Name: 5-Ingredient Football Dip: Creamy, Meaty, Game Day Favorite
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 1 lb lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10); 1 tbsp taco seasoning; 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened; 1 (8 oz) jar salsa (mild, medium, or hot); 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

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There’s nothing quite like a bubbling, cheesy, meaty dip to kick off game day. I love how this 5-Ingredient Football Dip brings everyone together around the snack table, eyes glued to the screen and hands reaching for chips. It’s hearty, full of flavor, and unbelievably easy to throw together. With just five ingredients and a little oven time, I can join the party instead of being stuck in the kitchen. 5-Ingredient Football Dip: Creamy, Meaty, Game Day Favorite

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this dip strikes the perfect balance between indulgent and effortless. It’s a crowd-pleaser every single time I make it—creamy, meaty, and packed with bold, zesty flavor. The best part? It’s made with ingredients I almost always have on hand. Whether I’m hosting a big game-day crowd or just having a casual movie night, it’s one of those dishes that never fails to disappear fast.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of Ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 lb lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10)
1 tbsp taco seasoning
1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
1 (8 oz) jar salsa (mild, medium, or hot)
1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Directions

Preheat and Prep: I start by preheating my oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly greasing an 8×8-inch baking dish or a 9-inch pie plate.
Brown the Beef: I cook the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it into small crumbles until no pink remains (about 5–7 minutes). I make sure to drain any excess fat.
Season the Beef: I return the beef to low heat and sprinkle in the taco seasoning, stirring for a minute so the flavors bloom.
Spread the Cream Cheese: I spread the softened cream cheese evenly over the bottom of my prepared dish—it makes the perfect creamy base.
Layer the Dip: I spoon the seasoned beef over the cream cheese, pour the salsa evenly on top, then finish with a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese.
Bake to Perfection: I bake it for 20–25 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and bubbling. If I want an extra golden top, I broil it for 1 minute before serving.

Servings and Timing

This dip serves about 8 people, making it perfect for a game-day crowd or a family snack spread. It takes around 10 minutes to prep and 25 minutes to bake, so I can have it ready to serve in just 35 minutes.

Variations

Spicy Fiesta: I swap the beef for spicy ground sausage and use hot salsa with a mix of Pepper Jack and cheddar.
Buffalo Chicken: I use shredded chicken instead of beef, toss it with buffalo sauce, and sprinkle ranch mix over the cream cheese layer.
Taco Dip Upgrade: I add a can of black beans and a cup of corn to the beef for extra heartiness.
Breakfast Version: I replace the beef with cooked breakfast sausage and swap the salsa for diced green chiles—it’s amazing for brunch gatherings.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When I want to reheat, I pop it into the oven at 350°F for about 10–15 minutes until it’s hot and bubbly again. The microwave works too, but the oven brings back that fresh-baked texture I love.

FAQs

How can I prevent my dip from being watery?

I make sure to drain both the cooked beef and the salsa before layering. Some salsas are very liquid, so letting it sit in a strainer for a few minutes helps a lot.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! I assemble the dip the night before, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. I just add 5–10 minutes to the baking time since it starts out cold.

Can I make this dip in a slow cooker?

Definitely. I combine browned beef, cream cheese, salsa, and one cup of cheese in the slow cooker and heat on low for about 2 hours. I stir occasionally and top with the remaining cheese just before serving.

What other meats can I use?

Ground turkey or chicken work great as lighter options. I add a drizzle of oil while cooking them since they’re leaner.

Can I freeze this dip?

Yes, I can assemble it, cover tightly, and freeze before baking. When ready, I thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

Conclusion

This 5-Ingredient Football Dip is my go-to when I need something fast, flavorful, and guaranteed to please a crowd. It’s rich, comforting, and endlessly customizable—perfect for any gathering. Every time I pull it bubbling from the oven, it reminds me that simple ingredients and a little warmth can bring everyone together. Whether it’s game day or just a lazy weekend afternoon, this dip always scores a win.