Name: Stalekracker Gameday Meaty Cheese Dip Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 Pound Ground Beef; 3 Cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese; 1 Cup of Chicken Broth; 1 Can (14.5 Oz) Of Drained Diced Tomatoes; 1 Medium Chopped Onion; 2 Tablespoons of All-Purpose Flour; ½ Tablespoon Soy Sauce:; 2 Diced Jalapeños; 1 Tablespoon of Minced Garlic; 1 Teaspoon of Mustard; 1 Tablespoon of Cajun Seasoning; ½ Teaspoon of Cayenne Pepper

Jump to Recipe

Game days bring people together, and food makes everyone feel relaxed. Sharing food creates a friendly atmosphere. This dip does that every time.

This dip is easy to make, cheesy, meaty, and full of great flavor. If you want to impress your guests and leave them wanting more, this is the dip for you.

Before I share the steps, I want to assure you that you can cook from home just like I do. I keep things flexible, easy, and stress-free.

The Stalekracker Gameday Meaty Cheese Dip is easy to make, filling, and packed with flavor. Once you try it, you’ll understand why people keep asking for it.

Traditional Recipe vs. My Upgraded Version

The classic method combines beef, veggies, sauce ingredients, and cheese in one skillet, then cooks it under a broiler. My version maintains these main steps but focuses on achieving a better texture and flavor.

I simmer the mixture for a longer period to thicken the sauce. Another improvement is that I offer more options for changing ingredients, so beginners can easily follow the recipe without confusion. These steps make the dip smoother and tastier.

For two to three people, cut the recipe in half. If you are serving a large group, double the recipe and simmer it for a longer time. Keep the broiling time the same, as long as you spread the cheese evenly.

Stalekracker Gameday Meaty Cheese Dip Recipe

Ingredients for Stalekracker Gameday Meaty Cheese Dip

1 Pound Ground Beef: I prefer using 80/20 ground beef because it has enough fat to make the dip rich and creamy.

You can drain the fat after cooking if you choose a lighter version, but I usually leave it in for added flavor.

For a leaner option, you can use ground turkey, or for a spicier taste, try a mix of sausage and beef.

3 Cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese: It offers a smooth, melting dip that has a creamy texture. It is best to shred the cheese yourself, as pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents, which can make it harder to melt.

You can also use Colby Jack, pepper Jack (for extra heat), or a mix of half cheddar and half American cheese for an even smoother dip.

1 Cup of Chicken Broth: Use broth to thin the dip, allowing it to simmer and thicken properly. It also adds good flavor.

You can use beef broth for a stronger flavor, vegetable broth, or even water with a pinch of salt.

1 Can (14.5 Oz) Of Drained Diced Tomatoes: It lightens the dip and prevents it from being too heavy. Draining the tomatoes stops the dip from becoming watery.

You can use Rotel tomatoes for extra heat, 1½ cups of fresh diced tomatoes, or ½ cup of tomato sauce for a smoother texture.

1 Medium Chopped Onion: Adds sweetness and depth. The onion breaks down as the dip cooks and mixes into the beef.

You can also use shallots for a milder flavor, or substitute 1 tablespoon of onion powder if you don’t have fresh onions.

2 Tablespoons of All-Purpose Flour: To thicken the sauce and make the broth smooth and rich.

You can also use 1 tablespoon of cornstarch or 1 tablespoon of potato starch as substitutes. If you prefer a thinner dip, you can skip the flour.

½ Tablespoon Soy Sauce: This ingredient adds rich flavor and enhances the overall taste of the dish. It is a small amount but highly effective.

You can substitute it with ½ tablespoon of steak sauce or a splash of balsamic vinegar for a hint of sweetness.

2 Diced Jalapeños: Add heat and freshness. If you want a milder spice, remove the seeds.

You can also use pickled jalapeños or serrano peppers for more heat, or green chiles for a milder flavor.

1 Tablespoon of Minced Garlic: Adds warmth and flavor that goes well with beef.

You can substitute garlic powder (1 teaspoon) or roasted garlic paste (½ tablespoon) if needed.

1 Teaspoon of Mustard: Adds a sharp flavor that keeps the dip light and refreshing. You will not really taste the mustard, but you will notice the difference.

Use Dijon mustard or a small splash of pickle juice, which works well too.

1 Tablespoon of Cajun Seasoning: This mix adds the essential spicy flavor. If you want your cheese dip to taste authentic and meaty, include the Cajun heat.

You can also use Creole seasoning or a mix of chili powder, garlic powder, and paprika.

½ Teaspoon of Cayenne Pepper: Add a touch of heat to your dish. Alternatively, you can use red pepper flakes, spicy sauce, or chipotle powder for a smoky flavor.

Which Cooking Tools Make It Easier?

