Name: Sunday Funday Dip Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1 Pound Ground Beef; 2 Oz Taco Seasoning Packets (2 packets total); 8 Oz Cream Cheese, room temperature; 1/2 Cup Salsa; 1 Cup Cheddar Cheese, hand shredded; Parsley for garnish (optional); Tortilla Chips

Sunday Funday Dip is the ultimate party appetizer, made with seasoned ground beef layered with cream cheese, salsa, and shredded cheddar cheese.

From the recipe collection of Tara Ippolito

This Sunday Funday Dip is the perfect appetizer to bring to your next party. It only requires five ingredients and couldn’t be easier to make. This is a guaranteed crowd pleaser that you’ll be sure to make again and again. This recipe got its name because I would always make it for football Sundays and it was always a huge hit.

The dip was so popular with my friends and family that they’d always ask if I was making "the dip" for Sunday Funday. And just like that, it became the Sunday Funday Dip. It really is a great name because it’s the perfect recipe to make on the weekend. That doesn’t mean you can only eat it on Sundays, though. It tastes just as awesome any day of the week. I hope you give this recipe a try. If you do, I know you’ll love it just as much as my family and friends.

Ingedients

Here are all of the ingredients that you'll need to make this delicious dip. You can find the full ingredients list along with measurements along with instructions on the recipe card below.

Ground Beef- The hearty meat base that makes this dip filling and satisfying.
Taco Seasoning- Two packets is the secret ingredient here. It will give the ground beef so much taco flavor. I used Old El Paso Original Taco Seasoning.
Salsa- Adds a bit of tang and moisture and also lightens the dip a bit. I used Tostitos Mild Chunky Salsa here.
Cream Cheese- The creamy, rich base that balances out the spiciness of the taco seasoned beef.
Cheddar Cheese- Adds a salty, cheesy layer that goes perfectly with the other ingredients.
Parsley- An optional garnish that gives the finished dip a pop of color.
Tortilla Chips- The perfect, sturdy chip to handle this dip. I love Tostitos Cantina chips for this.

Instructions

Heres the instructions on how to make this delicious dip. You can find the full ingredients list along with instructions on the recipe card below.

Preheat the oven to 350°.

First, make the ground beef according to the directions on the back of the taco seasoning packet. Spread the cream cheese on the bottom of an 8 x 8" baking dish followed by a layer of salsa. Add the taco seasoned ground beef and spread it out evenly over the salsa then sprinkle on the shredded cheddar cheese.

PRO TIP: Use room temperature cream cheese to make it more easily spreadable.

PRO TIP: Be sure to shred the cheddar cheese yourself and avoid the pre shredded stuff that comes in a bag. It will melt much better that way.

Then, place it into the center rack of the oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the sides are hot and bubbly. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes. Garnish with parsley (optional) and enjoy with tortilla chips!

PRO TIP: Baking it in the center rack of the oven will ensure proper heat distribution and the dip will cook evenly.

PRO TIP: Letting the dip sit before serving will allow everything to thicken up and settle avoiding a runny result.

Can I Make This Ahead Of Time?

Yes, this can be made ahead of time for sure. Just prep the layers, cover and refrigerate until you're ready to to bake it. If its going directly from fridge to the oven, add a few extra minutes of cooking time.

Can I Swap The Ground Beef Out For Something Else?

Yes, try ground chicken or turkey for a lighter version. They both work very well with the taco seasoning.

How Can I Make This Spicier?

Adding spice to this is super easy. Swap a regular taco seasoning packet for a hot and spicy one, use a hot salsa and choose a spicier cheese like pepper jack. You can also add a layer green chilis if you'd like to.

Storage

Let the dip cool completely and place it into an air tight container. It will last in the refrigerator for up to three days. This freezes well, too. Just place it into a freezer safe air tight container and it will last for up to three months.