Are you looking for an easy, delicious, and crowd-pleasing appetizer? Look no further! This Hamburger Dip recipe with Rotel is the perfect addition to your next game day gathering, potluck, or casual weeknight dinner. It's incredibly simple to make, requiring minimal ingredients and prep time, yet delivers a burst of flavor that will have everyone asking for more. This recipe is a fantastic example of quick dinner ideas and homemade cooking at its finest.
Ingredients: You'll need these simple staples for this delicious dip.
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel), undrained
- 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: Chopped green onions, crushed tortilla chips
Instructions: Let's get cooking! This easy recipe is perfect for beginners.
Step 1: Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess grease.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the undrained Rotel, softened cream cheese, sour cream, cheddar cheese, chili powder, onion powder, and garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 3: Simmer and Melt: Cook, stirring occasionally, until the cream cheese is melted and the dip is heated through and bubbly. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy: Transfer the hamburger dip to a serving bowl. Garnish with chopped green onions, if desired. Serve warm with tortilla chips, crackers, or vegetables for dipping.
Tips for the Best Hamburger Dip:
- Soften the cream cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easy mixing and a smoother dip. You can speed this up by microwaving it for short intervals.
- Don't overcook the beef: Overcooked beef can make the dip dry. Brown it until it's cooked through but still juicy.
- Adjust the spice level: If you prefer a spicier dip, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce.
- Make it ahead: This dip can be made ahead of time and reheated gently before serving.
Variations: Spice things up or keep it classic.
- Spicy Hamburger Dip: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce for extra heat.
- Bacon Hamburger Dip: Add 1/2 cup of cooked and crumbled bacon for extra flavor and texture.
- Cheesy Hamburger Dip: Increase the amount of cheddar cheese to 1 cup for a richer, cheesier dip.
- Bean Hamburger Dip: Stir in a can of drained and rinsed kidney beans or black beans for added protein and fiber.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Fat: 18-22g
- Saturated Fat: 10-12g
- Cholesterol: 40-50mg
- Sodium: 500-600mg
- Carbohydrates: 10-15g
- Fiber: 2-3g
- Protein: 10-12g
This easy hamburger dip recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights or special occasions. It’s a delicious and satisfying dish that's sure to become a family favorite. It's a great example of healthy meals that don’t compromise on flavor. Enjoy!