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Best Ultimate Loaded Nacho Football Dip Recipe

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This Ultimate Loaded Nacho Football Dip with Ground Beef is the perfect game-day appetizer. It features seasoned ground beef, a creamy homemade cheese sauce, and fresh toppings, all baked together in one skillet for a crowd-pleasing, hearty dip.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 is ideal)
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 (4 oz) can diced green chiles, drained
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup whole milk or half-and-half
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 large bag sturdy tortilla chips
  • 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1/2 cup pickled jalapeños
  • 1 large tomato, diced
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 ripe avocado, diced

Instructions

  1. Brown the Beef: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up, until fully browned (6-8 minutes). Drain most of the fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon.
  2. Sauté the Aromatics: Reduce heat to medium. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until soft. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Season the Meat: Sprinkle chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper over the beef. Stir and cook for 1 minute. Stir in the drained diced green chiles. Remove from heat.
  4. Make the Cheese Sauce: In the same skillet, push the beef to one side. Add butter to the empty side and let it melt. Add the softened cream cheese and stir until mostly melted and combined (about 2 minutes).
  5. Add the Milk and Cheddar: Slowly pour in the milk, stirring constantly. Add the shredded cheddar cheese a handful at a time, stirring until each addition is fully melted. Keep heat on low. Stir until smooth and velvety. Mix the beef and cheese sauce together.
  6. Assemble the Dip: If the skillet is oven-safe, keep the mixture in it. Otherwise, transfer to a 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle black beans and pickled jalapeños evenly over the top. Add a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese (about 1/2 cup).
  7. Broil to Perfection: Preheat broiler to high. Place the skillet or baking dish on the top rack, about 6 inches from the heat. Broil for 3-5 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and starting to brown. Watch closely.
  8. Add Fresh Toppings: Remove from the oven and let sit for 2-3 minutes. Scatter diced tomato, fresh cilantro, and diced avocado over the top. Dollop with sour cream and add more pickled jalapeños if desired. Serve immediately with chips.

Notes

For the best texture, shred your own cheddar cheese from a block. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy. Let the dip rest for 2-3 minutes after broiling to allow it to set up. This dip can be made ahead and reheated gently. It also tastes even better the next day.

Nutrition

Keywords: nacho dip, football dip, game day dip, loaded nacho dip, ground beef dip, cheese dip, party dip, super bowl dip