Just a few simple kitchen tools get the job done:

Large skillet or frying pan
Wooden spoon or meat-breaking tool
Knife and cutting board
Measuring spoons
Measuring cup
Cast-iron skillet or oven-safe pan
Toaster oven or oven with a broiler
Heat-safe spatula

How to Make Stalekracker Gameday Meaty Cheese Dip

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Heat your stovetop and place a skillet on medium heat. Add the ground beef and break it apart while it cooks. Keep cooking until the meat begins to brown.

Step 2: Add the Heat and Veggies

Once the beef is mostly brown, add the Cajun seasoning, cayenne pepper, diced onions, jalapeños, and garlic.

Mix everything and continue cooking until the meat is fully browned and the onions are soft.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

You can remove the fat if you want a lighter dip, but I usually keep it in because it makes the dip richer.

Pour in the chicken broth or beef broth. Add the diced tomatoes, mustard, Soy sauce, and flour or cornstarch. Stir everything well to mix. Let the dip simmer lightly.

Step 4: Let It Thicken

Lower the heat to medium and let it cook for about 20 to 25 minutes. Stir every few minutes to prevent the bottom from burning. The mix will thicken and turn hearty and saucy.

Step 5: Melt the First Layer of Cheese

When the sauce thickens, sprinkle half of the cheese over the beef mixture.

Instead of mixing, gently push the cheese into the center with a wooden spoon to make a creamy pocket that melts right into the dip.

Step 6: Add the Final Cheese Layer and Broil

Transfer everything to a cast-iron skillet. Add the remaining cheese on top. Preheat your broiler to 400°F.

Place the skillet under the broiler for about 5 minutes. The cheese should melt, bubble, and brown slightly. If you want, add parsley for color.

Chef’s advice to follow

Don’t rush the simmering process. First, check the recipe ingredients and adjust them after simmering, as leaving them unadjusted will result in a sauce that remains thin and watery.

Instead of mixing everything at once, focus on achieving a good balance.

Pre-shredded cheese can clump, so it’s best to avoid using it. Adding too much broth can ruin the taste. Keep a close eye on the broiler, as cheese can go from golden to burnt quickly.

Layer the cheese and let the sauce thicken slowly. To make the dip smoother and richer, melt half the cheese into the dip and push the rest to the center, rather than mixing it, to maintain a rich pocket of cheese.

Can This Dip be Stored?

You can make the dip a day ahead of time. The flavors get better if the dip sits overnight. To store, let the dip cool and place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

When you’re ready to serve, reheat the dip on the stove and add the final layer of cheese before broiling. If the dip is too thick, add a little broth to thin it out. The dip reheats well and keeps its original flavor.

You can freeze this dip, unlike most cheese dips. The meat and thick sauce help maintain a good texture in the freezer. Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

Thaw it in the fridge overnight before using it.

What Sides Go Best With This Dip?

You can serve this dip with tortilla chips, which are a classic choice. They hold the dip well and have a mild taste. Thick-cut potato chips are also good because they don’t break easily.

For something warm, try toasted bread slices or pretzel bites. If you want a lighter option, carrot sticks or celery sticks are nice, crunchy choices that won’t fill you up too much.

This dip is rich and bold, so using neutral sides helps balance the flavors. I served it with potato wedges, and everyone loved it. It also works well as a topping for nachos, baked potatoes, or fresh veggies.

You can spoon it over rice for a quick and filling dinner. The mixture of meat, cheese, and tomatoes is hearty enough to be a meal on its own.

If you add beans, corn, or extra vegetables, you can turn the dip into a complete one-pan meal with little additional effort.

FAQs

About the Stalekracker Gameday Meaty Cheese Dip Recipe

1. Can I add other vegetables to this dip?

Yes, you can add vegetables like bell peppers for sweetness, corn for crunch, and black beans for added texture and protein. You can also use mushrooms or mild green chiles for more flavor.

Just make sure to cook any extra vegetables with the onions first, as this helps them soften before adding the liquid, so everything stays tender and mixes well with the meat.

2. Can I make this dip without spicy ingredients for kids?

This dip has medium heat. Jalapeños and Cajun seasoning add flavor without being too hot. If you’re making it for kids or for people who are sensitive to spice, you can remove the jalapeño seeds or leave out the cayenne.

3. Can You Make This Recipe in a Crockpot or Smoker?

Yes, you can. In a crockpot, first, brown the beef. Then add all the ingredients except the cheese. Cook on high for two to three hours. Add the cheese at the end and stir it in.

In a smoker, use a cast-iron pan and set the temperature to 250°F. Cook the dip until the cheese has melted and the sauce has thickened.

4. What if I’m on a diet?

If you are on a low-carb diet, skip the flour and use more cheese as a substitute. For those following a keto diet, choose full-fat cheese and use beef broth. To save money, mix equal parts of beef and beans.

5. How can I adjust the consistency of this dip to suit my taste?

To make your dip thicker, simmer it for a longer period to allow more liquid to evaporate or add more cheese, as melted cheese thickens the dip.

If you prefer a thinner dip, stir in small amounts of broth until you achieve the desired texture.

Yield: 8