Simple Red Chile Cheese Dip

This Simple Red Chile Cheese Dip is a flavorful and easy-to-make appetizer that’s sure to be a hit at any gathering. Ground beef seasoned with a homemade taco blend is simmered in rich Hatch red chile sauce, then topped with melted medium sharp cheddar cheese.

Baked until golden and crispy, it’s the perfect combination of savory, cheesy goodness with just the right amount of spice. Garnished with fresh cilantro, it’s a crowd-pleasing dip that pairs perfectly with tortilla chips for dipping!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Bold, Flavorful Layers: The ground beef is seasoned with a homemade taco blend, bringing a rich, savory depth that pairs perfectly with the smoky, spicy Hatch red chile sauce. It’s a bold flavor combo that satisfies the taste buds.

Cheesy Comfort: Topped with melted medium sharp cheddar cheese, this dip delivers the perfect amount of creaminess and a crispy golden finish that cheese lovers will adore.

Customizable Spice Level: The Hatch red chile sauce adds just the right amount of heat, but you can adjust the spice level based on your preferences, making it suitable for all tastes.

Easy and Quick to Make: With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, this dip is perfect for a last-minute snack or appetizer. It’s a no-fuss recipe that doesn’t sacrifice on flavor.

Perfect for Sharing: Served with tortilla chips, this dip is ideal for parties, game day, or casual gatherings. Its hearty and cheesy nature makes it a satisfying crowd-pleaser.

Comfort Food with a Twist: It’s a comforting, cheesy dip with a unique smoky flavor from the red chile sauce, offering a new take on traditional cheesy dips.

Key Ingredients:

Ground beef: Provides a savory, hearty base for the dip.

Homemade taco seasoning: Adds rich, spiced flavor to the beef with a blend of aromatic herbs and spices.

Hatch red chile sauce: Brings a smoky, spicy kick with a deep, flavorful heat that complements the beef.

Medium sharp cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully into a creamy, golden topping with just the right amount of sharpness.

Cilantro: Fresh garnish that adds a burst of color and a bright, herbal finish to the dip.

Simple Red Chile Cheese Dip

Ingredients:

1 lb ground beef

2 tbsp homemade taco seasoning (Roma Maria’s blend or your favorite)

1 cup Hatch red chile sauce (or your preferred red chile sauce)

2 cups medium sharp cheddar cheese, grated (or more for crispy topping)

Cilantro (for garnish, optional)

Tortilla chips (for serving)

Instructions:

Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef

In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked.

Drain any excess fat.

Step 2: Season the Beef

Add 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning (adjust to your preference) to the cooked beef.

Stir to combine, allowing the seasoning to infuse the meat.

Step 3: Add the Red Chile Sauce

Pour in the Hatch red chile sauce, stirring to coat the beef mixture evenly.

Let it simmer for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 4: Prepare for Baking

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Transfer the beef and chile sauce mixture into a cast iron skillet or a baking dish.

Step 5: Top with Cheese

Generously sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese over the beef mixture.

For a crispy top (as your daughter likes it), add an extra layer of cheese.

Step 6: Bake

Place the skillet in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.

If you like it extra crispy, you can bake it a bit longer.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

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Remove the dip from the oven and top with fresh cilantro, if desired.

Serve with tortilla chips for dipping.

Notes:

Adjust the Spice: If you prefer a milder dip, reduce the amount of Hatch red chile sauce or use a milder salsa. For extra heat, you can add diced jalapeños or a bit of cayenne pepper to the beef mixture.

Cheese Options: While medium sharp cheddar is a great choice, you can also use other types of cheese like Monterey Jack for a smoother melt or a blend of cheddar and pepper jack for an extra kick.

Customize the Toppings: Fresh cilantro is a great garnish, but you can also add diced onions, sour cream, or even avocado for extra flavor and texture.

Make Ahead: You can prepare the beef and chile sauce mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, just top with cheese and bake.

Serving Suggestions: This dip is perfect with tortilla chips, but it’s also great served with sliced veggies like bell peppers, cucumber, or even soft warm tortillas for dipping.

Baking Tip: Keep an eye on the cheese while baking to avoid overcooking. If you prefer a crispy, golden top (like the original recipe), let it bake a little longer, but be careful not to burn the cheese.

Nutrition Information:

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this dip ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the ground beef and red chile sauce mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

When you’re ready to serve, just top with cheese and bake. This makes it an easy, time-saving appetizer for parties or gatherings.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! While medium sharp cheddar is great for this dip, you can swap it out for other cheeses like Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even a blend of cheddar and mozzarella.

Just make sure the cheese melts well for that creamy, gooey texture.

Is this dip spicy?

It has a mild to medium spice level, depending on the amount of Hatch red chile sauce you use.

If you prefer less heat, you can reduce the chile sauce or opt for a milder salsa.

For extra spice, consider adding diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Can I make this dip without ground beef?

Yes! You can easily substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even a vegetarian option like black beans or lentils for a meatless version.

Just make sure to adjust the seasoning accordingly for flavor.

What should I serve with this dip?

This dip is perfect with tortilla chips, but you can also serve it with fresh veggie sticks (like bell peppers, cucumbers, or carrots), soft tortillas, or even crispy pita chips.

It’s versatile and pairs well with any dippable snack!

How do I make the red chile sauce for this dip?

You can use a pre-made Hatch red chile sauce, or you can make your own by blending roasted Hatch chiles with garlic, onion, and some broth or water.

There are many recipes available online to make your own red chile sauce, and it can be made in bulk for use in other dishes as well.

What type of pan should I use to bake this dip?

A cast-iron skillet, like the one from Pioneer Woman, is perfect for this dip, as it distributes heat evenly and helps create a crispy, golden cheese top.

However, you can also use any oven-safe baking dish, such as a 9×9-inch square pan or an oven-safe ceramic dish.

Can I make this dip without baking it in the oven?

Yes, you can skip baking it in the oven, but baking adds that crispy, golden cheese crust on top, which many people love.

If you don’t want to bake, you can cook the beef and chile sauce on the stove and then melt the cheese in a skillet on low heat until it’s gooey.

How do I store leftover dip?

Leftover dip can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat, adding a little bit of water if the dip thickens.

You may need to add more cheese or toppings before serving again.

Can I use a different meat instead of ground beef?

Yes! You can easily swap ground beef for other meats like ground turkey, chicken, or even a vegetarian option like beans or lentils for a meatless version.

Just be sure to adjust the seasoning to fit the protein you’re using.