Football Dip Recipe

Football Dip is a crowd-pleasing, layered cheese and beef dip perfect for game day or casual gatherings. Combining seasoned ground beef, creamy cheese, and zesty salsa, it’s simple to prepare and always a hit with party guests.

Ingredients

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 tbsp taco seasoning
• 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
• 1 (8 oz) jar salsa (mild, medium, or hot)
• 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Step 2: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until no pink remains. Drain any excess fat, then stir in the taco seasoning until well combined.
3. Step 3: Spread the softened cream cheese evenly across the bottom of a pie dish.
4. Step 4: Layer the salsa over the cream cheese.
5. Step 5: Spoon the seasoned cooked beef over the salsa layer.
6. Step 6: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top.
7. Step 7: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add chopped green chilies or black olives to the beef layer.
• Use Monterey Jack cheese for a milder, creamier option instead of cheddar.
• Serve with celery sticks, carrot sticks, or tortilla chips for dipping.
• Try substituting ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. Stir gently before serving to recombine the layers.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make Football Dip ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dip assembly up to a day in advance. Keep it covered in the refrigerator before baking to save time on the day of your event.

What can I use if I don’t have taco seasoning?

You can substitute with a mix of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to taste for a homemade taco seasoning blend.

Football Dip Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 149 reviews

Football Dip is a deliciously layered appetizer featuring seasoned ground beef, cream cheese, salsa, and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for game day gatherings, this warm, cheesy dip combines bold taco flavors with creamy and tangy elements, making it an irresistible snack for sharing.

• Author: Emma
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Snack
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 tbsp taco seasoning
• 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
• 1 (8 oz) jar salsa (choose mild, medium, or hot based on your preference)
• 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to get it ready for baking the dip later on.
2. Cook the ground beef: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the ground beef until it is fully browned and there is no pink remaining. Drain any excess fat to keep the dip from becoming greasy, then stir in the taco seasoning thoroughly to infuse the meat with bold flavors.
3. Prepare the base layer: Spread the softened cream cheese evenly across the bottom of a pie dish, creating a smooth, creamy foundation for the layers to come.
4. Add the salsa layer: Spoon the salsa evenly over the cream cheese layer, distributing it to cover the surface for a fresh, tangy flavor contrast.
5. Layer the beef: Carefully place the cooked taco-seasoned ground beef over the salsa layer, making sure the meat is spread evenly across the dish.
6. Top with cheese: Sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the beef layer, ensuring good coverage for a deliciously melty cheese topping.
7. Bake the dip: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden in spots.
8. Serve and enjoy: Remove from the oven, allow to cool slightly, and serve warm with your favorite dippers like tortilla chips or vegetable sticks.

Notes

• For spicier versions, choose hot salsa or add extra chili powder to the taco seasoning.
• Can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking; simply increase baking time slightly if baking from cold.
• Use reduced-fat cheese and lean ground beef to reduce fat content.
• Serve with tortilla chips, celery sticks, or carrot sticks for a fresh contrast.
• This dip keeps well covered in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat before serving.

Keywords: Football Dip, game day dip, taco dip, layered dip, cheddar cheese dip, ground beef dip, appetizer, party snack