Description
Frito Chili Cheese Dip is a warm, comforting appetizer featuring a flavorful chili base layered with a creamy cheese mixture and baked to bubbly perfection. Served with crunchy Frito corn chips, this crowd-pleasing dip is perfect for game days, parties, or casual get-togethers.
Ingredients
Scale
Chili Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 packet chili seasoning mix
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed (optional)
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup water (or as needed)
Cheese Layer
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Serving
- 1 large bag Frito corn chips
Instructions
- Make the chili: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat to keep the chili from becoming greasy.
- Cook the onion: Add the finely chopped onion to the skillet and cook for about 3 minutes until it softens and becomes translucent, enhancing the chili’s flavor.
- Add seasoning and tomatoes: Stir in the chili seasoning mix, diced tomatoes with green chilies, tomato sauce, and kidney beans if using, combining all ingredients thoroughly.
- Adjust consistency and simmer: Add water as needed to reach your preferred chili thickness. Let the mixture simmer over low heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to meld the flavors. Once ready, remove from heat.
- Prepare the cheese layer: In a medium bowl, blend the softened cream cheese and sour cream until smooth and creamy.
- Incorporate shredded cheeses: Add shredded cheddar and mozzarella to the cream cheese mixture, stirring to combine evenly. Reserve a small amount of cheese to sprinkle on top of the finished dip.
- Assemble the dip: Spread the cheese mixture evenly in the bottom of a 9×9-inch baking dish or similar oven-safe dish.
- Add chili layer: Pour and spread the prepared chili mixture evenly over the cheese layer to create distinct layers.
- Top with reserved cheese: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the chili for extra cheesiness and a golden top.
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the dip.
- Bake the dip: Place the assembled dish in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Serve: Remove the dip from the oven and serve immediately alongside a large bag of Frito corn chips for dipping. Enjoy the warm, cheesy, and satisfying flavors!
Notes
- For a spicier dip, add jalapeños or hot sauce to the chili mixture.
- You can omit kidney beans if you prefer a beanless chili.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Using freshly shredded cheese rather than pre-shredded can improve melt quality.
- Feel free to substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
