Super Fast Mexican Meat and Cheese Dip
Here is how to make a super fast, super easy Mexican Meat and Cheese Dip. And--it is delicious with tortilla chips!
Here is how to make a super fast, super easy Mexican Meat and Cheese Dip. And--it is delicious with tortilla chips!
- Carbohydrate 6.915475 g
- Cholesterol 59.30719003125 mg
- Fat 18.4897523125 g
- Fiber 0.518000007718802 g
- Protein 17.470679625 g
- Saturated Fat 9.8546961484125 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (131g)
- Sodium 1055.2006852625 mg
- Sugar 6.3974749922812 g
- Trans Fat 1.27399406290625 g
- Calories 264 calories
Step-by-step
- In a large, deep skillet, brown the 1/2 pound ground beef with the 1/4 pound ground sausage.
- Pour off any excess fat.
- Add 1 pound of cheese spread, cut into cubes, and 1 cup salsa.
- Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until cheese melts.
- Use kitchen shears to mince some fresh cilantro over the top, if desired.
- Serve immediately with tortilla chips for dipping!
Protein Alternatives and Fat Content
Swapping the ground pork sausage for chorizo introduces extra moisture and rendered fat that must be drained completely before the dairy goes into the pan. Leaner beef cuts under 15 percent fat require an extra tablespoon of neutral oil to prevent scorching during the initial browning phase. When substituting ground turkey for beef, expect a milder flavor profile that benefits from an extra pinch of cumin.
Melting the Dairy Base
Processed cheese products contain emulsifiers like sodium citrate, which prevent the fats and proteins from separating over direct heat. Using natural cheddar instead requires grating it by hand and whisking in a tablespoon of cornstarch to stabilize the emulsion against graininess. Maintain a low flame below 200 degrees Fahrenheit while melting to ensure the proteins do not tighten into rubbery clumps.
Accompaniments and Texture Contrast
Pairing this heavy dip with warm, salted restaurant-style tortilla chips provides necessary structural crunch to balance the smooth mouthfeel of the melted cheese. Keep the dip in a slow cooker set to the warm setting for up to two hours during gatherings, stirring occasionally to prevent a skin from forming on the surface.
