Ground Beef Dip is a tasty and easy-to-make appetizer. It combines ground beef, cheese, and a little bit of spice for a delicious snack. You can serve it at parties, game days, or whenever you want something warm and cheesy.
Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Dip Recipe
You’ll appreciate how effortlessly this dip comes together, yet delivers bold, satisfying flavors. The combination of lean ground beef with warm spices, fresh jalapeños, and melted cheese creates a comforting and indulgent taste experience. It’s versatile enough to serve alongside tortilla chips, toasted bread, or fresh veggies, making it great for casual get-togethers. Plus, the recipe can easily be doubled or halved depending on your crowd size.
Ingredients for Your Ground Beef Dip
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious dish:
- 2 pounds extra-lean ground beef
- 2 jalapeño peppers, seeded and diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, grated
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch (optional, to thicken)
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup strained tomatoes (or diced tomatoes)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese, divided
Using extra-lean ground beef helps keep the dip from becoming greasy, while the jalapeños add a mild heat that complements the richness of the beef and cheese perfectly.
How to Make Your Ground Beef Dip
Start by heating a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, diced jalapeños, onion, garlic, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Break the beef apart with a wooden spoon, stirring regularly. Cook until the meat is mostly dry and begins to brown, about 15 minutes.
Next, stir in the chicken broth, cornstarch if you’re using it, strained tomatoes, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix well and bring the mixture to a simmer. Lower the heat to medium and let it cook for about 25 minutes, stirring occasionally until the dip thickens.
Once thickened, sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the dip. Use a fork to poke some cheese into the mixture, stirring lightly. Then, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
Place your pan under a broiler and cook for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese turns golden brown and bubbly. After broiling, garnish with a pinch of red chili flakes and chopped parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor. Serve immediately while warm, or let it cool to room temperature.
How to Serve Your Ground Beef Dip
Ground Beef Dip is incredibly flexible when it comes to serving options. You can pair it with classic tortilla chips for a crunchy contrast or use crusty toasted bread slices to soak up the cheesy beef goodness. Fresh-cut vegetables like celery sticks, carrot rounds, or cucumber slices also work well if you want a lighter dipping choice.
For a fun twist, spread it over baked potatoes or use it as a topping for nachos layered with jalapeños and diced tomatoes. This dip also makes a great filling for sandwiches or wraps if you want to enjoy it in a handheld form. No matter how you serve it, this dip will bring rich, cheesy satisfaction to your snack time or party table.
Expert Tips for the Best Ground Beef Dip
To get the best texture, make sure to break up the ground beef thoroughly during cooking. This helps it brown evenly and keeps the dip from becoming dense or clumpy. If you want a smoother texture, consider pulsing the cooked mixture briefly in a food processor before adding the cheese.
Adjust the heat level by controlling the amount of cayenne and jalapeños. If you prefer milder flavors, remove the seeds from the jalapeños completely. To deepen the flavor, try adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a splash of hot sauce.
Using low-sodium chicken broth allows you to control the saltiness better, so taste the dip as it cooks and adjust seasoning if needed. When broiling, keep a close eye on the cheese to prevent burning—it should be bubbly and lightly browned.
How to Store Your Ground Beef Dip
If you have leftovers, transfer the dip to an airtight container and refrigerate it. It will keep well for up to four days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat gently in a microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to keep the cheese from separating.
For longer storage, you can freeze the dip for up to two months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Note that the texture might change slightly after freezing, but the flavors will remain delicious.
Variations to Make Your Ground Beef Dip Your Own
Feel free to customize this dip to suit your tastes. Swap the cheddar cheese for Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a creamier or spicier finish. Add cooked and crumbled sausage or ground turkey to vary the protein base.
For an extra layer of flavor, mix in sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or even corn kernels. If you want a thicker dip, increase the amount of cornstarch or reduce the broth slightly. Conversely, if you prefer a looser dip, add a bit more broth.
Try topping the dip with sliced green onions, diced avocado, or a dollop of sour cream for extra texture and taste. You can even turn it into a baked dip casserole by mixing in cream cheese before broiling.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ground Beef Dip
What makes this dip so flavorful?
The combination of spices, fresh jalapeños, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce creates a rich, layered taste that brings out the best in the ground beef and cheese.
Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dip up to a day in advance. Just refrigerate it, and reheat slowly before serving. Add the cheese topping and broil just before serving for the best melt and presentation.
What can I use if I don’t have strained tomatoes?
You can substitute strained tomatoes with canned diced or crushed tomatoes. Just make sure to drain some of the excess liquid to keep the dip from becoming too watery.
Is this dip very spicy?
The heat level depends on how many jalapeños and how much cayenne pepper you use. You can adjust these to make it mild or spicy according to your preference.
What’s the best way to serve this dip?
Serve it with crunchy chips, toasted bread, or fresh vegetables. It’s also delicious as a topping on baked potatoes or mixed into nachos.
Ground Beef Dip
Ingredients
- 2 pounds extra-lean ground beef
- 2 whole jalapeño peppers (seeded and diced)
- 1 whole onion (diced)
- 4 cloves garlic (grated)
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch (optional, to thicken)
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup strained tomatoes (or diced tomatoes)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese (divided)
Instructions
- In a large pan over medium-high heat, add ground beef, jalapeños, onion, garlic, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Cook until the beef is browned and mostly dry, about 15 minutes.
- Stir in chicken broth, cornstarch (if using), strained tomatoes, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a simmer and cook for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally until thickened.
- Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the dip and stir lightly to incorporate. Top with remaining cheese.
- Place the pan under a broiler for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly.
- Garnish with red chili flakes and chopped parsley before serving.
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