Hot Hamburger Dip
A warm, cheesy dip featuring seasoned ground beef, tomato sauce, and Parmesan, perfect for sharing at parties or casual gatherings with chips or crackers.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1 small can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 8 oz. cream cheese ⓘ
- a dash of seasoning salt ⓘ
- black pepper to taste ⓘ
- cayenne pepper to taste ⓘ
- 1 small onion, chopped fine ⓘ
- 1/4 cup ketchup ⓘ
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1 small jar mushrooms (optional) ⓘ
- a dash of garlic salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano ⓘ
- Fritos or other chips ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown ground beef and chopped onion in a skillet; drain excess fat.
- In a saucepan, combine the cooked ground beef and onion with tomato sauce, cream cheese, ketchup, Parmesan cheese, mushrooms (if using), seasoning salt, garlic salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and oregano.
- Stir until the cream cheese melts and the mixture is heated through; do not boil.
- Serve warm in a chafing dish or small crock-pot with Fritos or other chips.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier dip, consider using Neufchâtel cheese as a lower-fat substitute for cream cheese. You can also add diced bell peppers or jalapeños for extra flavor and heat. If you prefer a smokier taste, try adding a few drops of liquid smoke. For a vegetarian option, substitute ground beef with lentils or mushrooms, and browse more American recipes for inspiration.
Serving Suggestions
This dip is perfect for parties and game days. Serve it with Fritos or other chips for dipping, and consider pairing it with celery sticks or carrot sticks for a fresh crunch. For a complete meal, serve alongside a green salad or pair with a side of Quick Hamburger Stroganoff for a hearty spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the dip in a microwave-safe dish and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hot Hamburger Dip contains roughly 397 calories, with 15g protein, 70g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (140% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (127% of the Daily Value), and calcium (79% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 35g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dip a day in advance. Simply follow the recipe up to the point of serving, allow it to cool, and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave.
What can I use instead of ground beef?
You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat alternatives for a lighter or vegetarian option. Each alternative will provide its own unique flavor and texture, so choose based on your preference.
Is this dip spicy?
The spice level can be adjusted based on your preference. The cayenne pepper adds heat, so start with a small amount and increase as desired. For a milder version, you can omit the cayenne altogether or replace it with mild paprika.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).