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Easy Loaded Nacho Beef Dip for Game Day

loaded nacho beef dip - featured image

A creamy, beefy, slightly spicy slow cooker dip that’s perfect for game day. Made with simple ingredients and a special melting technique, this dip stays smooth and delicious for hours.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 is ideal)
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning
  • 1 can (10 oz) Rotel tomatoes with green chiles, undrained
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (from a block)
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (from a block)
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • ½ cup whole milk (or as needed)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional garnishes: diced fresh tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, drizzle of sour cream

Instructions

  1. Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook for 6-8 minutes until fully browned.
  2. Push the beef to one side, add the diced onion, and cook for 2-3 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and stir for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Sprinkle taco seasoning over the beef mixture and stir to coat. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices.
  4. Transfer the beef mixture to a colander lined with a paper towel and drain excess fat for about 1 minute.
  5. Layer ingredients in a 3-4 quart slow cooker: start with softened cream cheese cut into chunks, then the drained beef, undrained Rotel tomatoes, and both shredded cheeses. Do not stir yet.
  6. Cook on low for 2 hours. After 1 hour, gently stir to incorporate the cream cheese, then replace the lid.
  7. After 2 hours, stir in the sour cream and ¼ cup of milk. Add more milk as needed to reach desired consistency.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Add hot sauce or cayenne for extra heat if desired.
  9. Switch slow cooker to warm setting. The dip will stay perfect for 2-3 hours. If it thickens, stir in a splash of milk.
  10. Garnish with desired toppings and serve directly from the slow cooker with sturdy tortilla chips.

Notes

Shred your own cheese from a block for the smoothest melt. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make the dip grainy. Let cream cheese soften to room temperature before adding to avoid lumps. For a spicier dip, use hot Rotel or add diced jalapeños. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days and reheated with a splash of milk. Not recommended for freezing.

Nutrition

Keywords: nacho dip, beef dip, game day dip, slow cooker dip, loaded nacho dip, party dip, cheesy beef dip