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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Assemble the dip: Spread the cheese mixture evenly along the bottom of a 9×9-inch baking dish or similar oven-safe dish.
- Add the chili layer: Pour the prepared chili mixture over the cheese layer, spreading it evenly to cover the cheese completely.
- Top with reserved cheese: Sprinkle the reserved shredded cheese on top of the chili layer to create a cheesy crust once baked.
- Preheat the oven: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the dip.
- 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.
- 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.
