Chili cheese dip is a crowd-pleaser that never fails to impress! Its irresistible combination of savory chili and creamy cheese has everyone returning for more. This dip will be a hit whether a casual gathering with friends or a festive holiday party.

overhead shot of chili cheese dip with chips

So grab your favorite tortilla chips or crunchy veggies, and prepare to devour every delicious bite of this mouthwatering appetizer!

Making chili cheese dip is so easy to throw together and only takes 30 minutes from start to finish. Plus, you can even make it ahead of time, so you can easily heat it up whenever you want.

close up shot of chip dipped in chili cheese dip
chili cheese dip overhead shot with tomatoes and cilantro as garnish

Ingredients

This recipe makes a super tasty, filling, and cheesy chili dip that’s just perfect with tortilla chips or as a side for appetizers. Feel free to spice it up or get creative with toppings like jalapeรฑos or cilantro to make it your own!

ingredients to make chili cheese dip overhead shot
  • Hamburger (Ground Beef): Ground beef gives the dip a meaty texture and rich flavor as the protein base. When cooked with other ingredients, it adds depth and substance to the dip, making it extra tasty!
  • Yellow Onion: Sautรฉed yellow onions bring a delicious mix of sweet and savory flavors to the dip, giving it a solid foundation that perfectly complements the other ingredients.
  • Dark Red Kidney Beans: Kidney beans contribute a hearty texture and earthy flavor to the dip. They’re a classic addition to chili-style dips, offering a satisfying bite and additional protein.
  • Rotel with Green Chiles: Rotel, a combination of diced tomatoes and green chiles, infuses the dip with tanginess and mild heat. It adds brightness and depth to the overall flavor profile.
  • Salsa: Salsa intensifies the flavor. Depending on its spiciness, it can enhance the dip’s heat level and complexity.
  • Taco Seasoning, Cumin, and Chili Powder are the backbone of the dip’s flavor profile. Taco seasoning, cumin, and chili powder bring warmth, depth, and a hint of smokiness, elevating its taste to a more robust and savory level.
  • Velveeta: Velveeta, a smooth and melty processed cheese, forms the creamy base of the dip. Its consistency helps bind the ingredients together and contributes to the cheesy texture.
  • Milk: Milk, when added, helps adjust the consistency of the dip. It can make the texture smoother and creamier, enhancing the overall richness.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar cheese, when mixed into the dip, provides an additional layer of sharpness and gooeyness. Its distinctive flavor complements the Velveeta and adds a deliciously cheesy element.
chili cheese dip shot with chip being dipped

Recipe Tips

  • Take your queso dip to the next level with a delicious blend of sweet and smoky flavors. Amp up your favorite dip with some taco or barbecue sauce for a hint of sweetness. Top it off with jalapenos, tomatoes, peppers, cilantro, green onion, extra cheese, or crispy bacon.
  • Substitute the hamburger, kidney beans, Rotel, and seasonings with a jar or two of canned chili.
  • Don’t have cheddar cheese on hand? Feel free to substitute it with mozzarella cheese; it’s creamy and will pair well with Velveeta.
  • Tortilla chips are the ultimate sidekick for a scrumptious chili cheese dip. With their sturdy structure, they’re just perfect for scooping up this hearty treat!

How to Make Chili Cheese Dip

Cook ground beef and onions until no longer pink, then combine with seasonings, kidney beans, Rotel, and salsa in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes.

chili cooking in pot

Add in Velveeta, milk, and cheddar cheese and stir until cheese completely melts.

cheese added to pot

Take it off the heat and serve. If you want, you can add some extra toppings for that extra oomph. To keep it warm, cover it up and let it simmer. Stir it occasionally to ensure it doesn’t stick to the pan.

close up shot of chili cheese dip

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Chili Cheese Dip

Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 25 minutes
Total: 35 minutes
Servings: 24 1/2 cup servings
Calories: 216 kcal
Chili cheese dip a delicious combo of savory chili and creamy cheese. Perfect for get-togethers or parties, it never fails to be a hit!
close up shot of chip dipped in chili cheese dip

Ingredients
 

  • 1 lbs. hamburger
  • 1 cup diced yellow onion
  • 2 cans dark red kidney beans drained and rinsed
  • 20 ounces Rotel with green chiles 2 cans
  • 1 cup salsa
  • 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon cumin
  • 4 teaspoons chili powder
  • 32 ounces Velveeta cut into cubes
  • 1 1/2 cups milk
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions
 

  • Over medium-high heat, cook ground beef and onions in a large skillet until no longer pink. Drain grease.
  • In a large saucepan combine hamburger and onion mix, seasonings, drained kidney beans, Rotel, and salsa; stir to combine and cover. Cook over medium heat for 5-7 minutes; stirring occasionally.
  • Add in Velveeta, milk, and cheddar cheese and stir until cheese completely melts.
  • Remove from heat and serve. Garnish with additional toppings, if desired. To keep this warm, cover and place the heat on a simmer. Stirring occasionally to make sure it doesn't stick to the pan.

Video

Calories: 216kcalCarbohydrates: 13gProtein: 16gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.3gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 769mgPotassium: 386mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 672IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 326mgIron: 2mg
close up shot of chip dipped in chili cheese dip
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