Description
This Frito Chili Cheese Dip is a warm, cheesy, and flavorful appetizer perfect for game days, holidays, or any gathering. Made from scratch with ground beef, creamy cheese, and a flavorful chili base, it bakes quickly and serves a crowd.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground hamburger, cooked and drained
- 1 block (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 10 oz can diced tomatoes (like Rotel), drained well
- 15 oz can chili starter (such as Bush’s Chili Magic)
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 medium white onion, diced
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 2 tsp brown sugar
- 1–2 tsp hot sauce (like Louisiana)
- 1.5 cups cheddar cheese, shredded (for topping)
- 5 strips bacon, cooked crispy and chopped
- 2 green onions, diced (green and white parts)
- Frito’s Scoops for serving
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine softened cream cheese, cooked hamburger, Rotel, chili starter, diced white onion, and all seasonings.
- Mix until fully incorporated.
- Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Pour the dip into a greased oven-safe skillet (10″ cast iron recommended).
- Top with the additional 1.5 cups of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes, until cheese is melty.
- Sprinkle cooked bacon on top and return to oven for another 3–4 minutes, or until bubbly around the edges.
- Finish with chopped green onions.
- Serve immediately with Frito’s Scoops.
Notes
- Use softened cream cheese for smoother mixing.
- Drain tomatoes well to prevent a runny dip.
- Bacon adds a crucial salty, crispy texture.
- Preheating the oven ensures even melting and bubbly edges.
- Cast iron skillets provide superior heat retention for a better crust.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days and reheated.
- This dip is not ideal for freezing.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx.)
- Calories: 375 kcal