Easy Chili Dip

It’s just what you need on a chilly night or game day.

By
Sara Bir
Sara Bir
Sara Bir
Sara is a chef, culinary educator, and author of three cookbooks, The Pocket Pawpaw Cookbook, Tasting Ohio and The Fruit Forager's Companion. The latter won a 2019 IACP Cookbook Award.
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Updated February 22, 2024
Sara Bir
Bowl of chili dip next to a bowl with a serving and a small bowl with cream cheese

Simply Recipes / Photo by Fred Hardy / Food Styling by Jennifer Wendorf / Prop Styling by Lindsey Lower

The only way I ate my mom’s chili as a kid was with chips, tons of them. Little did I know that this behavior isn’t only a great idea, it’s the basis for this chili dip recipe. This recipe takes chili with chips and formalizes it in a layered dip with a creamy base and cheesy crown, all topped with fresh tomato, chopped green onions, and crispy fried onions.

Mom’s chili was great, by the way. It took hours of simmering. This chili dip takes a shortcut by using canned chili and bulking it up with freshly browned ground beef. Use your favorite brand or even leftover homemade chili. Serve it as a fun, interactive dinner or a hearty appetizer.

Bowl of chili dip with a serving in a bowl next to it

Simply Recipes / Photo by Fred Hardy / Food Styling by Jennifer Wendorf / Prop Styling by Lindsey Lower

More Recipes Starring Chili

Easy Chili Dip

Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 35 mins
Total Time 45 mins
Servings 4 to 6 servings
Yield 3 cups

This recipe was developed by Catherine Jessee.

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Ingredients

  • 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened

  • 1 teaspoon onion powder

  • 1/4 cup sour cream, divided

  • 2 tablespoons canola oil

  • 1 pound 80/20 ground beef

  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste

  • 1 (15-ounce) can chili with beans or 2 cups homemade chili with beans

  • 4 ounces pre-shredded Mexican-style 4-cheese blend (about 1 cup)

  • 1 green onion, sliced

  • 1 plum tomato, chopped (about 1/2 cup)

  • 1/4 cup crispy fried onions (such as French’s)

  • Corn chip scoops (such as Fritos Scoops), for serving

Method

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
  2. Make the cream cheese base:

    Stir together the cream cheese, onion powder, and 2 tablespoons of the sour cream until thoroughly blended. Use a silicone spatula or the back of a spoon to spread the cream cheese mixture into the bottom and sides of a 9-inch deep pie plate or 10-inch oven-safe skillet. Set aside until ready to use.

    Layer of cream cheese layer for chili dip recipe

    Simply Recipes / Photo by Fred Hardy / Food Styling by Jennifer Wendorf / Prop Styling by Lindsey Lower
  3. Cook the chili layer:

    Heat the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and salt and cook, breaking up the meat into smaller pieces with a wooden spoon and stirring occasionally, until browned, crispy in some spots, and most moisture has evaporated, 8 to 10 minutes. 

    Transfer cooked beef to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Do not wipe the skillet clean. 

    Add the chili to the skillet and bring to a simmer over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat, and stir in the reserved beef. Season with additional salt to taste.

    Chili mixed with cooked ground beef for chili dip recipe

    Simply Recipes / Photo by Fred Hardy / Food Styling by Jennifer Wendorf / Prop Styling by Lindsey Lower
  4. Bake the chili dip and serve:

    Spoon the chili mixture over the cream cheese layer, then sprinkle with cheese. Bake until the cheese is melted and the dip is warmed through, about 20 minutes. 

    Top with green onions, tomatoes, and crispy fried onions. Serve with Frito’s scoops and remaining 2 tablespoons of sour cream.

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    Chili layer topped with cheese for chili dip recipe

    Simply Recipes / Photo by Fred Hardy / Food Styling by Jennifer Wendorf / Prop Styling by Lindsey Lower
    Bowl of chili dip

    Simply Recipes / Photo by Fred Hardy / Food Styling by Jennifer Wendorf / Prop Styling by Lindsey Lower
    Bowl of chili dip at a table setting with a single serving in a bowl, a bowl with scoop corn chips, a small bowl of cream cheese, and a glasses

    Simply Recipes / Photo by Fred Hardy / Food Styling by Jennifer Wendorf / Prop Styling by Lindsey Lower
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
470 Calories
35g Fat
17g Carbs
25g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4 to 6
Amount per serving
Calories 470
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 35g 44%
Saturated Fat 15g 73%
Cholesterol 113mg 38%
Sodium 790mg 34%
Total Carbohydrate 17g 6%
Dietary Fiber 3g 11%
Total Sugars 4g
Protein 25g
Vitamin C 4mg 20%
Calcium 139mg 11%
Iron 5mg 26%
Potassium 642mg 14%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. In cases where multiple ingredient alternatives are given, the first listed is calculated for nutrition. Garnishes and optional ingredients are not included.