The Ultimate One-Pan Hatch Chili-Cheese Dip Recipe for Game Day

Salty, creamy dreams come alive in this irresistible one-pan hatch chili-cheese dip that’ll make you the ultimate party hero.

Melted cheese blankets roasted hatch chilies in a symphony of southwestern flavors.

Sharp cheddar mingles with smoky peppers, creating a delectably gooey canvas.

Comfort food meets spicy excitement in every single scoop.

Weeknight cravings or game day gatherings demand this simple yet spectacular dish.

Quick preparation means you’ll spend more time enjoying and less time cooking.

Dive into this crowd-pleasing sensation that promises to steal the spotlight at any gathering.

What’s to Love About One-Pan Hatch Chili-Cheese Dip

Simplify Kitchen Magic: Create a mouthwatering one-pan meal that requires minimal cleanup and delivers maximum flavor in just a few easy steps.

Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Packed with bold Hatch chile spiciness and melted cheese, this dip satisfies hungry crowds at parties, game nights, or casual gatherings with its irresistible southwestern-style appeal.

Protein-Packed Versatility: Enjoy a protein-rich dish that works perfectly as an appetizer, main course, or shareable snack – easily adaptable for different eating preferences and occasions with simple ingredient swaps.

Quick and Effortless Cooking: Made entirely in a single cast iron pan, this recipe eliminates complicated techniques, reduces dishwashing time, and allows home cooks of all skill levels to create a delicious, restaurant-quality dish without stress.

Ingredients for One-Pan Hatch Chili-Cheese Dip

• Ground Beef: Fresh and lean meat perfect for a hearty dip.
• Jalapeno: Spicy pepper that adds a nice kick to the dish.

• Cheddar Cheese, Monterrey Jack Cheese: Sharp and melty cheeses that create a creamy texture.

• Onion: Sweet and savory base for the dip.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that enhances overall flavor.
• Hatch Chiles: Mild green chiles with a subtle southwestern taste.
• Canned Tomatoes: Juicy and tangy base for the dip.

• Chili Powder, Basil, Cumin, Salt, Pepper: Warm and complementary spices that build depth.

• Olive Oil: Smooth oil for sautéing ingredients.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional spicy topping for extra heat.
• Fresh Herbs: Optional garnish for color and freshness.

• Tortilla Chips, Veggie Sticks: Crunchy dippers for the cheesy mixture.

How to Make Hatch Chili-Cheese Dip

Step 1: Sauté Aromatic Veggies

Heat olive oil in a cast iron pan over medium heat.

Toss in chopped onions and jalapeños, letting them dance and soften for 6-7 minutes.

Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until the kitchen fills with a mouthwatering fragrance.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Introduce ground beef to the pan, crumbling it with a wooden spoon.

Let the meat sizzle and brown for about 5 minutes, creating a rich, golden base for your dip.

Step 3: Infuse with Flavor Boosters

• Chopped Hatch chiles
• Canned tomatoes with their juice

Cook for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to mingle and get to know each other.

Step 4: Spice up the Mixture

• Chili powder
• Dried basil
• Ground cumin
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir thoroughly and let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes, building layers of delicious flavor.

Step 5: Cheese Finale

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Monterey Jack cheese

Transfer the pan to a preheated oven at 350°F.

Bake for 10 minutes until the cheese transforms into a bubbling, golden blanket.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Pull the pan from the oven.

Scatter fresh herbs and red pepper flakes on top if you’re feeling fancy.

Serve piping hot alongside crispy tortilla chips or fresh veggie sticks for the ultimate crowd-pleasing dip.

Tips for Creamy One-Pan Cheese Dip

• Cast iron skillet works best for achieving even heat distribution and creating a delicious crispy bottom layer for your dip.
• After browning the ground beef, carefully drain any extra fat to prevent the dip from becoming too greasy and maintain a perfect texture.
• Adjust the heat by removing seeds from jalapeños or selecting mild Hatch chiles if you prefer a less spicy dish for sensitive palates.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like pepper jack, smoked gouda, or queso fresco to create unique flavor profiles that suit your taste.
• Swap ground beef with black beans, plant-based crumbles, or roasted vegetables to transform this recipe into a delicious meat-free option that's equally satisfying.

