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Creamy, cheesy, and packed with seasoned ground beef, this Hamburger Dip with Rotel is an easy party appetizer. It takes just 25 minutes and tastes great with tortilla chips, pretzels, and crackers.
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Table of Contents
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in just 25 minutes.
- Creamy cheese, savory beef, and Rotel in every bite.
- Perfect for game days, parties, and potlucks.
- Easy to adjust the heat to your taste.
What Is Hamburger Dip?
Hamburger Dip is a warm, cheesy appetizer made with browned ground beef, Rotel tomatoes, cream cheese, sour cream, and shredded cheese. It is hearty enough for game day and easy enough for a weeknight snack.
Key Ingredients
NOTE: This section highlights ingredients used in the recipe. Find the full printable recipe in the recipe card below.
Ground beef: The hearty, savory base of this warm dip.
Onion and garlic: Add flavor to the browned beef.
Cream cheese and sour cream: Create the smooth, creamy base.
Milk: Helps keep the cheese dip easy to scoop.
Rotel tomatoes with green chilies: Add tomato flavor and a little kick.
Monterey Jack and sharp cheddar: Melt into a rich, cheesy dip.
Smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper: Season every bite.
Ingredients & Substitutions
NOTE: This section suggests substitutions. Find the full printable recipe in the recipe card below.
- ground beef: Substitute ground turkey or ground chicken.
- onion and garlic: Use shallots in place of onion and ½ teaspoon garlic powder in place of fresh garlic.
- cream cheese and sour cream: Try Neufchâtel cheese and plain Greek yogurt, respectively.
- milk: Substitute half-and-half or evaporated milk.
- Rotel: Use drained diced tomatoes plus 2 to 3 tablespoons canned diced green chilies.
- Monterey Jack and sharp cheddar: Try Colby Jack or Pepper Jack for Monterey Jack, and mild cheddar or Gouda for sharp cheddar.
- seasonings: Use regular paprika instead of smoked paprika, or taco seasoning instead of chili powder and cumin, adjusting salt to taste.
Variations
- Spicy Hamburger Dip: Use hot Rotel and add diced jalapeños.
- Bacon Cheeseburger Dip: Stir in ½ cup cooked, crumbled bacon and sprinkle chopped pickles on top.
- Southwest Hamburger Dip: Add ½ cup drained black beans and ½ cup sweet corn.
- Loaded Nacho Dip: Top with sliced olives, chopped tomatoes, and pickled jalapeños.
- Taco Night Dip: Stir in taco seasoning and garnish with diced avocado just before serving.
- Extra Cheesy Dip: Add ½ cup Pepper Jack and a little extra milk to keep the dip scoopable.
- Smoky Dip: Stir in a little chopped chipotle pepper in adobo sauce.
- Green Chile Dip: Add ¼ cup roasted chopped green chilies.
- Tex-Mex Dip: Add a spoonful of pickled jalapeños and top with chopped cilantro.
- Pizza-Inspired Dip: Top with sliced pepperoni and serve with toasted baguette slices.
Tips for Best Results
- Soften cream cheese before adding it to the skillet for smoother mixing.
- Drain the browned beef and canned tomatoes well to prevent watery dip.
- Use freshly shredded cheese for the smoothest melt.
- Keep the heat low once the cream cheese and shredded cheese are added.
FAQs
Yes. Make it up to two days ahead, refrigerate, and gently reheat with a splash of milk.
Yes. Colby Jack, Pepper Jack, or mild cheddar are good substitutes.
It is best served warm because the cheese firms up as it cools.
Use hot Rotel, diced jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce.
Yes. Use a larger skillet and allow a little extra time.
Stir in warm milk, a little at a time, over low heat.
Brown the beef, onion, and garlic first. Combine with the remaining ingredients and heat on LOW for about 1 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally until melted and hot.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Reheat over low heat, stirring often, with a splash of milk if needed. Freezing is not recommended because the dairy may separate.
Quick Steps
NOTE: This section includes a step-by-step guide. Find the full printable recipe in the recipe card below.
- Cook ground beef and onion in a large skillet over medium heat until browned. Drain excess grease.
- Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Reduce heat to low. Stir in softened cream cheese and sour cream.
- Slowly stir in milk, then add drained Rotel and seasonings.
- Gradually add Monterey Jack and cheddar, stirring until melted.
- Garnish with green onions or parsley, if desired, and serve warm.
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Make Ahead
Prepare the dip up to two days ahead and refrigerate. Warm gently before serving, adding a little milk to loosen the dip if necessary.
What to Serve With Hamburger Dip
Serve with sturdy tortilla chips, corn chips, pretzels, crackers, or toasted baguette slices. For a fresh contrast, offer celery sticks, bell pepper strips, carrots, and cucumber slices. It is also delicious spooned over nachos or baked potatoes.
If You Enjoyed This Recipe
For another warm, cheesy appetizer, try Buffalo Chicken Dip. It’s always a hit on game day, especially with a big bowl of tortilla chips.
When you’re craving something rich and creamy, Million Dollar Dip is another great choice for parties and potlucks.
For a colorful appetizer spread, serve 7 Layer Bean Dip alongside your Hamburger Dip. The layers make it especially fun for sharing.
If you love a tangy bite, Dill Pickle Wrap Dip offers something different for your cracker and veggie trays.
Planning a full game day menu? Add Easy Fry Sauce for dipping fries, sliders, and other savory snacks.
Looking for even more easy appetizers and family favorites? Browse the Recipe Index for more recipes to try next.
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Hamburger Dip
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Equipment
- 1 large skillet
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained (mild Rotel)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- ¼ cup green onions or parsley, chopped, optional garnish
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and onion until the beef is browned and the onion is tender. Drain excess grease.1 pound ground beef, 1 medium onion
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly.2 cloves garlic
- Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the softened cream cheese and sour cream until smooth.8 ounces cream cheese, 1 cup sour cream
- Slowly stir in the milk until incorporated.¼ cup milk
- Stir in the drained diced tomatoes with green chilies, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, cumin, and black pepper.1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon ground cumin, ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Gradually add the Monterey Jack and sharp cheddar, stirring until melted and creamy.2 cups Monterey Jack cheese, 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese
- Remove from the heat. Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley, if desired, and serve warm.¼ cup green onions or parsley
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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