This Hamburger Meat Dip is a cheesy, comforting treat that everyone will love. With ground beef, melted cheese, and spices, it’s perfect for snacking or game day!
I can’t help but scoop up every tasty bite with chips. It’s so good that it might just disappear before the party starts! Trust me, you’ll want to make a double batch!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef for less grease. If you’re looking to cut calories, turkey or chicken can be good substitutes. Plant-based ground meat works well for a vegetarian option, too!
Onions: A small onion adds sweetness and depth. You can replace it with shallots or green onions for a milder flavor. If you want to skip the onion, just add more garlic for that creamy richness!
Cheese: Cheddar and Monterey Jack are classic for dips, providing a creamy texture. If you want a little spice, try pepper jack. Don’t have these? Cream cheese adds a rich base, and mozzarella gives you that stretchy goodness!
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds brightness, but feel free to swap it with parsley if you’re not a cilantro fan. You could even leave it out completely for classic flavors!
How Do I Make Sure My Dip Is Not Mushy?
To avoid a mushy dip, focus on draining excess moisture. After cooking the beef, make sure to drain any grease well. Also, when using canned tomatoes, ensure they are well-drained before adding them to prevent excess liquid.
- Don’t skip the simmering step. This helps marriage the flavors together without adding too much moisture.
- Keep the baking time short. Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, take it out to avoid cooking it too long.
Hamburger Meat Dip
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup tomato sauce (or canned diced tomatoes, drained)
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (or mozzarella)
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/2 cup diced fresh tomatoes (optional garnish)
- Crackers, tortilla chips or toasted bread for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Hamburger Meat Dip takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 25 minutes total to cook, so you’ll have it ready in about 35 minutes. Perfect for a quick appetizer or party snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready for the dip once you’ve made it.
2. Cook the Ground Beef:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s nicely browned. Make sure to drain any excess fat so that the dip isn’t greasy.
3. Add the Aromatics:
Add in the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté these together until the onion becomes soft, which should take about 3-4 minutes.
4. Mix in the Sauces and Spices:
Stir in the tomato sauce, chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper (if you’re using it), and salt and pepper. Let this mixture simmer for about 5 minutes to let all the flavors come together deliciously.
5. Introduce the Cilantro:
Take the skillet off the heat and stir in the chopped fresh cilantro for a burst of flavor.
6. Prepare for Baking:
Spread the meat mixture evenly in the skillet, or if your skillet isn’t oven-safe, transfer it to an oven-safe dish.
7. Add the Cheeses:
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses over the top of the meat mixture evenly.
8. Bake the Dip:
Place the skillet or dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Garnish and Serve:
Once it’s out of the oven, top the dip with diced fresh tomatoes and any extra chopped cilantro for a fresh touch. Serve warm with crackers, tortilla chips, or toasted bread for dipping.
This hearty and cheesy Hamburger Meat Dip is perfect for gatherings, casual parties, or any time you want a satisfying snack. The combination of seasoned ground beef and gooey cheeses with fresh garnishes makes it irresistible! Enjoy!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great leaner option and works well in this recipe. Just be sure to season it well, as turkey can be milder in flavor than beef.
How Can I Make This Dip Spicier?
If you love heat, feel free to increase the cayenne pepper or add diced jalapeños to the mix. You could also use a spicy cheese, like pepper jack, for an extra kick!
Can I Make This Dip in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the meat mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to serve, sprinkle the cheese on top and bake as directed. Just give it a longer baking time if it’s coming right out of the fridge to ensure it heats through properly.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave or warm gently on the stove, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. Adding a splash of milk can help bring back creaminess if it thickens up!
