Cheesy Baked Cowboy Dip Recipe

Introduction

Cheesy Baked Cowboy Dip is a warm, savory party favorite loaded with ground beef, creamy cheeses, and a hint of spice. Perfect for game days or casual gatherings, this dip combines smoky flavors and melty cheese for an irresistible appetizer.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and diced (optional for heat)
• 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
• 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh cilantro or green onions, chopped (optional for garnish)
• Tortilla chips, for serving

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, diced onion, and jalapeño (if using) until the beef is browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess grease.
3. Step 3: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the drained diced tomatoes, softened cream cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
4. Step 4: Transfer the beef mixture to an oven-safe baking dish. Evenly sprinkle shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses on top.
5. Step 5: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Step 6: Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions if desired. Serve immediately with tortilla chips.

Tips & Variations

• For a leaner option, substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat.
• Add extra jalapeños, hot sauce, or cayenne pepper if you prefer more heat.
• Prepare the beef mixture and assemble the dip up to one day in advance, cover and refrigerate, then bake just before serving.

Storage

Store leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. Stir before serving to maintain a creamy texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this dip ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the beef mixture and assemble the dip in the baking dish up to one day ahead. Cover and refrigerate, then bake just before serving.

What can I use instead of cream cheese?

If you prefer, you can substitute cream cheese with a mixture of sour cream and Greek yogurt for a slightly tangier, lighter option.

Cheesy Baked Cowboy Dip Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 137 reviews

This Cheesy Baked Cowboy Dip is a hearty, flavorful appetizer perfect for game days, parties, or casual gatherings. Ground beef is combined with creamy cheeses, seasoned with smoked paprika and garlic powder, and baked until bubbly and golden on top. Serve with tortilla chips for a crowd-pleasing dip packed with bold southwestern flavors.

• Author: Elena
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat Mixture

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and diced (optional for heat)
• 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained

Dairy & Cheese

• 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Seasonings

• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Garnish & Serving

• Fresh cilantro or green onions, chopped (optional for garnish)
• Tortilla chips, for serving

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the dip evenly.
2. Cook the Beef Mixture: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, diced onion, and jalapeño if using, until the beef is fully browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease to avoid a greasy dip.
3. Combine Ingredients: Lower the heat and stir in the drained diced tomatoes with green chilies, softened cream cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Continue cooking and stirring until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and well combined.
4. Assemble the Dip: Transfer the creamy beef mixture into an oven-safe baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses on top so they melt beautifully during baking.
5. Bake the Dip: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheeses are melted, bubbly, and lightly golden on top.
6. Garnish and Serve: Remove the dip from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro or green onions if desired. Serve immediately with tortilla chips for dipping.

Notes

• Protein Swap: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat for variation.
• Spice Level: Add more jalapeños, a dash of hot sauce, or cayenne pepper for extra heat.
• Make Ahead: Prepare the beef mixture and assemble the dip in the baking dish up to 1 day in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then bake just before serving.

Keywords: Cheesy dip, cowboy dip, baked dip, ground beef dip, sour cream, cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack, appetizer, party food, southwestern dip