Name: Enchilada Dip with Ground Beef
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 (10-ounce) can red enchilada sauce; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese; 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened; ½ cup chopped green onions; 1 (4-ounce) can diced green chilies, drained; 1 teaspoon chili powder; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; Tortilla chips, for serving

Hey y'all! Looking for a mouthwatering appetizer that's always the life of the party? This Enchilada Dip with Ground Beef is bubbling with cheesy goodness, packed with bold Tex-Mex flavors, and so easy to whip up. It’s perfect for game night, potlucks, family gatherings, or any time you want to wow a crowd. Grab your chips and let's get cooking!

Why You'll Love This Enchilada Dip with Ground Beef

Quick and easy—ready in under 40 minutes with simple ingredients.
Ultra cheesy and loaded with savory ground beef for hearty, crowd-pleasing bites.
Perfect for dipping with tortilla chips, veggies, or even spooning onto tacos.
Easily customizable with your favorite toppings and mix-ins.
Great make-ahead and reheatable appetizer for stress-free entertaining.

Ingredients for Enchilada Dip with Ground Beef

1 lb (450g) lean ground beef
1 small yellow onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (10 oz) can enchilada sauce (mild or medium)
1 (4 oz) can diced green chiles, drained
1 cup frozen corn, thawed
1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend, divided
½ teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon chili powder
¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish
Sliced jalapeños, for garnish (optional)
Tortilla chips, for serving

Directions: How to Make Enchilada Dip with Ground Beef

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef and Aromatics

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large oven-safe skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat, cook ground beef and diced onion for 5-6 minutes, breaking up meat as it cooks, until beef is browned and onion is soft.
Add minced garlic; cook 1 more minute until fragrant. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Step 2: Layer in the Flavor

Add enchilada sauce, green chiles, corn, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and simmer for 2-3 minutes.
Lower heat to medium. Stir in cream cheese until melted and fully incorporated.
Mix in 1 ½ cups of shredded cheese, stirring until smooth and melty.

Step 3: Bake the Enchilada Dip

Sprinkle remaining ½ cup cheese evenly over the top. Transfer skillet to oven. (If not using an oven-safe skillet, transfer mixture to an 8x8-inch baking dish before adding cheese and baking.)
Bake for 15-18 minutes, until golden and bubbly. Broil for 1-2 minutes for an extra cheesy crust, if desired.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Let dip cool slightly. Garnish with fresh cilantro and jalapeños if using. Serve hot with tortilla chips and enjoy!

Notes & Helpful Cooking Tips

For the best flavor, use a freshly shredded cheese blend that melts smoothly—learn more about cheese choices here.
Make it spicy by adding extra jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture.
Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version—find tips on substitutions here.

Variations on Enchilada Dip with Ground Beef

Vegetarian: Omit the beef and use black beans or pinto beans instead.
Green Enchilada Dip: Replace red enchilada sauce with green, and use pepper jack cheese for a zesty twist.
Super Cheesy: Stir in extra cream cheese or a cup of queso for an even creamier dip.

Required Equipment for Enchilada Dip with Ground Beef

Large oven-safe skillet or sauté pan (or 8x8-inch baking dish)
Wooden spoon or spatula
Chef’s knife and cutting board
Measuring cups and spoons

Storage Instructions for Enchilada Dip with Ground Beef

Cool leftovers completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat gently in the microwave or oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot and bubbly.
Not recommended for freezing, as the texture may change due to the cream cheese.

Serving & Pairings for Enchilada Dip with Ground Beef

Perfect with crunchy tortilla chips, pita chips, or fresh veggie sticks.
Serve alongside classic Tex-Mex favorites like guacamole and salsa for a festive platter.
Great as a filling for mini tortillas or as a topping for baked potatoes.

Pro Tips for the Best Enchilada Dip with Ground Beef

Use room temperature cream cheese for a smooth, lump-free dip.
Drain excess fat from the beef for a less greasy, cleaner-tasting dip.
Bake until the top is golden and the edges are bubbling for maximum flavor and texture—discover more oven tips here.

FAQ: Enchilada Dip with Ground Beef

Can I make this Enchilada Dip with Ground Beef ahead of time?: Absolutely! Assemble the dip up to a day in advance, refrigerate covered, and bake just before serving.
Can I freeze the leftover dip?: It’s best enjoyed fresh, as freezing can alter the texture, but you can freeze for up to 1 month if needed—thaw and reheat thoroughly.
What’s the best way to reheat Enchilada Dip with Ground Beef?: Reheat in a 350°F oven until hot and bubbly, or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25-28 minutes
Total time: 35-38 minutes
Yield: 8-10 servings

Enchilada Dip with Ground Beef