My Friend Nelly's Chili Dip

15m
Prep Time
50m
Cook Time
1h 5m
Ready In


"First time I had this chili dip is when an old and dear friend of mine served it at a gathering at her home. I LOVED IT! It is so yummy. It's a dip that is layered and baked. She would sometimes make it for her finicky kids for dinner and they would always gobble it up. It is one of the best chili dips around."

Original is 9 servings

Nutritional

  • Serving Size: 1 (246.4 g)
  • Calories 374.5
  • Total Fat - 26.2 g
  • Saturated Fat - 12.5 g
  • Cholesterol - 104.4 mg
  • Sodium - 669.4 mg
  • Total Carbohydrate - 8.7 g
  • Dietary Fiber - 2.4 g
  • Sugars - 5.3 g
  • Protein - 26.8 g
  • Calcium - 318.6 mg
  • Iron - 3.1 mg
  • Vitamin C - 10.9 mg
  • Thiamin - 0.1 mg

Step by Step Method

Step 1

In a skillet over medium-high heat cook the ground beef or ground turkey until cooked through. Drain the fat. (If using lean ground turkey, add about 1 T oil to hot skillet before cooking the turkey).

Step 2

To the ground meat in the skillet, add the water and chili seasoning. With a wooden spoon distribute evenly.

Step 3

Add refried beans and tomato sauce. Bring to a boil. Simmer on low heat for about 20 minutes.

Step 4

Spread 8 oz. cream cheese on bottom of 8 x 5 casserole dish. Top with meat mixture. Spread shredded cheese evenly over the top.

Step 5

Place in preheated 350 degree oven for 30 minutes or until bubbly.

Step 6

Serve hot with taco chips or taco scoops for dipping.

Tips


No special items needed.

Editorial Notes

The ingredient tips, suggestions, variations, facts, questions and answers below are not edits to the original author's recipe. They are not meant to imply any change would improve the recipe. They're offered for convenience, alternative ideas, and points of interest. If you have any comments about them, please post in the Help & Ideas forum.


  • Try to use lean ground beef or ground turkey for a healthier version of this chili dip.
  • Feel free to switch up the type of cheese used in this recipe - cheddar, mozzarella, or a Mexican blend would all work well.

  • Substitute ground turkey for ground beef - This substitution is beneficial because it is a leaner option, providing a healthier alternative while still maintaining the same flavor.
  • Substitute Mexican mix shredded cheese for Monterey Jack cheese - This substitution is beneficial because it adds a unique flavor and a variety of textures to the chili dip, making it even more delicious.

Vegetarian Omit the ground beef or ground turkey and replace with 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed. Increase the chili seasoning mix to 2 Tbsp. Cook the refried beans and tomato sauce with the chili seasoning mix and water for 20 minutes. Follow the remaining instructions.


Vegan Omit the ground beef or ground turkey, replace with 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed. Use vegan refried beans, and replace the chili seasoning mix with a vegan chili seasoning mix. Cook the refried beans and tomato sauce with the vegan chili seasoning mix and water for 20 minutes. Follow the remaining instructions.


Mexican Street Corn Salad - A flavorful, slightly spicy salad that is the perfect accompaniment to chili dip. It's a great way to add a touch of crunch and a lot of flavor to the meal!


: Spicy Black Bean Burritos:

This is a great dish to serve with Mexican Street Corn Salad as it adds a great combination of flavor and texture. The spicy black beans are a great contrast to the creamy corn salad, while the burrito wraps provide a delicious way to enjoy the two together. The burritos are easy to make and are sure to be a hit with everyone!




FAQ

Q: What type of cheese should I use for this chili dip?

A: You can use either shredded Monterey Jack cheese or Mexican mix shredded cheese.



Q: How long should I bake the chili dip?

A: Bake the chili dip in the oven at 350°F for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

2 Reviews

breezermom

This makes quite a lot of dip. I didn't have an 8 x 5 baking dish and used one slightly larger. So glad I did or it wouldn't have fit! I think I would layer the meat mixture and shredded cheese twice instead of putting all the shredded cheese on top....it made it a bit thick to get through with a chip. But the flavor is fabulous and this will be made for football season (if we ever get to have one again!) Great snack food!!

5.0

review by:
(23 Jun 2020)

Gerry

Had this at a potluck way back and never managed to find who had brought it ... so happy you shared the recipe for Nelly's Dip! Made this for my at home 'Curling Weekend' this past week. A cozy spot in front of the TV, a lovely appetizer dip ... yes I enjoyed both the curling and your awesome dip!

5.0

review by:
(14 Jan 2016)

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Fun facts:

Fun Fact 1: The star of the hit TV show Friends, Jennifer Aniston, has been known to make this chili dip for her close friends. It's become a staple dish at her dinner parties!

Fun Fact 2: Chili dip is said to have originated in the Texas Hill Country in the late 1800s. It was a popular dish for cowboys, who enjoyed it as a hearty meal on the range.