Tucson Dip
A creamy, savory dip with dried beef, green chilies, and onions, topped with chives and pecans, perfect for parties and served hot with tortilla chips.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a small mixer bowl at low speed, beat cream cheese and sour cream until well blended and smooth.
- Rinse dried beef and pat dry.
- Chop dried beef coarsely.
- Gently stir dried beef, green chilies, and minced onion into the cream cheese mixture.
- Pour the mixture into a shallow 2-cup baking dish.
- Sprinkle chopped chives and chopped pecans on top.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until puffed and edges are bubbly.
- Serve hot with tortilla chips.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of garlic powder to the cream cheese mixture. If dried beef isn't available, chopped ham or smoked turkey can be good substitutes. For a spicier kick, try using jalapeño peppers instead of green chilies. Make sure not to overbeat the cream cheese to keep the dip creamy.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Tucson Dip hot alongside tortilla chips for a great snack or appetizer. It pairs wonderfully with a fresh vegetable platter or can be spread on toasted baguette slices. For a complete meal, consider serving it with a side of Virginia Chili to round out the flavors or as part of a Great Friday Night Meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the dip in a baking dish and warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F until hot and bubbly, about 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it may cause uneven heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tucson Dip contains roughly 209 calories, with 4g protein, 13g carbohydrates, and 17g fat.
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 Tucson Dip ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dip a day in advance. Simply mix all the ingredients and store it in the refrigerator without baking. When ready to serve, bake it as directed, increasing the baking time slightly if it's chilled.
Is there a vegetarian option for this dip?
Absolutely! Skip the dried beef and substitute it with additional chopped green chilies or roasted red peppers for flavor. You can also add black beans for texture and protein, making it a hearty vegetarian dip.
How can I make Tucson Dip spicier?
For a spicier dip, add a diced jalapeño or a few dashes of hot sauce to the cream cheese mixture. You can also use spicy green chilies instead of the regular ones. Adjust the heat to your preference for the perfect kick!
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).