Description
A quick, 10-minute active party appetizer that mimics the flavors of a classic cheeseburger with ground beef, crispy bacon, tangy pickles, and melted cheese, served hot and creamy.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/2 cup sweet pickle relish
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce (no-salt-added)
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup low-moisture mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 4–6 dill pickle spears, sliced (for garnish)
- 2 stalks green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Splash of milk or beef broth (optional, for consistency)
Instructions
- Prep ingredients: Cook bacon until crispy and crumble; mince garlic; dice onion; shred cheeses; soften cream cheese.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and diced onion, breaking up the beef with a spoon. Cook for 8-10 minutes until browned and onions are soft.
- Drain most of the grease from the skillet, leaving about 1 tablespoon for flavor.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic and pickle relish; cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add tomato sauce and ketchup; stir to combine and simmer for 2 minutes.
- Remove skillet from heat. Add softened cream cheese in chunks and stir gently until melted and incorporated.
- Return skillet to low heat. Gradually add shredded cheddar and mozzarella, stirring constantly until melted and gooey. Add a splash of milk if too thick.
- Stir in half of the crumbled bacon. Taste and adjust salt if needed.
- Transfer to a serving dish or keep in the skillet. Top with remaining bacon, sliced pickles, and green onions.
- Serve immediately with pretzel bites, chips, or bread.
Notes
Do not overcook the beef to keep it juicy. Use full-fat dairy for the best creamy texture. Control salt carefully as bacon and cheese are already salty. This dip does not freeze well due to the dairy; store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat gently with a splash of milk.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of the recipe
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 28
- Saturated Fat: 14
- Carbohydrates: 8
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 22
Keywords: tailgate dip, cheeseburger dip, bacon dip, party appetizer, quick recipes, game day food, hot dip, comfort food