Description
This hearty Jalapeño Popper Dip with Ground Beef is a creamy, cheesy appetizer that combines the spicy kick of jalapeños with savory ground beef and a crispy breadcrumb topping. Perfect for parties or game day, this dip offers layers of flavor with a melty cheese base, seasoned beef, and a crunchy baked finish that pairs wonderfully with chips, crackers, or fresh vegetables.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Dip:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup pickled jalapeños, chopped (or fresh jalapeños for more heat)
- 1/4 cup diced green onions (optional, for garnish)
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional, for extra spice)
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/4 cup additional shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat and set the beef aside.
- Prepare the Dip Base: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant. Add the cream cheese, sour cream, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, chopped jalapeños, chili powder, ground cumin, salt, pepper, and hot sauce if using. Stir until all the cheese has melted and the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Combine the Beef and Dip: Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet and stir until well combined. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with melted butter. This will create a crispy topping when baked.
- Assemble and Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the beef and cheese dip mixture into an 8×8-inch baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the breadcrumb and butter mixture over the dip, then add the additional shredded cheddar cheese on top. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the dip is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with diced green onions if desired. Serve warm with tortilla chips, crackers, or sliced vegetables for dipping.
Notes
- You can adjust the heat level by using fresh jalapeños instead of pickled ones or adding extra hot sauce.
- For a lower fat version, substitute the sour cream and cream cheese with lower-fat alternatives.
- Panko breadcrumbs with butter create a crisp topping, but you can omit them if you prefer a softer dip.
- This dip can be prepared ahead and baked just before serving for convenience.
- Serve with celery sticks or bell pepper slices for a fresh crunch.
