Description
This Frito Chili Cheese Dip is a warm, cheesy, and hearty appetizer perfect for game days, parties, or casual gatherings. Layers of seasoned ground beef chili and creamy cheese mix come together for a flavorful dip served with crunchy Frito corn chips. With a balance of spicy chili, creamy cheeses, and the satisfying crunch of corn chips, this dip is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Scale
Chili Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 packet chili seasoning mix
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed (optional)
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup water (or as needed)
Cheese Layer Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Serving
- 1 large bag Frito corn chips
Instructions
- Make the chili: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- Cook the onion: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
- Add chili ingredients: Stir in the chili seasoning mix, diced tomatoes with green chilies, tomato sauce, and kidney beans if using.
- Simmer chili: Add water as needed to reach your desired chili consistency. Let the chili simmer over low heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Once ready, remove from heat.
- Prepare cheese mixture: In a medium mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese and sour cream, stirring until smooth.
- Combine cheeses: Add the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese to the cream cheese mixture and stir until well combined. Reserve a little cheese for topping if desired.
- Assemble dip base: Spread the cheese mixture evenly in the bottom of a 9×9-inch baking dish or similar oven-safe dish.
- Add chili layer: Pour the prepared chili mixture over the cheese layer and spread evenly.
- Top with cheese: Sprinkle the reserved cheese on top of the chili layer for extra cheesiness.
- Preheat oven: Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake: Bake the assembled dip for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve immediately with a large bag of Frito corn chips for dipping. Enjoy!
Notes
- You can omit kidney beans for a bean-free version.
- Adjust chili seasoning to taste for spice preferences.
- Make sure cream cheese is softened for easier mixing.
- Use oven-safe dish to ensure safe baking.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the melted cheese texture.
- Store leftovers covered in refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat thoroughly before serving.
