The Best Beef Enchilada Dip Recipe for Cozy Game Nights

Creamy beef enchilada dip brings together the bold flavors of mexican cuisine in one irresistible appetizer.

Melted cheese and seasoned ground beef create a mouthwatering combination that screams comfort food.

Every bite promises a delightful explosion of spices and rich textures.

Warm tortilla chips stand ready to scoop up this incredible blend of ingredients.

Weeknight gatherings or game day parties suddenly feel more exciting with this crowd-pleasing recipe.

Home cooks can easily whip up this delectable dish in less than thirty minutes.

You won’t be able to resist diving into this cheesy, savory sensation that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Enjoy Beef Enchilada Dip

• Savor Authentic Tex-Mex Flavors: Dive into a dip packed with bold, zesty Mexican-inspired tastes that transport your taste buds straight to a vibrant cantina.
• Craft a Crowd-Pleasing Party Starter: Perfect for game days, potlucks, and social gatherings, this dip guarantees excited guests and empty serving plates.
• Master a Simple One-Skillet Wonder: Prepare the entire mixture in a single pan, minimizing kitchen cleanup and making cooking stress-free for home chefs of all skill levels.
• Customize with Endless Toppings: Personalize your dip by adding extra jalapeños, switching cheese varieties, or experimenting with different garnishes to suit individual preferences.

What Goes Into Beef Enchilada Dip

• Ground Beef: The primary protein source that forms the base of the hearty dip.
• Shredded Cooked Beef: Adds extra meat texture and rich beef flavor to the dip.

• Cream Cheese: Creates a smooth and creamy texture for the dip.
• Sour Cream: Provides a cool and tangy garnish to balance the spicy flavors.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Offers a melty, rich topping that adds depth to the dish.

• Enchilada Seasoning Mix, Garlic Powder, Cumin, Salt, Black Pepper: Spices that build a complex and robust flavor profile for the beef.
• Red Enchilada Sauce: Introduces a classic Mexican-inspired sauce that moistens and seasons the dip.
• Green Chilies, Diced Jalapeños: Add heat and authentic southwestern flavor to the mixture.
• Chopped Green Onions: Provide a fresh, sharp accent to the dip.
• Fresh Chopped Cilantro: Offers a bright, herbaceous garnish with traditional Mexican flair.

• Tortilla Chips: The perfect crispy vehicle for enjoying the dip.

Simple Steps to Make Beef Enchilada Dip

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank your oven to 350°F and grab a baking dish ready for some delicious action.

Step 2: Brown The Beef

Toss ground beef into a large skillet over medium-high heat. Break it into tasty crumbles until no pink remains.

Step 3: Season The Meat

• Enchilada seasoning mix
• Garlic powder
• Cumin
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything to create a mouthwatering meat base.

Step 4: Add Shredded Beef

Mix in shredded cooked beef, blending it seamlessly with the seasoned ground beef.

Step 5: Create A Creamy Base

Lower the heat and drop in cream cheese. Stir until it melts into a silky smooth texture.

Step 6: Pour In Enchilada Sauce

Splash red enchilada sauce into the skillet, ensuring it’s evenly distributed throughout the meat mixture.

Step 7: Add Zippy Extras

• Green chilies
• Diced jalapeños
• Chopped green onions

Mix thoroughly for a balanced taste.

Step 8: Prepare For Baking

Transfer the mixture into the baking dish and shower the top with shredded cheddar cheese.

Step 9: Bake To Perfection

Pop the dish in the oven for 15-20 minutes until the cheese melts into a bubbly golden blanket.

Step 10: Cool And Set

Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes, allowing the dip to settle.

Step 11: Garnish With Flair

Sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro and add a dollop of sour cream on top.

Step 12: Serve And Enjoy

Grab some tortilla chips and dive into this crowd-pleasing appetizer that’ll have everyone coming back for more!

Tips for Making Beef Enchilada Dip Better

• Select Lean Beef: Choose ground beef with 90/10 or 93/7 ratio for a healthier, less greasy dip that maintains rich flavor without excess fat.
• Control Spice Levels: Adjust jalapeños and enchilada seasoning to match your heat tolerance, removing seeds for milder version or adding extra for bold kick.
• Perfect Cheese Melt: Shred cheese fresh for smoother melting and more even coverage, preventing clumpy or oily texture in the final dip.
• Boost Flavor Depth: Toast cumin and garlic powder briefly in skillet before adding to beef, intensifying their aromatic qualities and enhancing overall taste profile.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare dip components in advance, refrigerate separately, and assemble just before baking to maintain optimal texture and freshness.

