This easy Velveeta Chili Cheese Dip is the perfect appetizer for game day! It features a quick homemade chili and creamy Velveeta cheese for an easy appetizer that's loaded with flavor. In this post, I'll provide simple step-by-step instructions and tips to help you make this recipe perfectly every time!
Why this Recipe Works
This easy cheese dip with chili is always a crowd pleaser. It's meaty and cheesy and loaded with flavor! Here's what you'll love about this recipe:
- Simple, inexpensive ingredients
- Ready in just 15 minutes
- Homemade chili that's full of flavor
- Perfect for a crowd on game day!
Ingredient Notes
- Ground Beef - I recommend using lean ground beef, but you do want a little bit of fat to help flavor the meat and keep it moist while it browns. I used 90/10 in this cheese dip. If using a higher fat content ground beef, you will need to drain off the excess fat.
- Velveeta Cheese - This processed American cheese is rich and creamy and melts perfectly for cheese dip.
- Chili Spices - I use a simple blend of spices for a quick homemade chili in this recipe. You can use your favorite chili spice mix if you prefer.
See the recipe card at the bottom of this post for a full list of ingredients and measurements.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add in the spices and tomatoes with their juices. Fill the empty tomato can with water and add to the pan, then stir to combine.
- Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 5 minutes, until most of the liquid has evaporated.
- Stir in the cubed cheese and cook, stirring occasionally, until it has all melted and is smooth and creamy. Serve immediately.
Expert Tips
- For a little spice, use diced tomatoes with green chiles and add cayenne pepper to taste.
- Store leftover chili cheese dip in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in the microwave in 30 second intervals, stirring between each, until hot.
How to Serve Chili Cheese Dip
The cheese dip is best served immediately after cooking, but you can also serve it in a crock pot or chafing dish to keep it warm.
Tortilla chips or Fritos corn chips are perfect for scooping up this chili cheese dip. And fresh veggies are another great option for dipping.
You can also pair it with other dips like my homemade Tzatziki Sauce, easy Homemade Guacamole, or my Spinach Artichoke Dip.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you're not a fan of processed cheese, you can make a homemade cheese dip by substituting 4 ounces of cream cheese and 1½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese.
Velveeta cheese can harden as it cools, so if you plan to let your cheese dip sit out for a while, add a 12-ounce can of evaporated milk to the dip to keep it smooth and creamy.
If you don't want to make the quick homemade chili in this recipe, you can swap in a 15-ounce can of chili without beans.
To make this cheese dip in a crock pot, cook the chili as directed through step 3, then transfer to a slow cooker and add the cubed cheese. Cook on low for 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until the cheese is melted, then switch your crockpot to "warm" and serve.
More Game Day Recipes
📖 Recipe
Chili cheese Dip
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 Tablespoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes, with juices
- 14.5 oz water
- 16 oz Velveeta cheese, cut into 1 inch cubes
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add in the spices and tomatoes with their juices. Fill the empty tomato can with water and add to the pan, then stir to combine.
- Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 5 minutes, until most of the liquid had evaporated.
- Stir in the cubed cheese and cook, stirring occasionally, until it has all melted and is smooth and creamy. Serve immediately.
Nutrition
* All nutrition information we provide are estimates based on third party calculators. We encourage you to calculate these on your own for accurate results.
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