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
- 1–2 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
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a cast iron skillet or oven-safe baking dish.
- 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.
- 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.
- Assemble the dip: Spread the mixture evenly in your greased skillet. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top for an extra melty finish.
- 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.
- 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