Easy Sheet Pan Frito Chili Cheese Dip

There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about the first time I made this dip. It was during a cold winter game day—friends were coming over, and I realized I didn’t have the patience for a complex appetizer. I needed something fast, cheesy, and impossible to mess up. Enter: Frito Chili Cheese Dip.

This dip has since become my go-to for casual gatherings. It’s ready in under 30 minutes, loaded with bold flavors, and easy enough for someone who’s never cooked anything beyond boxed mac and cheese. Whether you’re prepping for a tailgate, a party, or just want a cozy night-in snack, this lemon herb chicken recipe—just kidding, it’s a quick and healthy sheet pan-style dip—is all about simplicity and satisfaction.

Easy Sheet Pan Frito Chili Cheese Dip

Why This Recipe is Special

What makes this easy sheet pan dinner-style dip so irresistible isn’t just the combination of gooey cheese and hearty chili flavors—it’s how low-effort and high-reward it is.

Rather than using canned chili, this version lets you build flavor with just a few core ingredients. You’re still getting that same comfort-food vibe, but with a fresher, more customizable twist. Plus, it’s flexible: you can make it spicier, meatier, or even vegetarian.

This is also one of those rare recipes that actually tastes better the next day, making it perfect for make-ahead meal planning or leftover magic.

Ingredients and Preparation

Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need—no measurements yet, just the basics and what each one does:

  • Ground Beef: This is your base for flavor and heartiness. You can also swap in ground turkey, sausage, or plant-based crumbles.
  • Cream Cheese: The creamy backbone that ties the dip together and adds tang. Can be swapped with Greek yogurt or Neufchâtel for a lighter twist.
  • Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies (like Rotel): Adds brightness, moisture, and a bit of heat.
  • Chili Starter or Beans in Sauce: A shortcut that brings depth and a touch of sweetness. If you prefer, use seasoned black beans or homemade chili leftovers.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully and brings a rich, nutty flavor. Monterey Jack or a spicy pepper jack also work great.
  • White Onion: Adds bite and a sharp, aromatic contrast.
  • Green Onions: For freshness and color in the final topping.
  • Bacon: Crispy, salty, and everything that makes the world right. Optional but highly recommended.
  • Seasonings: Garlic powder, chili powder, paprika, cumin, salt, pepper, and a dash of hot sauce. Each one builds the Tex-Mex profile while giving you room to play with intensity.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1
Preheat your oven to 375°F. While it’s heating, brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Once fully cooked, drain any excess fat and set the beef aside in a large mixing bowl.

Step 2
Add softened cream cheese to the same bowl, along with drained diced tomatoes, chili starter, cheddar cheese, chopped white onion, and all the seasonings. Mix everything thoroughly until it’s creamy and evenly combined. Taste and adjust heat levels to your liking.

Step 3
Transfer the dip mixture into a greased oven-safe skillet or a small sheet pan. Spread it evenly. Sprinkle more cheddar on top, then bake uncovered for 10 minutes, or until the edges are bubbling and the cheese is melted.

Step 4
Remove the dip from the oven and top it with crispy chopped bacon. Return it to the oven for 3–4 more minutes to crisp everything up.

Step 5
Garnish with fresh green onions and serve immediately with Fritos Scoops, tortilla chips, or even crusty bread.

Beginner Tips and Notes

  • Softening Cream Cheese: Microwave it in short bursts or leave it in warm water for 10 minutes to avoid lumps in your dip.
  • Bacon Hack: Cook it earlier in the day or use pre-cooked bacon for convenience.
  • Don’t Overbake: Once the cheese is bubbly and golden, it’s ready. Too much time in the oven can dry it out.
  • No Skillet? No Problem: Use a baking dish or even a loaf pan if you’re short on tools.
  • Make it Veggie-Friendly: Skip the beef and bacon. Use sautéed mushrooms or plant-based meat for a hearty alternative.

Serving Suggestions

  • Classic Sidekicks: Fritos Scoops are the gold standard, but tortilla chips or pita chips work great too.
  • Lighter Options: Serve with bell pepper strips, cucumber slices, or celery sticks for a healthier crunch.
  • Leftover Magic: Spoon it onto hot dogs, baked potatoes, or even burgers the next day. It reheats beautifully in the microwave or oven.
  • Storage Tip: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave in 30-second intervals.

Bring the Flavor, Share the Love

Whether you’re whipping this up for your first potluck or a solo movie night, this Frito Chili Cheese Dip is foolproof comfort food. It’s designed for real life—messy kitchens, minimal cleanup, and big wins for beginner cooks.

If you try this out, let me know in the comments how it went. Did you go classic or add your own twist? I’d love to hear your take.

Cooking should be fun, not frustrating. So don’t stress the small stuff—this quick and healthy meal is about enjoying bold flavors with zero guesswork. You got this!

FAQ About Frito Chili Cheese Dip

Can I make Frito Chili Cheese Dip ahead of time?

Yes! You can fully assemble the dip up to a day in advance. Cover it tightly and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake it as directed, adding 5–7 minutes to account for the chill.

Can I use canned chili instead of making it from scratch?

You can use canned chili in a pinch, but making it with a chili starter and fresh ground beef offers better flavor and texture. It also gives you more control over spice and salt levels.

Is there a vegetarian version of this dip?

Absolutely. Swap out the ground beef for a plant-based meat substitute or sautéed mushrooms. Use vegetarian chili or seasoned beans in place of the chili starter with beef.

How do I reheat leftovers?

Microwave individual portions in 30-second bursts, stirring in between. Or reheat the whole dish in the oven at 350°F until warm and bubbly, about 10–15 minutes.

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Easy Sheet Pan Frito Chili Cheese Dip

Easy Sheet Pan Frito Chili Cheese Dip


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  • Author: Ashely
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 10 1x

Description

This Frito Chili Cheese Dip is a creamy, cheesy, flavor-packed appetizer made with seasoned ground beef, Rotel tomatoes, and crispy bacon. Perfect for game days, parties, or any quick gathering, this crowd-pleasing dip is ready in just 20 minutes and delivers bold Tex-Mex comfort in every bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef, cooked and drained
  • 1 block (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel), drained
  • 1 can (15 oz) chili starter (such as Bush’s Chili Magic)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ medium white onion, diced
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 2 tsp brown sugar
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp cumin
  • 12 tsp hot sauce (such as Louisiana)
  • 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)
  • 5 strips cooked bacon, chopped
  • 2 green onions, sliced (green and white parts)
  • Fritos Scoops, for serving

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a cast iron skillet or oven-safe baking dish.
  2. Brown the beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and no pink remains. Drain excess fat and transfer the beef to a large mixing bowl.
  3. Mix the dip base: Add the softened cream cheese, drained tomatoes, chili starter, shredded cheddar, diced onion, and all seasonings to the bowl with the beef. Mix thoroughly until smooth and well combined. Taste the mix and adjust hot sauce or seasoning as needed.
  4. Assemble the dip: Spread the mixture evenly in your greased skillet. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top for an extra melty finish.
  5. Bake and finish: Place in the oven and bake for about 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly around the edges. Remove, top with chopped bacon, and return to the oven for another 3–4 minutes.
  6. Garnish and serve: Finish the dip with freshly sliced green onions. Serve hot with Fritos Scoops or your favorite chips or veggies.

Notes

  • For best texture, ensure the cream cheese is fully softened before mixing. You can make the bacon ahead of time and store it in the fridge until ready to top the dip. Want to turn up the heat? Add jalapeños or use pepper jack cheese. For extra crunch, top the dip with crushed Chili Cheese Fritos right before serving. This dip stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American, Tex-Mex

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