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