This Hamburger Meat Dip is a creamy, cheesy treat packed with seasoned ground beef. It’s perfect for sharing at parties or enjoying while watching your favorite show!
Honestly, it’s hard to resist this dip with crunchy chips. Just be ready to fight off your friends for the last scoop! 🙈 I love serving it warm; it makes every bite extra tasty.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Lean ground beef is the base for this dip, giving it great flavor. You can substitute it with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option or even a plant-based meat alternative if you’re looking for a vegetarian version.
Taco Seasoning: If you don’t have taco seasoning, mix equal parts chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika. It’s a great way to customize the seasoning to your taste.
Cream Cheese: The cream cheese provides richness. Neufchâtel cheese is a lighter alternative, or you can swap it for sour cream for a tangy twist.
Cheese: Cheddar and Monterey Jack are classic choices, but feel free to mix in pepper jack for some heat or mozzarella for a lighter flavor. Use what you enjoy!
Fresh Toppings: Instead of cilantro, you can use parsley, and substitute fresh tomatoes with canned diced tomatoes if fresh ones aren’t available. They still work well!
How Can I Make Sure My Dip is Extra Creamy?
To achieve a creamy texture in your Hamburger Meat Dip, the key step is how you incorporate the cream cheese. Make sure it’s softened enough to blend smoothly.
- Let the cream cheese sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before using.
- Add it to the beef mixture while on low heat so it melts without scalding.
- Mix continuously until it’s fully combined and smooth before adding the cheese.
This way, each scoop of your dip will be velvety and delicious! Enjoy your cheese pulls!
How to Make Hamburger Meat Dip
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning (about 1 oz)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (drain excess liquid)
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
- Tortilla chips, baguette slices, or crackers for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Hamburger Meat Dip takes about 10-15 minutes to prepare and another 10-15 minutes to bake in the oven. In total, you’ll need roughly 30 minutes from start to finish to enjoy this cheesy treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This gets the oven ready for perfectly melted cheese.
2. Cook the Ground Beef:
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it turns brown and is fully cooked. Use a spatula to break it apart while it cooks. Once done, drain any excess fat to keep your dip from being greasy.
3. Add Taco Seasoning:
Next, stir in the taco seasoning along with a splash of water (about 1/4 cup). Let this mixture cook for another 2-3 minutes. This will help meld the flavors together and slightly thicken the mixture.
4. Mix in Cream Cheese:
Turn the heat down to low and add the softened cream cheese to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cream cheese is fully melted and blended with the beef mixture. This step ensures a smooth and creamy dip!
5. Transfer to Baking Dish:
Now, transfer this cheesy beef mixture into an oven-safe baking dish. If your skillet is oven-safe, you can leave it there, which saves on extra dishes!
6. Add Cheese Toppings:
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses evenly over the top of the beef and cream cheese mixture. This will create a gorgeous cheesy layer as it bakes!
7. Bake Until Bubbly:
Place the dish in the oven and bake for about 10-15 minutes. Keep an eye on it until the cheese is melted and bubbly. You want it nice and gooey!
8. Finish with Fresh Toppings:
Once baked, carefully remove it from the oven. Top with diced tomatoes, sliced green onions, and chopped cilantro for a burst of color and freshness.
9. Serve and Enjoy!
Finally, scoop up this delicious dip with tortilla chips, toasted baguette slices, or your favorite crackers. Enjoy your tasty Hamburger Meat Dip with friends and family!
If you love cheesy dips, you’ll definitely want to add this one to your recipe collection!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute for beef and will still provide a delicious flavor. Just make sure to cook it until fully browned.
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you want to tone down the spice, use a mild taco seasoning or reduce the amount you add. You can also skip any additions like jalapeños if you prefer it milder.
Can I Make This Dip Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the dip up to the baking step and store it covered in the fridge for 1-2 days. When you’re ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if you’re starting from cold.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it up in the oven or microwave until heated through, and enjoy it again!
