir in the drained chili beans, tomato sauce (or chili sauce), chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Cook this mixture for about 5 minutes, letting all the flavors meld together and thicken slightly.
4. Transfer to Baking Dish:
Take the warm chili mixture and carefully pour it into an oven-safe baking dish or a shallow casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
5. Sprinkle the Cheese:
Generously sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the chili mixture. Make sure it’s evenly distributed so every scoop is cheesy!
6. Bake the Dip:
Place the dish in your preheated oven and let it bake for about 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on it until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and has some beautiful golden brown spots on top!
7. Garnish and Serve:
Once out of the oven, let it sit for a few minutes before garnishing with the sliced green onions. Serve warm with your favorite tortilla chips or crackers for dipping!
Get ready to enjoy your warm, cheesy, and spicy Chili Cheese Dip! Perfect for sharing or devouring all by yourself!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute for a leaner option. Just cook it in the same way as the beef, and it’ll work wonderfully in the dip.
Can I Make This Dip Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the chili mixture and assemble the dip in the baking dish, then cover and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, just bake it until heated through and the cheese is bubbly.
What If I Don’t Have Chili Beans?
No problem! You can use kidney beans, black beans, or even pinto beans as alternatives. Just make sure to drain and rinse them before adding to the mix for the best flavor.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in the oven at 350°F until heated through or microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between.
