Today, I wanted to share a delicious yet easy hot chip beef dip I’ll make for the holidays. One of my favorite things about holiday meals, particularly Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve, is the variety of food prepared, especially the appetizers.
I like this one for several reasons, but one key reason is that it’s an easy appetizer to prepare, and I have all the necessary ingredients on hand without needing another trip to the grocery store. We should all have a section in our recipe box or folder entitled “Appetizers.” That way, the search shouldn’t be difficult when it comes time to find that special appetizer recipe we’re looking for.
If you’re looking for a bold, creamy appetizer that takes almost no effort and delivers big flavor, Easy Hot Chip Beef Dip deserves a spot on your table. This retro-inspired dip is rich, savory, and just a little spicy; precisely the kind of comfort food that keeps everyone hovering around the snack table.
Perfect for game day, holiday gatherings, potlucks, or casual weekends at home, hot chip beef dip is one of those tried-and-true favorites that people remember long after the party ends.
Why Everyone Loves Hot Chip Beef Dip
There’s a reason this dip has stood the test of time. It checks all the boxes:
- Creamy and hearty thanks to a smooth, cheesy base
- Savory and satisfying with seasoned beef in every bite
- Mild heat that adds flavor without overpowering
- Easy to make ahead, making hosting stress-free
This is the kind of dip that feels indulgent but familiar—comfort food at its finest.
What Makes This Dip So Flavorful
Hot chip beef dip is all about balance. The richness of the creamy base pairs perfectly with seasoned beef, while the addition of spicy elements adds just enough kick to wake up your taste buds. When everything is blended and warmed, the flavors meld into a smooth, scoopable dip that’s impossible to resist.
The texture is another standout—thick enough to cling to chips, yet soft and creamy enough to spread effortlessly.
A Little History Behind Hot Chip Dips
Hot chip dips became popular in American kitchens during the mid-20th century, especially at family gatherings and holiday parties. They were known for using pantry staples, being easy to prepare, and feeding a crowd without much fuss.
Over the years, variations popped up everywhere, with beef becoming a popular addition for those who wanted something heartier. Today, hot chip beef dip continues that tradition; simple, nostalgic, and perfect for sharing.
When to Serve Easy Hot Chip Beef Dip
This dip shines at just about any gathering, including:
- Game day parties and tailgates
- Holiday appetizer spreads
- Potlucks and family reunions
- Movie nights and casual get-togethers
It’s especially popular during fall and winter when warm, comforting appetizers are in high demand.
What to Serve With Hot Chip Beef Dip
While classic potato chips are the go-to choice, this dip pairs beautifully with a variety of dippers:
- Ridged potato chips for maximum scoopability
- Tortilla chips for a heartier crunch
- Crackers or pretzel crisps for added texture
- Toasted baguette slices for a more elevated option
- Fresh veggie sticks if you want a lighter contrast
No matter what you serve it with, expect the bowl to empty quickly.
Make-Ahead and Hosting Tips
One of the best things about hot chip beef dip is how host-friendly it is. It can be prepared in advance and gently reheated when you’re ready to serve. Keep it warm during parties so it stays creamy and easy to scoop, and be sure to make extra—this dip always goes fast.
If you have all your recipes in digital format on your computer, all the better. Some cooks may label this a classic appetizer, often referred to as a “hot chipped beef dip recipe” or “dried beef dip recipe,” but no matter what you call it, this recipe is a hit for any occasion.
After the holidays, many in the family hung out and ate leftovers we had stored in the refrigerator. They watched football on what they called “game day” due to all the college conference rivalry games on TV. Mark is a real sports fan who indulged in this easy hot-chip beef dip for much of the weekend.
Items You May Need In The Kitchen:
- Silicone Cutting Boards (I highly recommend these!)
- Baking Pan or Microwaveable Pan
- Hand Mixer
- A Good Knife
- Measuring Cups and Measuring Spoons
Hot Chip Beef Dip Ingredients
- Dried Chipped Beef: Savory beef salted, pressed, dried, and sliced into thin, delectable pieces of smoked beef.
- Cream Cheese is a soft, creamy, mild-tasting cheese made with milk and cream. It’s the perfect cheese for this appetizer!
- Sour Cream: This dip uses sour cream, which has a 20% fat content and is mixed with lactic acid to create that sour taste we all love. It also helps to thicken the cream.
- Green Onions: Green onions or “scallions” are typical names for a long, thin, tubular edible plant with an oniony flavor.
- Milk: Its fat content helps produce a moist, creamy dip and enriches the flavor of the other ingredients.
