Cheesy Ground Beef Dip Recipe
Introduction
This Cheesy Ground Beef Dip is a hearty and flavorful appetizer perfect for any gathering. Combining spicy jalapeños, savory ground beef, and melted cheddar cheese, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Easy to make and wonderfully comforting, it pairs well with tortilla chips or crusty bread.

Ingredients
- 2 pounds extra-lean ground beef
- 2 jalapeño peppers, seeded and diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, grated
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch, optional (or flour)
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt, or to taste
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, or to taste
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup strained tomatoes (or diced tomatoes or ground tomatoes)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese, divided
Instructions
- Step 1: Place ground beef, diced jalapeños, diced onion, grated garlic, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper in a large braiser pan over medium-high heat.
- Step 2: Cook the meat, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, stirring regularly until most moisture evaporates and the mixture becomes crumbly and starts to brown, about 15 minutes.
- Step 3: Stir in chicken broth, cornstarch (if using), strained tomatoes, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat to medium, and cook while stirring occasionally until thickened, about 25 minutes.
- Step 4: Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the dip, poke it down with a fork, stirring lightly, then top with the remaining cheese.
- Step 5: Place the pan under the broiler and broil until the cheddar is browned and bubbly, about 5 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally garnished with red chili flakes and chopped parsley.
Tips & Variations
- For less heat, use only one jalapeño or omit the seeds entirely.
- Substitute Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack cheese for a different flavor profile.
- If you prefer a thicker dip, increase the cornstarch slightly but mix it well to avoid lumps.
- Serve with tortilla chips, toasted baguette slices, or fresh vegetable sticks.
Storage
Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through. Stir well before serving to restore the creamy texture.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dip up to one day in advance and refrigerate it. Reheat before serving and add the cheese topping fresh under the broiler.
What can I use instead of jalapeño peppers?
If you want less spice, substitute mild bell peppers or omit the peppers altogether. For a different kind of heat, try using a pinch of smoked paprika or chili powder instead.
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Cheesy Ground Beef Dip Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This Cheesy Ground Beef Dip is a savory and spicy appetizer perfect for gatherings and game days. Made with lean ground beef, jalapeños, and a blend of spices, it’s simmered until thick and topped with melted sharp Cheddar cheese, offering a rich and flavorful dip that’s excellent served warm with chips or veggies.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds extra-lean ground beef
- 2 jalapeño peppers, seeded and diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, grated
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch (optional)
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt, or to taste
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, or to taste
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup strained tomatoes (or diced tomatoes or ground tomatoes)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese, divided
Instructions
- Cook the meat: Place the ground beef, diced jalapeño, diced onion, grated garlic, kosher salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper in a large braiser pan over medium-high heat. Use a wooden spoon to break up the meat as it begins to cook.
- Brown the beef: Continue to cook, stirring regularly, until most of the moisture evaporates, the mixture is crumbly, and it begins to brown, about 15 minutes.
- Add liquids and thicken: Stir in the chicken broth, optional cornstarch, strained tomatoes, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix well and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium and cook, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens, approximately 25 minutes.
- Add cheese topping: Sprinkle half of the shredded Cheddar cheese over the dip. Using a fork, poke the cheese down into the mixture, stirring lightly. Then, top with the remaining half of the shredded cheese.
- Broil the dip: Place the pan under the broiler and broil until the Cheddar cheese is browned and bubbly, about 5 minutes. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
- Garnish and serve: After broiling, sprinkle with red chili pepper flakes and chopped parsley for added color and flavor. Serve hot, warm, or at room temperature with your favorite chips or vegetable sticks. Enjoy!
Notes
- For a milder dip, reduce or omit the jalapeños and cayenne pepper.
- Cornstarch is optional but helps to thicken the dip for a creamier texture.
- Use extra-lean ground beef to reduce fat content while keeping the dip hearty.
- Can be served with tortilla chips, crackers, or fresh vegetable sticks.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Cheesy Ground Beef Dip, Spicy Ground Beef Dip, Appetizer dip, Jalapeño Dip, Cheddar Cheese Dip

