Description
This Jalapeño Popper Dip with Ground Beef is a creamy, cheesy, and spicy appetizer perfect for game day or parties. Featuring ground beef combined with a smooth blend of cream cheese, sour cream, sharp cheddar, and mozzarella, it’s enhanced with pickled jalapeños and warm spices. Topped with buttery panko breadcrumbs and baked until golden, it’s irresistibly flavorful and pairs wonderfully with chips or veggies.
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
For the Topping:
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, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, chopped jalapeños, chili powder, cumin, salt, pepper, and hot sauce if using. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
- Combine the Beef and Dip: Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet and stir well to combine with the cheesy mixture. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors together.
- Prepare the Optional Topping: In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with the melted butter until evenly coated. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the dip in the skillet or baking dish. Then sprinkle the additional shredded cheddar cheese on top of the breadcrumbs.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the dip mixture to an 8×8-inch baking dish if not already in an oven-safe skillet. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the dip is bubbling and the topping is golden brown.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and allow the dip to cool for a few minutes. Garnish with diced green onions if desired. Serve warm with tortilla chips, crackers, or sliced vegetables for dipping.
Notes
- For extra heat, use fresh jalapeños in place of pickled ones and add the seeds.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
- Make sure cream cheese is softened for easy mixing.
- Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through before serving.
