Frito Chili Cheese Dip (Printable Version)

# What You'll Need:

→ Chili Cheese Dip Base

01 - 250 g cream cheese, softened
02 - 225 g ground beef
03 - 1 can (400 g) Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
04 - 1 can (425 g) chili starter (beans and chili sauce)
05 - 60 g white onion, finely diced
06 - 120 g cheddar cheese, grated

→ Seasonings

07 - 1 teaspoon chili powder
08 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
09 - 1/2 teaspoon paprika
10 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
11 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
12 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
13 - 1 teaspoon brown sugar
14 - 1 teaspoon hot sauce, plus more to serve

→ Toppings and Garnishes

15 - 60 g bacon, cooked until crisp and crumbled
16 - 30 g green onions, sliced

→ For Serving

17 - Fritos Scoops corn chips

# Step-by-Step Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 180°C. Have all ingredients measured and prepared. Cook bacon ahead of time until crisp and chop finely.
02 - In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess fat if necessary.
03 - In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ground beef, cream cheese, Rotel tomatoes, chili starter, diced white onion, grated cheddar cheese, and all seasonings. Mix thoroughly until homogenous.
04 - Transfer the mixture to a buttered oven-safe skillet or baking dish. Smooth the top and bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, until hot and bubbly.
05 - Remove dip from oven and scatter crumbled crispy bacon over the top. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 3–5 minutes.
06 - Top with sliced green onions and additional toppings as desired. Serve immediately with Fritos Scoops for dipping.

# Helpful Notes:

01 - For best results, ensure cream cheese is completely softened before mixing for a smoother texture.
02 - Dip can be prepared in advance and stored refrigerated; reheat gently before serving.