Spicy Rice Dip
A flavorful, spicy rice dip combining seasoned ground beef, rice, vegetables, and cheese, perfect for parties or casual gatherings with chips or crackers.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 2 c. cooked rice ⓘ
- 1/2 c. seeded and chopped bell pepper ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1 chopped jalapeno pepper (optional) ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1 (4 oz.) can chopped green chilies ⓘ
- 1 (10 oz.) can tomatoes and green chilies ⓘ
- 1 c. grated Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) carton sour cream ⓘ
- 1/2 c. chopped onion ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet and drain excess fat.
- Add all ingredients except sour cream to the skillet.
- Simmer the mixture for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Stir in sour cream and heat through without boiling.
- Serve the spicy rice dip with chips.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef. You can also use brown rice instead of white for added nutrition. If you prefer less heat, omit the jalapeno or use a milder pepper. Adding corn or black beans can enhance the flavor and texture, making it reminiscent of Beans Mexicana. Adjust the chili powder to fit your spice tolerance.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the spicy rice dip warm with tortilla chips, pita chips, or fresh vegetables for dipping. It's perfect as a party appetizer or game day snack. For a complete meal, pair it with a fresh salad or serve alongside Creamy Enchiladas for a delightful Mexican meal. You can also provide a variety of toppings like sliced olives or diced avocado.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, warm the dip on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, but avoid overheating to prevent the sour cream from curdling.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spicy Rice Dip contains roughly 666 calories, with 27g protein, 98g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (53% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (42% of the Daily Value), and iron (41% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
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 in advance by cooking the beef and combining all ingredients except the sour cream. Store it in the refrigerator and add the sour cream right before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the taste.
What's a good substitute for Cheddar cheese?
If you're looking for a cheese alternative, Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack work well for a milder or spicier flavor, respectively. For a lighter option, consider using low-fat cheese or a dairy-free cheese substitute that melts well.
How can I make this dip vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with a combination of sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or black beans. This provides a hearty texture and flavor while keeping the dish plant-based. You can also add more vegetables like zucchini or corn to enhance the dip.
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).