Description
This Cheeseburger Dip is a creamy, flavorful appetizer perfect for gatherings and game days. It combines browned ground beef with a rich blend of cream cheese, sour cream, mayo, and melted cheddar and Swiss cheeses, finished with crispy bacon, pickles, fresh cilantro, and tomatoes. Served warm with chips or veggies, it’s a comforting dip that captures the essence of a cheeseburger in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- ¾ lb. lean ground beef (or substitute with ground turkey, chicken, pork, or crumbled bacon for variation)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup chopped onion
- ¼ cup chopped bread and butter pickles (optional)
- ½ cup chopped cilantro
- ¾ cup chopped cherry tomatoes (or pico de gallo)
Dairy and Cheese
- 16 oz. low-fat cream cheese (2 bricks)
- 1 cup low-fat sour cream
- ½ cup light mayo
- 1 cup freshly shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup freshly shredded Swiss cheese
- Additional shredded cheese for topping (optional)
Other
- 1 cup bacon crumbles (fully cooked)
- Ketchup and mustard (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 2-quart baking dish with nonstick spray and set aside to prepare for baking the dip.
- Brown the Meat and Sauté Aromatics: In a medium skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef with the minced garlic, breaking it up as it cooks. About halfway through cooking, add the chopped onion and stir to combine. Cook until the beef is fully cooked and the onion is translucent and fragrant. Drain any excess oil and set the mixture aside.
- Blend the Cheese Mixture: In a high-powered blender, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, light mayo, shredded cheddar, and shredded Swiss cheese. Pulse until the mixture is smooth and well-combined, creating a creamy base for the dip.
- Combine All Ingredients: Pour the blended cheese mixture into a large mixing bowl. Stir in the browned beef mixture, bacon crumbles, chopped pickles (if using), cilantro, and chopped cherry tomatoes until well incorporated.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Transfer the combined dip mixture into the prepared baking dish. If desired, sprinkle additional shredded cheese over the top for extra cheesiness.
- Bake the Dip: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and melted, and the dip is heated through.
- Serve and Garnish: Remove the dip from the oven and serve hot. Garnish with ketchup and mustard if desired. Accompany with tortilla chips, crackers, or fresh vegetables for dipping.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, pork, or crumbled bacon to vary flavor and fat content.
- Pickles are optional but add a nice tang that complements the cheeseburger flavor.
- Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting and flavor compared to pre-shredded cheese.
- For a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the cheese mixture before baking.
- Serve immediately after baking for the best creamy texture; leftovers can be reheated gently in the microwave or oven.
- Make sure to drain excess fat from meat to prevent a greasy dip.
