Introduction

This 5-Ingredient Football Dip is a quick and flavorful appetizer perfect for game day or any casual gathering. With simple ingredients and minimal prep, it delivers big on cheesy, savory goodness that everyone will love.

A white bowl filled with a layered dip showing melted yellow cheese and browned ground beef covering most of the surface, with visible bits of red tomato sauce peeking through underneath. Two triangular tortilla chips, light beige with specks, are placed upright on the right side of the bowl, partially submerged in the dip. The bowl is set on a white marbled textured surface with a blurry bottle visible in the background. The dip looks rich and creamy with a mix of chunky texture from the beef and smooth melted cheese. 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: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
Step 2: Stir in the taco seasoning and cook for another minute to combine the flavors. Remove from heat.
Step 3: In a baking dish, spread the softened cream cheese evenly as the base layer.
Step 4: Spoon the cooked seasoned beef over the cream cheese layer, followed by an even layer of salsa.
Step 5: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the salsa layer.
Step 6: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the dip for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 7: Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving with tortilla chips or your favorite dippers.

Tips & Variations

Use spicy salsa or add diced jalapeños for an extra kick.
Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
For a creamier dip, mix the cream cheese with a little sour cream before layering.
Top with chopped green onions or cilantro for fresh flavor.

Storage

Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through before serving.

How to Serve

The dish is served in a round white bowl filled with multiple layers. The bottom layer shows a chunky red tomato sauce with bits of tomato visible. On top of this is a hearty layer of browned ground beef scattered evenly across. Covering the beef is a generous layer of melted golden-yellow cheese that spreads in a smooth, glossy texture. Two triangular tortilla chips are partially dipped into the dish at the top right side, standing upright. The bowl is placed 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 make this dip ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the dip a few hours ahead and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Just increase the baking time slightly if baking from cold.

What can I serve with this football dip?

Tortilla chips are classic, but it also pairs well with sliced vegetables like bell peppers, celery sticks, or even toasted pita bread.

5-Ingredient Football Dip Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 132 reviews

This 5-Ingredient Football Dip is a simple, crowd-pleasing appetizer perfect for game day. Combining seasoned ground beef, creamy softened cream cheese, zesty salsa, and sharp cheddar cheese, it offers a rich and flavorful dip that’s quick to prepare and sure to be a hit with football fans or any gathering.

Author: Nora
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Meat

1 lb lean ground beef

Seasoning

1 tbsp taco seasoning

Dairy and Sauce

1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
1 (8 oz) jar salsa (mild, medium, or hot)
1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Instructions

Cook the Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the 1 lb of lean ground beef until browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess grease if necessary.
Add Taco Seasoning: Stir in 1 tbsp of taco seasoning into the cooked beef, mixing well to coat the meat evenly. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to blend flavors.
Combine Cream Cheese and Salsa: In a separate bowl, mix the softened 8 oz cream cheese with the 8 oz jar of salsa until smooth and well combined.
Layer the Dip: Spread the cream cheese and salsa mixture evenly at the bottom of a baking dish. Top this layer with the seasoned ground beef, spreading it out evenly.
Add Cheese and Bake: Sprinkle 1 ½ cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese evenly over the beef layer. Place the dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve: Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving. Serve warm with tortilla chips, crackers, or your favorite dipping snacks.

Notes

You can adjust the heat level by choosing mild, medium, or hot salsa depending on your preference.
For a creamier dip, use full-fat cream cheese.
Make sure ground beef is drained well to avoid a greasy dip.
This dip can be kept warm in a slow cooker on low during game time.
Try adding chopped green onions or jalapeños for an extra kick.

Keywords: football dip, 5-ingredient dip, game day recipes, taco dip, easy appetizer, cheesy dip, ground beef dip