Description
This recipe lives deep in my heart. It began years ago in my dad’s chaotic, big-energy “man cave,” where every Sunday our basement transformed into the Bennett Family Stadium. My dad wore his lucky jersey, the rule was you never talked during a crucial play, and you always showed up hungry.
Ingredients
1. 2 lbs Lean Ground Beef (90/10)
The hearty, protein-packed base.
Tip: Lean beef means less grease and a cleaner dip. You can sub turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles.
2. 2 tbsp Taco Seasoning
Instant, reliable flavor.
Tip: Make your own with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, paprika, and salt for a fresher kick.
3. Two 8 oz Packages Cream Cheese, Softened
Your cool, rich, creamy foundation layer.
Tip: Let it sit out 30 minutes so it spreads smoothly.
4. Two 8 oz Jars Salsa
Adds tang, moisture, and adjustable heat.
Tip: Choose mild, medium, or hot — whatever your crowd prefers.
5. 3 cups Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese
Your golden, melty crown.
Chef’s Secret: Always shred from a block. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
Instructions
A hot oven = instant bubbling magic.
Cook over medium heat, breaking it into small crumbles. Drain thoroughly.
Tip: I sometimes pat it with a paper towel to remove extra grease.
Cook 1–2 minutes to toast the spices and deepen flavor.
Use a spatula to create a smooth, even base.
Tip: Lightly spray the dish first for easier spreading.
Spread evenly over the cream cheese. Keep the layers separate — that’s part of the magic.
Spoon it on gently and press into an even layer.
Cover edge to edge for the perfect golden crust.
You’re looking for bubbling edges and lightly golden cheese.
Optional: Broil 1 minute at the end for extra crispiness — but don’t walk away!
Notes
This dip has evolved over years of game days and kitchen mishaps. At first, I mixed everything together in one pot — but the layered version tastes better and looks 10x more impressive.
One of my biggest fails? Accidentally grabbing cinnamon instead of chili powder while chatting with a friend. “Cinnamon Beef Dip” was… an experience. We laughed, grabbed pizza, and vowed to double-check spice jars forever.
The beauty of this dip is its forgiving nature. Only have one cream cheese block? Still delicious. Want to mix cheddar and mozzarella for a cheese pull? Go for it. The goal is to feed your crowd with minimal stress.