Chili Cheese Dip

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: American

Keyword: chili cheese dip

Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 10

Servings: servings

Calories: 175kcal

This easy chili cheese dip is the ultimate game day appetizer! Made with ground beef, cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and a homemade chili seasoning, it’s loaded with bold, savory flavors. Perfect for dipping with tortilla chips, Fritos Scoops, or veggies, this hot dip is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Serve it warm from the skillet, crockpot, or even a bread bowl for the ultimate party treat.

Print Recipe

Equipment

Medium skillet
Medium saucepan
Mini crockpot or heatproof serving dish
Cheese grater
Wooden spoon or silicone spatula

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1 can tomato sauce 15 oz
4 oz cream cheese softened
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded (divided)

Chili Seasoning

4 tbsp chili powder
1 tbsp ground coriander
1 tbsp ground cumin
1 tsp cayenne pepper adjust to taste
1½ tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp dried oregano

Instructions

Brown the Beef

Heat a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces with a spoon. Drain any grease, then return the beef to the skillet.

Build the Chili Base

Stir in the tomato sauce and homemade chili seasoning mix. Simmer over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors are combined. If it gets too thick, add a splash of water to loosen it up.

Melt the Cheese

In a medium saucepan, melt the cream cheese over low to medium heat, stirring until smooth. Gradually stir in the chili mixture. Fold in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until creamy and fully incorporated.

Transfer and Garnish

Pour the dip into a serving dish or mini crockpot to keep it warm. Top with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese and optional garnishes like sliced green onions or diced jalapeños.

Serve

Set out your favorite dippers: Fritos Scoops, tortilla chips, or fresh veggies like bell peppers and celery sticks. Keep the dip warm throughout your party in a mini crockpot, and enjoy!

Notes

For extra heat, stir in diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or green chiles.
Double the recipe for larger crowds and serve in a 4-quart crockpot.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in a crockpot.

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