Storing and Reheating the Chili-Cheese Dip

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days to maintain optimal flavor and safety.
• Transfer portions to a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely with a paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals. Stir between intervals to distribute heat evenly and prevent cold spots.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, place dip in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through, stirring occasionally to restore creamy texture.
• After reheating, sprinkle fresh herbs or additional cheese on top to revive the dish's vibrant appearance and add a burst of flavor.

What to Pair with Hatch Chili-Cheese Dip

• Flavor Fusion Companions: Crisp Mexican Lager pairs perfectly with the spicy, cheesy dip, balancing heat with refreshing coolness.
• Southwest Sidekick: Homemade guacamole adds creamy texture and complements the robust beef and chile flavors, creating a delightful flavor harmony.
• Crunch Factor: Blue corn tortilla chips provide a sturdy, slightly nutty base that stands up to the rich, melted cheese and hearty meat mixture.
• Bright Palate Cleanser: Fresh pico de gallo with cilantro cuts through the richness, offering a zesty, light counterpoint to the heavy dip.

Cheese Dip Styles and Twists

• Vegetarian Version: Replace ground beef with black beans or plant-based meat crumbles for a protein-packed meat alternative that keeps the hearty flavor profile intact.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap regular cheese with dairy-free cheese alternatives made from cashews or almond milk, ensuring those with lactose intolerance can enjoy the same spicy, cheesy experience.
• Low-Carb Option: Use cauliflower instead of beans as a base, reducing carbohydrate content while maintaining the rich, savory essence of the original one-pan dish.
• Keto-Friendly Variation: Increase ground beef quantity, eliminate tomatoes, and use full-fat cheese to create a higher fat, lower carb version that fits ketogenic dietary requirements.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great lean alternative that works perfectly in this recipe. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly and drain any excess fat.

• How spicy is this Hatch Chili-Cheese Dip?

The spice level depends on your jalapeno and Hatch chiles. For less heat, remove the seeds from peppers or use mild Hatch chiles. For more kick, keep the seeds or add extra red pepper flakes.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

The base recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure your canned tomatoes and spices are certified gluten-free, and serve with gluten-free tortilla chips if needed.

• Can I make this dip ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the beef mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, add the cheese and bake until melted and bubbly.

One-Pan Hatch Chili-Cheese Dip Recipe

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4.7 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Southwestern comfort takes center stage with this irresistible one-pan hatch chili-cheese dip, blending spicy peppers and creamy cheese into a quick and crowd-pleasing appetizer. Guests will devour this zesty Mexican-inspired treat that brings bold flavors and easy preparation to any gathering.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound ground beef

Peppers and Vegetables:

• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 jalapeno pepper, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• 6 ounces (170 grams) roasted Hatch chili peppers, chopped
• 14-ounce (400 grams) can chopped tomatoes

Seasonings and Cheese:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterrey Jack cheese

Garnish:

• Chopped fresh herbs
• Chips for serving

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and position a cast iron pan on the stovetop over medium heat.
2. Drizzle olive oil into the pan and sauté chopped onions and jalapeños until they become translucent and tender, approximately 6-7 minutes.
3. Introduce minced garlic to the pan and cook for an additional minute, releasing its aromatic essence.
4. Crumble ground beef into the pan, using a wooden spoon to break it into small pieces, and brown thoroughly on all sides.
5. Incorporate chopped Hatch chiles and canned tomatoes with their liquid, stirring to combine and allowing the ingredients to simmer together.
6. Sprinkle chili powder, basil, cumin, salt, and pepper across the mixture, blending the spices evenly throughout the beef and vegetable base.
7. Let the mixture cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to intensify and meld together.
8. Distribute shredded cheddar and Monterrey Jack cheeses uniformly across the surface of the beef mixture.
9. Transfer the cast iron pan directly into the preheated oven and bake until the cheese melts completely and develops a golden, bubbly texture.
10. Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh chopped herbs and a light dusting of red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
11. Serve immediately alongside crisp tortilla chips or fresh vegetable sticks for dipping.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian version that maintains the rich, hearty texture and flavor profile.
• Reduce heat sensitivity by removing jalapeno seeds or substituting with milder green chiles for a kid-friendly adaptation.
• Control sodium levels by using low-sodium tomatoes and reducing added salt, making this dish more heart-healthy without compromising taste.
• Boost nutritional value by adding extra vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini during the sautéing stage for increased fiber and micronutrients.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg