Name: 5-Ingredient Football Dip Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
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

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Introduction

This 5-Ingredient Football Dip is a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s quick and easy to make. With layers of seasoned ground beef, creamy cheese, and zesty salsa, it’s perfect for game day or any casual gathering. Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s sure to become a go-to recipe.

A white dish is filled with layers starting at the bottom with red sauce, topped with white creamy cheese, then a thick layer of cooked ground beef scattered over melted yellow cheese that covers the entire surface. A woman's hand is holding a triangular chip dipped fully in the layered mixture, showing the textures of the cheesy meat. Behind the dish, there are tortilla chips stacked on a wooden board, all set on a white marbled surface with a red and white checkered cloth partially visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until no pink remains. Drain the excess fat and stir in the taco seasoning.

Step 2: Assemble the dip by spreading the softened cream cheese evenly on the bottom of a pie dish. Pour the salsa over the cream cheese layer, then spoon the cooked meat on top. Finish by sprinkling the shredded cheddar cheese over the meat.
Step 3: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve warm with tortilla chips or your favorite dipping snacks.

Tips & Variations

Use a mix of sharp and mild cheddar for a richer cheese flavor.

Try adding chopped jalapeños to the salsa for extra heat and crunch.
Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter protein option.
For a creamier texture, mix the cream cheese with a little sour cream before spreading.

Storage

Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through or microwave in short bursts, stirring between to keep the dip creamy.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a white shallow round dish filled with three layers: the bottom layer is red salsa peeking around the edges, the middle layer is creamy white melted cheese, and the top layer is a thick covering of browned ground beef mixed with melted golden cheddar cheese, creating a textured, gooey surface. A woman's hand is holding a triangular tortilla chip dipped and covered with the same meaty cheesy mixture. The dish is placed on a wooden board with a stack of tortilla chips in the background on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this dip ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the dip up to a day in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Bake it fresh when you’re ready to serve for the best texture and flavor.

What can I serve with football dip?

Tortilla chips are a classic choice, but you can also serve the dip with pita chips, fresh vegetable sticks, or crusty bread slices for dipping.