This Chili Cheese Dip is super tasty and easy to make! It combines creamy cheese with hearty chili for a warm, gooey treat that’s perfect for snacks or game nights.
I love how quickly this dip comes together. Just mix, heat, and serve! It’s an awesome last-minute option when friends drop by. Trust me, you’ll want to keep this one handy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This adds a hearty flavor. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use ground turkey or lean ground chicken. For a vegetarian version, try crumbled tofu or black beans.
Chili with Beans: Canned chili is super convenient. If you’re feeling adventurous, make homemade chili! You can also use vegetarian chili to keep things meat-free.
Cream Cheese: This brings a creamy texture. If you want to lighten it up, you can use Greek yogurt or a dairy-free cream cheese for a non-dairy option.
Cheese: I love using cheddar and mozzarella for great flavor and stretchiness. Feel free to mix it up! Pepper jack is a fun choice for some heat, or try a sharp cheddar for more flavor.
How Can I Make Sure My Dip is Super Creamy?
A smooth and creamy dip is all about effective mixing and melting. Make sure to fully soften your cream cheese before starting; it blends in much better this way. Here’s how to make it perfectly creamy:
- Mix the cream cheese in with the other cheeses while it’s still warm; this helps it melt and combine smoothly.
- Stir constantly as you mix in the canned chili. This helps incorporate everything evenly.
Lastly, if it looks too thick before baking, add a splash of milk or a little more cream cheese to achieve your desired consistency!
Chili Cheese Dip Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can chili with beans (or homemade chili)
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (115g) shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
- 1/2 cup (50g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Toasted bread slices or tortilla chips, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Chili Cheese Dip takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 15-20 minutes in the oven. So, in total, you’re looking at around 30-35 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick snack or party dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
First, set your oven to preheat at 375°F (190°C). This helps ensure that your dip bakes evenly and gets nice and bubbly.
2. Cook the Ground Beef:
In a skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Cook everything together until the meat is browned and the onions have softened, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Don’t forget to drain any excess fat to keep the dip from getting greasy.
3. Mix in All the Goodies:
Now, stir in the can of chili, softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Keep mixing until the cream cheese is fully melted and everything is combined into a creamy mixture. This will create the base for your delicious dip.
4. Transfer to a Baking Dish:
Take your mixture and pour it into an oven-safe dish or a small cast iron skillet. Sprinkle some extra shredded cheddar cheese on top—this will create a gooey, cheesy crust when it bakes!
5. Bake It Up:
Place your dish in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and starting to turn golden brown.
6. Garnish and Serve:
Once out of the oven, let it cool for a minute, then sprinkle with sliced green onions for a fresh touch. Serve this amazing dip warm with toasted bread slices or tortilla chips for dipping!
Enjoy the rich, gooey, spicy goodness that’s perfect for any gathering!
Can I Use Ground Turkey or a Meat Alternative?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute for ground beef if you prefer a leaner option. You can also use plant-based meats or black beans for a delicious vegetarian version.
Can I Prepare This Dip in Advance?
Yes, you can! Prepare the dip up to the baking step, then cover and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, just pop it in the oven, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time to heat it through.
What if I Don’t Have Cream Cheese?
No worries! You can substitute cream cheese with Greek yogurt or sour cream for a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that the texture may be slightly different, but it will still taste great!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in the oven or microwave, stirring slightly to ensure even heating.