Mom’s Classic Texas Christmas Dip

The ground beef gives it a hearty base, while tomatoes and green chiles add brightness and a gentle kick. Cream cheese makes everything wonderfully smooth, and cheddar adds that familiar cheesy flavor.

If you like queso, taco dip, and hearty party appetizers, you’re going to love this combination.

And served warm with salty tortilla chips?

Oh my goodness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Dip

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• • • 8 ounces  cream cheese, softened
    • 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chiles, undrained
    • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar  cheese
    • 1/2 cup sour cream
    • 1 teaspoon chili powder
    • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
    • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
    • Salt, to taste
    • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, optional
  Dips

  For Serving

  • Tortilla chips
  • Corn chips
  • Crackers
  • Sliced bell peppers
  • Celery sticks

  What You’ll Need

   

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  creamy cheese

  Cream Cheese

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  Keep it simple:

  Cheese
  • Large skillet
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Mixing spoon
  • 8×8-inch baking dish or similar serving dish
  •  Cheese grater, if shredding cheese yourself

  A slow cooker can also be handy if you’re serving this at a party and want to keep the dip warm.

  Ingredient Additions and Substitutions

   

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  Dip

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  This is one of those recipes you can easily make your own.

  Fruits & Vegetables

  Make It Spicier

  For more heat, add:

  • Diced jalapeños
  • A pinch of cayenne pepper
  • Hot diced tomatoes and green chiles
  • Your favorite hot sauce
  • Pepper Jack cheese

  Use Ground Sausage

   

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  Cook

  cheesy

  cheeses

   

  Replace some or all of the ground beef with breakfast sausage or spicy sausage for an even richer dip.

  Dairy & Eggs

  Add Black Beans

  For a heartier version, stir in 1/2 to 1 cup of drained black beans.

  Add Corn

  A handful of drained corn gives the dip a little sweetness and texture.

  Change the Cheese

   

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  French Onion Brisket

  Desserts

  French Cuisine

   

  Cheddar is wonderful, but Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or Pepper Jack can also work beautifully.

  Herbs & Spices

  How to Make Mom’s Classic Texas Christmas Dip

  Step 1: Brown the Beef

  Heat a large skillet over medium heat.

  Cheese

  Add the ground beef and diced onion.

   

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  Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is tender, breaking the meat apart as it cooks.

  Dips

  Drain excess grease if necessary.