Nacho Dip

If there’s one thing we know for sure, it’s that everyone loves a good nacho dip. If you bring a batch to a party, it’s guaranteed to be the first appetizer gobbled up. Plus, cheese dips like this one are often go-tos for home cooks because they’re a snap to prepare. Our nacho dip recipe calls for simple ingredients, and after just 15 minutes of hands-on prep, the dip bubbles away in a slow cooker, building complex flavor and yielding the smoothest possible cheese base.

Prepared exactly as written, this savory, not-too-spicy dip pairs well with anything from pretzels to veggies to bread. That said, the recipe is super flexible. Spice it up with taco seasoning to make it an ideal tortilla chip dip, or swap in beans for the meat to make it a vegetarian recipe. Add spice! Go mild! This cheese and salsa dip can do it all.

Nacho Dip Ingredients

• Ground beef: Ground beef provides a savory source of protein and heartiness in the dip. The best ground beef will be one with a higher fat percentage, but you can use a lower-fat ground beef if you prefer.
• Onion: Chopped onion adds aromatic sweetness to the meat once it’s cooked in a skillet.
• Velveeta: When heated, processed cheese is creamy and almost silky. Cube the cheese before cooking so it melts evenly in this slow-cooker dip recipe.
• Chunky salsa: Chunky salsa adds the pleasant heat and texture of chopped tomatoes and peppers. You can use a hot or mild variety of your favorite homemade salsa recipe or brand of salsa from the store.
• Seasoning: Keep the seasoning simple with a dash of garlic powder.
• Sliced jalapeno: It’s optional, but you can garnish the nacho dip recipe with sliced jalapeno pepper if you want extra heat.
• Tortilla chips or cubed French bread: Either chips or bread are particularly delicious when dunked into the cheesy dip.

Directions

Step 1: Brown the beef

In a large skillet, cook the beef and onion over medium heat until the meat is no longer pink. Drain well.

Step 2: Load the slow cooker

Transfer the beef to a greased 3-quart slow cooker. Stir in the Velveeta cheese, salsa and garlic powder.

Step 3: Cook the dip

Cover and cook on low for three to four hours or until heated through.

Step 4: Serve the dip

Stir the dip well. If desired, top with sliced jalapeno peppers and additional salsa. Serve warm with tortilla chips or cubed bread.

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Nacho Dip Variations

• Trade the ground beef: If you’re looking for a lighter but tasty alternative to ground beef, use ground turkey or chicken (dark meat will be especially flavorful). This recipe that uses up a jar of salsa also doubles as a good way to use up leftover rotisserie chicken. If you use rotisserie chicken, saute the onion on its own in Step 1 and then stir in the chopped chicken to warm it through.
• Go meatless: Omit the beef and instead use a can of drained black beans or pinto beans for heft and protein.
• Add cheese: Make this cheese recipe even cheesier by stirring in 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese and 8 ounces cubed cream cheese.
• Embrace flavor: For a Mexican-style dip, stir in 2 to 3 tablespoons of taco seasoning.
• Add veggies: Replace the salsa with a can of diced tomatoes and green chiles. Use fire-roasted tomatoes if you like heat.

How to Store Nacho Dip

Transfer leftover nacho dip to an airtight container. Store tightly covered in the refrigerator.

How long does nacho dip last?

Keep leftover nacho dip in the refrigerator for up to four days.

How do you reheat nacho dip?

The best way to reheat nacho dip is gently and slowly, so the cheese doesn’t scorch or bubble over. The easiest way is to transfer the dip to a covered heatproof container and heat it in the microwave for a minute or two, stirring occasionally. Or, cook the dip in a saucepan on the stovetop over low heat. Stir often, scraping the bottom of the pot.

Nacho Dip Tips

ALLISON CEBULLA FOR TASTE OF HOME

How can you make this nacho dip a little thinner?

If this cheese and salsa dip is thicker than you’d prefer, it’s easy to fix. Simply stir in extra salsa until it’s the consistency you like.

How can you fix overly spicy nacho dip?

If the dip has a bigger kick than you expected, stir in some sour cream to cool things off.

What else can you serve with nacho dip?

Don’t stop at bread or chips: Lots of foods taste delicious with nacho dip. Serve it along with crudités, such as sliced peppers, carrots and cherry tomatoes. Nacho dip is also delicious with pita crisps, breadsticks, pretzels or black bean chips. You can also scoop nacho dip over roasted potatoes or sweet potatoes for a savory and indulgent side dish.