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Frito Chili Cheese Dip Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.4 from 38 reviews
  • Author: admin
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Frito Chili Cheese Dip is a warm, cheesy, and comforting appetizer perfect for parties or game day. Featuring a flavorful chili layer made with ground beef, onions, beans, and tomatoes, topped with a creamy mixture of cheddar, mozzarella, cream cheese, and sour cream, this baked dip is served with crunchy Frito corn chips. It’s an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing recipe that combines hearty chili with rich, melty cheese layers.


Ingredients

Scale

Chili

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 packet chili seasoning mix
  • 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed (optional)
  • 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
  • 1/2 cup water (or as needed)

Cheese Layer

  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup sour cream

To Serve

  • 1 large bag Frito corn chips


Instructions

  1. Make the chili: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat to keep the chili from being greasy.
  2. Cook the onion: Add the finely chopped onion to the skillet and continue cooking until the onion is softened and translucent, about 3 minutes, enhancing the chili’s flavor.
  3. Add chili ingredients: Stir in the packet of chili seasoning mix, diced tomatoes with green chilies, tomato sauce, and kidney beans if using. Mix everything thoroughly to combine flavors.
  4. Simmer the chili: Add water as needed to reach your preferred chili consistency, then let the mixture simmer over low heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to meld the flavors.
  5. Prepare the cheese mixture: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sour cream. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
  6. Add the shredded cheeses: Mix in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese until well combined. Reserve a small amount of cheese to sprinkle on top of the assembled dip for extra cheesiness.
  7. Assemble the dip: Spread the cheese mixture evenly along the bottom of a 9×9-inch baking dish or similar oven-safe dish.
  8. Add the chili layer: Pour the prepared chili mixture over the cheese layer, spreading it evenly to cover the cheese completely.
  9. Top with reserved cheese: Sprinkle the reserved shredded cheese on top of the chili layer to create a cheesy crust once baked.
  10. Preheat the oven: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the dip.
  11. Bake the dip: Place the assembled dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top.
  12. Serve immediately: Remove the dip from the oven and serve hot with a large bag of Frito corn chips for dipping. Enjoy this delicious, crowd-pleasing appetizer!

Notes

  • You can omit the kidney beans if you prefer a bean-free chili.
  • For extra spice, add a dash of hot sauce or chopped jalapeños into the chili mixture.
  • Make sure the cream cheese is softened to ensure a smooth cheese mixture without lumps.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheated before serving.
  • Use freshly shredded cheese rather than pre-shredded for better melting and texture.