Beef Enchilada Dip With a Twist

• Southwestern Ranch Beef Dip: Replace enchilada sauce with ranch dressing and add corn kernels for a creamy southwestern kick.
• Spicy Mexican Street Corn Beef Dip: Incorporate roasted corn, extra jalapeños, and cotija cheese for an authentic street food-inspired version.
• Green Chile Queso Beef Dip: Swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese, increase green chilies, and add a splash of tequila for bold flavor complexity.
• Mediterranean Fusion Beef Dip: Mix in feta cheese, kalamata olives, and dried oregano to transform the classic recipe with Mediterranean undertones.

Best Pairings for Beef Enchilada Dip

• Pair Zesty Mexican Lager: Choose a crisp, light Mexican beer like Corona or Modelo Especial to complement the rich, spicy beef enchilada dip. The beer's refreshing profile cuts through the creamy, bold flavors and cleanses the palate.
• Southwestern Margarita Splash: Mix a classic margarita with tequila, lime juice, and triple sec to match the dip's vibrant Mexican-inspired taste. The citrusy, tangy drink balances the dip's creamy and spicy elements perfectly.
• Cilantro Lime Sparkling Water: Create a non-alcoholic option by infusing sparkling water with fresh cilantro and lime wedges. This light, herbaceous drink echoes the dip's green onion and cilantro garnish while providing a refreshing counterpoint.

How to Store and Reheat Beef Enchilada Dip

• Store leftover beef enchilada dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring it's completely cooled before sealing.
• Transfer cooled dip to a freezer-safe container, covering tightly with plastic wrap and a lid, which keeps the dip fresh for up to 2 months.
• Thaw frozen dip overnight in the refrigerator, then warm in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to maintain creamy consistency.
• Divide dip into smaller containers for easier storage and quick individual servings, making meal prep and reheating more convenient.

Questions About Beef Enchilada Dip

• Is this dip spicy?

The heat level can be adjusted by controlling the amount of jalapeños and choosing a mild or hot enchilada seasoning mix. You can also remove jalapeño seeds to reduce spiciness.

• Can I make this dip ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dip mixture in advance and refrigerate. When ready to serve, transfer to a baking dish and bake until heated through and cheese is melted.

• What proteins can I substitute for ground beef?

Ground turkey, shredded chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives work well in this recipe. Ensure the protein is fully cooked before mixing with other ingredients.

• How can I make this dip more creamy?

Use full-fat cream cheese and consider adding a splash of sour cream or heavy cream to increase the richness and smooth texture of the dip.

Beef Enchilada Dip Recipe

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4.7 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Spicy beef enchilada dip brings Mexican-inspired comfort straight to your appetizer table. Melted cheese, zesty spices, and tender ground beef create a crowd-pleasing starter that makes you crave another scoop.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup shredded cooked beef

Dairy and Cheese:

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup cream cheese
• 1/4 cup sour cream

Seasonings and Extras:

• 1 packet enchilada seasoning mix
• 1 can (10 oz) red enchilada sauce
• 1/4 cup diced green chilies
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 1 jalapeño, diced (optional)
• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F, preparing a baking dish for the hearty dip.
2. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it into crumbles until no pink remains.
3. Drain excess fat from the beef, then stir in enchilada seasoning mix, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper to enhance the meat’s flavor profile.
4. Add shredded cooked beef to the skillet, mixing thoroughly with the seasoned ground beef.
5. Reduce heat to low and incorporate cream cheese, stirring until it melts and creates a smooth, creamy texture.
6. Pour in red enchilada sauce, blending it evenly throughout the meat mixture.
7. Mix in green chilies, diced jalapeños, and chopped green onions, distributing ingredients uniformly.
8. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the top.
9. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese melts completely and becomes bubbly and slightly golden.
10. Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes to allow the dip to set.
11. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro and a dollop of sour cream before serving.
12. Serve hot with tortilla chips, creating a delectable and crowd-pleasing appetizer.

Notes

• Spice Adjustment: Customize the heat level by reducing or increasing jalapeños and using mild or hot enchilada sauce to suit different spice tolerances.
• Protein Flexibility: Swap ground beef with shredded chicken, turkey, or plant-based meat alternatives for diverse dietary preferences.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the dip in advance and refrigerate, then bake just before serving to enhance flavor development and save time during gatherings.
• Leftover Transformation: Repurpose extra dip as a filling for tacos, burritos, or as a topping for nachos to minimize food waste and create exciting meal variations.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 9 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg