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Cheesy Baked Cowboy Dip 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.

Ingredients

Scale

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