This Cream Cheese Chili Dip is a warm and cheesy delight that’s perfect for parties. With creamy cheese blended with zesty chili, it’s super easy to whip up!
I love serving it with crunchy chips; it always disappears fast! Perfect for game day or just a cozy movie night at home. Seriously, who can resist that cheesy goodness? 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I prefer lean ground beef to keep the dip from being too greasy. If you’re looking for a healthier option, turkey or chicken works well too! For a vegetarian version, try crumbled tofu or black beans instead.
Chili Beans: While chili beans add richness, kidney beans or pinto beans will also do the trick. You could use canned black beans for a different flavor or even add some corn for sweetness!
Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: Brands like Rotel are a favorite, but any canned diced tomatoes will work. If you want less spice, opt for plain diced tomatoes and add your own seasonings.
Cream Cheese: This is a must for that creamy texture! If you’re dairy-free, look for vegan cream cheese alternatives which can be just as creamy.
Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar is delicious, but I often mix it up and use Pepper Jack for a spicy kick. If you’re dairy-free, there are great plant-based cheese shreds available!
How Do I Achieve the Best Layer of Cream Cheese at the Bottom?
Spreading the cream cheese evenly on the bottom is crucial for that creamy experience in every bite. To make this easier, use room temperature cream cheese. If it’s too cold, it can be hard to spread smoothly.
- Take the cream cheese out of the fridge 30 minutes before use to soften it.
- You can also microwave it for about 10-15 seconds to soften it quickly—just be careful not to melt it!
- Use a spatula to spread it gently across the base of your baking dish, ensuring it covers every corner.
How to Make Cream Cheese Chili Dip
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 (15 oz) can chili beans (or kidney beans), drained and rinsed
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel), undrained
- 1 packet (1 oz) chili seasoning mix
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack)
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions, divided
- Tortilla chips, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This creamy chili dip takes about 15 minutes of prep time and an additional 25 minutes to bake. So, in total, you’ll need around 40 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick snack or party treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This way, your dip will cook evenly and be nice and bubbly when it’s ready.
2. Brown the Ground Beef:
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook it until it’s browned, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Remember to break it up with a spoon as it cooks to make sure it’s crumbly. Once browned, drain any excess fat from the skillet.
3. Mix in the Chili Ingredients:
Add the chili beans, diced tomatoes (with the juice), and the chili seasoning mix to your skillet. Stir everything together and let it heat through for about 5 minutes. This will help all those delicious flavors mix together.
4. Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer:
In the bottom of an 8×8 inch or similar baking dish, spread the softened cream cheese evenly. This creamy layer will be the base of our wonderful dip!
5. Layer the Chili Mixture:
Now, pour the chili mixture over the cream cheese layer, spreading it out evenly so every bite will be full of flavor.
6. Add Cheese and Onions:
Top your chili dip with the shredded cheese and sprinkle half of the chopped green onions on top. This adds a nice crunch and flavor!
7. Bake the Dip:
Put your baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is melted, bubbly, and beautifully golden on top.
8. Garnish and Serve:
Once it’s done, take it out of the oven and sprinkle the rest of the chopped green onions on top for a fresh touch. Serve warm with tortilla chips for dipping!
Enjoy this creamy, cheesy chili dip that’s perfect for entertaining or just snacking while you watch your favorite show! 🎉
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative that works perfectly in this dip. Just ensure it’s cooked thoroughly and has a nice golden color for the best flavor.
What If I Don’t Have Cream Cheese?
If you’re out of cream cheese, you can use sour cream, Greek yogurt, or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative. The texture will be slightly different, but it will still be delicious!
How Can I Make It Spicier?
To add some extra heat, consider incorporating diced jalapeños, or use spicy chili seasoning. You can also top the dip with sliced hot peppers before baking for an added kick!
Can I Prepare This Dip in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the chili mixture and cream cheese layer ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge. Just layer them together and bake when you’re ready to serve!
