Get ready to meet your new favorite crowd-pleaser! Frito Chili Cheese Dip takes everything you love about Tex-Mex flavors—crunchy corn chips, zesty chili, melty cheese, and creamy toppings—and brings them together in one irresistible, bubbly bake. Whether you’re hosting a game day party or just looking for a comforting snack to share, this warm, cheesy dip is as easy as it is satisfying. Trust me, once you taste this Frito Chili Cheese Dip, you’ll want to make it for every gathering!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This dip is a celebration of simple, familiar ingredients that come together to create something truly special. Each ingredient adds its own magic, from the heartiness of the beef to the signature crunch of the Fritos, making every bite a delight.
- Fritos corn chips (1 bag, 9.25 oz): The salty, crunchy backbone—choose scoops for extra dippability!
- Ground beef (1 lb): Gives the dip its savory, hearty base; lean beef works well here.
- Chili seasoning mix (1 packet): Brings all the bold chili flavors with zero fuss.
- Chili beans (1 can, 15 oz, undrained): Adds a saucy, creamy texture and subtle spice.
- Diced tomatoes with green chilies (1 can, 10 oz): Brightens things up with a hint of heat and tang.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (2 cups): Melts into gooey, golden perfection.
- Shredded Monterey Jack cheese (1 cup): Balances the cheddar with a creamy, mellow melt.
- Sour cream (1/2 cup): Dolloped on top for cool, creamy contrast.
- Green onions (2, sliced): Fresh and colorful for that final touch.
- Jalapeño slices (optional): Add a spicy kick if you love extra heat!
How to Make Frito Chili Cheese Dip
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s no longer pink. This is the perfect time to get your kitchen smelling amazing! Once browned, drain off any excess grease so your dip doesn’t get too oily.
Step 2: Simmer the Chili Base
Sprinkle in the chili seasoning mix, then stir in the undrained chili beans and the can of diced tomatoes with green chilies. Give it a good mix and let everything simmer together for about 5 minutes. This thickens up the chili and lets all those flavors mingle for a richer, more irresistible dip.
Step 3: Layer the Fritos and Chili
Grab your 9×13-inch baking dish and scatter half of the Fritos across the bottom. Pour the warm beef and chili mixture evenly over the chips, making sure every bite gets some of that saucy goodness. This layering ensures the chips stay partly crisp while soaking up just enough flavor.
Step 4: Add the Cheese and More Fritos
Sprinkle both the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses generously over the chili layer. Then, finish with the remaining Fritos on top. This double layer of cheesy, crunchy goodness is what makes Frito Chili Cheese Dip so addictive!
Step 5: Bake to Melty Perfection
Slide the dish into a preheated 350°F oven and bake uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is melted and bubbling and the kitchen smells absolutely heavenly. Let it cool for a few minutes so it’s easy to scoop.
Step 6: Top and Serve
Right before serving, dollop sour cream across the top and sprinkle with sliced green onions and, if you like, some jalapeño slices for extra zing. Serve warm, and watch it disappear!
How to Serve Frito Chili Cheese Dip
Garnishes
A good Frito Chili Cheese Dip deserves a little flair! Try a generous scoop of cool sour cream, a handful of fresh green onions, or sliced jalapeños for a fiery finish. If you’re feeling adventurous, a sprinkle of chopped cilantro or diced tomatoes adds extra color and freshness.
Side Dishes
This dip is hearty enough to stand on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad, crunchy celery sticks, or even more chips for scooping. For a full-on party spread, add some guacamole, salsa, or veggie sticks to keep everyone happy.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve Frito Chili Cheese Dip in a cast-iron skillet for a rustic look, or scoop individual portions into mini cups for easy, grab-and-go snacking. You can even use it as a topper for baked potatoes or nachos—trust me, your guests will love the surprise!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow end up with leftovers, scoop the dip into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen as it sits, making it just as tasty the next day—though the chips may soften a little.
Freezing
While Frito Chili Cheese Dip is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the chili-beef and cheese mixture before assembling with Fritos. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the fridge, assemble with fresh Fritos, and bake as usual for the best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, place the dip in an oven-safe dish and warm at 325°F until heated through (about 10–15 minutes). You can also microwave individual servings, but the oven helps revive some of that original crunch!
FAQs
Can I make Frito Chili Cheese Dip ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prep the chili and cheese mixture a day in advance and keep it in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, just assemble with fresh Fritos and bake for the best crunch.
Can I use ground turkey or a meat substitute?
Definitely. Ground turkey or a plant-based meat alternative works beautifully and lightens things up without sacrificing flavor. Just cook as you would the beef and follow the recipe as written.
What’s the best way to keep the chips crunchy?
The secret is to serve the dip soon after baking. If you’re prepping ahead, wait to add the top layer of Fritos until just before baking, and don’t cover the dish while it bakes—this way, the chips stay crisp!
Is this recipe spicy?
It has a gentle kick thanks to the diced tomatoes with green chilies, but it’s usually mild enough for most palates. To turn up the heat, add extra jalapeños or use a spicy chili seasoning mix!
Can I make Frito Chili Cheese Dip in a slow cooker?
Yes! Prepare the beef and chili mixture as directed, then layer everything in your slow cooker. Cook on low until the cheese is melted (about 2 hours). Add the Fritos right before serving to avoid sogginess.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dish that’s equal parts comforting, fun, and absolutely delicious, you have to try Frito Chili Cheese Dip. It’s a guaranteed hit for parties, potlucks, or any night you want a little extra joy on your table. So grab those chips and dig in—you’re about to hit dip heaven!
Print
Frito Chili Cheese Dip Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Baking, Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Tex-Mex
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A deliciously savory Frito Chili Cheese Dip combining seasoned ground beef, chili beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and a blend of melted cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses layered with crunchy Fritos corn chips. Perfect for game day, parties, or casual snacking, this baked dip is creamy, cheesy, and topped with fresh sour cream, green onions, and optional jalapeño slices for a spicy kick.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 bag (9.25 oz) Fritos corn chips (scoops or regular)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet chili seasoning mix
- 1 can (15 oz) chili beans (undrained)
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Jalapeño slices (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the dip evenly.
- Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown 1 pound of ground beef until fully cooked and no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease to keep the dip from being too oily.
- Add Seasonings and Beans: Stir in the chili seasoning mix, undrained chili beans, and diced tomatoes with green chilies. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 5 minutes until it thickens slightly to develop flavor.
- Layer Fritos and Beef Mixture: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread half of the Fritos corn chips evenly on the bottom. Pour the beef mixture evenly over this layer of chips.
- Add Cheese Layers: Sprinkle 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese and 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the beef mixture for a rich, cheesy layer.
- Top with Remaining Fritos: Scatter the remaining Fritos corn chips on top to add a crunchy texture when baked.
- Bake: Place the dish uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 15–20 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and let the dip cool slightly. Top with 1/2 cup sour cream, sliced green onions, and jalapeño slices if desired. Serve warm for best taste and crunch.
Notes
- This dip can be made directly in a cast-iron skillet for easy serving and rustic presentation.
- For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives instead of ground beef.
- Best enjoyed immediately while the Fritos remain crunchy and the cheese is warm and melty.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/10 of recipe
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
