Description

For a game day, gathering, or any occasion that calls for a hearty, indulgent snack, a Meaty Cheesy Chip Dip is the perfect choice. This rich and savory dip combines the robust flavors of ground meat, melted cheese, and your favorite seasonings to create a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Serve it up with a side of crispy tortilla chips, and watch it disappear! Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients

1 lb (450g) ground beef or ground turkey
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
1/2 teaspoon cumin (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
1 (10 oz) can of diced tomatoes with green chilis, drained
1 (16 oz) package of cream cheese, softened
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/4 cup milk (if needed for consistency)
Green onions or cilantro for garnish (optional)
Tortilla chips, for serving

Instructions

1. Cook the Meat:

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or turkey with the chopped onion and minced garlic until the meat is thoroughly browned. Drain any excess grease.
Season the meat with chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir well to ensure the meat is evenly seasoned.

2. Add Tomatoes:

Stir in the can of drained diced tomatoes with green chilis to the meat mixture. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through. Remove from heat.

3. Melt the Cheese:

In a medium saucepan, over low heat, melt the cream cheese, stirring constantly to prevent it from sticking. Once the cream cheese is smooth, gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, continuing to stir until the cheese is completely melted and combined. If the mixture is too thick, slowly stir in milk to reach a desired consistency.

4. Combine Meat and Cheese:

Add the meat mixture to the melted cheese and stir until well combined. If the saucepan is not large enough, you can transfer everything to a large mixing bowl to combine.

5. Final Touches:

Pour the dip into a serving bowl or keep it warm in a slow cooker. Garnish with chopped green onions or cilantro for a fresh contrast to the rich dip.

6. Serve:

Serve the dip warm with a side of tortilla chips for dipping. The dip is best enjoyed while still hot and gooey.

Notes

Tips for Success:

Meat Choices: While ground beef is classic, ground turkey or even chorizo can add a unique flavor to the dip.
Spiciness: Adjust the heat by choosing mild or hot diced tomatoes with chilis and modifying the amount of chili powder to suit your taste.
Cheese Varieties: Experiment with different types of cheese for various flavors. Pepper jack can add a spicy kick, while a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack creates a nice balance.
Serving Options: For a party, keeping the dip in a slow cooker on the ‘warm’ setting can ensure it stays at the perfect temperature for guests to enjoy throughout the event.