Easy Hot Chip Beef Dip
Instructions
Step One: Gather the Ingredients
The list of ingredients is short. Of course, the cream cheese, sour cream, and dried beef are key to the recipe.
Step Two: Soften the Cream Cheese
Since this is a dip, the cream cheese must be softened in a bowl or small baking dish so you can easily dip your chips or crackers into it. I like to let the cream cheese sit at room temperature while I prepare the other ingredients. I have also warmed it in the microwave at 30-second intervals if I am short on time.
Step Three: Cut the Chip Beef
I have Mark rinse the dried beef in the jars to remove any extra salt/sodium. Then he’ll cut or chop the meat into thin slices so they are easily stirred in the dip mixture and stay on the chip or cracker when eaten.
Step Four: Add the Sour Cream
Adding the sour cream also makes the dip softer and easier to work with, and it adds a slight tartness to the flavors.
Step Five: Mix until Creamy
Mix the ingredients in the bowl using a hand mixer or by hand, if preferred. Ensure it has a creamy texture since it will be used as a tasty dip. You can heat it in your microwave oven at 30-second intervals if you feel that will help soften the mixture. This is one of the appetizers we make that doesn’t require baking.
Step Six: Add the Chip Beef
Now add the cut beef. Stir until thoroughly blended with the sour cream and cream cheese mixture.
Finished Product
Once the beef is blended into the dip mixture, you’ll top it off with the cut-up green onions. Onions are consistently added to our recipe, but others often add pecans, green peppers, black pepper, garlic powder, or other favorites to this dip for added flavor.
Be sure to store this appetizer in the fridge until it’s ready to be served so it stays as fresh as possible. It may thicken up a bit, but it should soften once left on the counter for a few minutes at room temperature. We usually warm it up in the microwave to serve it hot!
Easy Hot Chip Beef Dip Recipe
Hot Chip Beef Dip
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup chip beef or ham, cut into small pieces
- 2 tablespoons fresh green onion, chopped
- 2 tablespoons Milk (delete this if you want it thicker)
Instructions
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Gather all of your ingredients.
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Soften the cream cheese in a small bowl or baking dish so you can dip your chips or crackers with ease in the softened cream cheese. I like to allow the cream cheese to sit at room temperature as I prepare the other ingredients. I have also warmed it in the microwave at 30 second intervals, if i am a little short on time.
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Rinse the beef to remove any excess salt/sodium. Cut or chop the beef into thin slices so it can be more easily stirred into the dip mixture and stay on the chip or cracker when eaten.
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Add the sour cream. The sour cream makes the dip more soft and easy to work with, besides adding a little tart taste to the flavors in the dip.
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Mix the ingredients in the bowl using a hand mixer, or by hand, if preferred. Make sure it has a creamy texture since it will be used as a tasty dip. You can heat it in your microwave oven, at 30 second intervals, if you feel that will help soften the mixture.
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Now add the beef that's been cut. Continue to stir until fully blended with the sour cream and cream cheese mixture.
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Once the beef is blended in the dip mixture, you'll top things off with the cut-up green onions. The onions are always added to our recipe, but others will often add things like pecans, green peppers, black pepper spice, garlic powder, or other favorites to add a unique flavor to this dip. Serve with Fritos or your favorite crackers.
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Be sure to store this appetizer in the fridge until it's ready to be served, so it stays as fresh as possible. It may thicken up a bit, but should soften up some once left on the counter for a few minutes at room temperature.
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We warm it up in the microwave to serve it hot with Frito chips!
Should Dried Chip Beef Be Rinsed Before Cooking?
The beef we use for this dip has already been cooked, so it doesn’t need additional cooking. We’ve found the meat to be pretty salty, so we’ve always rinsed it first.
You can try using it right out of the jar and decide for yourself. Eating it that way isn’t unhealthy unless you should reduce your salt intake.
Is Hormel Dried Beef the Same as Chipped Beef?
As you can see from the picture, we used Armour Dried Beef. That’s what was available at my local store, but we’ve used the Hormel product in the past, and they both work fine for flavor and texture. Buddig Beef also carries delicious dried chipped beef, and it may be less expensive.
Why is this Hot Chip Beef Dip called “SOS” food?
When Mark and I were dating, he visited my family for Thanksgiving one year. My dad told him we would have “s__t on a shingle” as an appetizer. It took Mark a while to figure out what my dad meant.
I guess it had been called that for many years, not just in my family. We’ve made it a practice to call it “chip” or “chipped beef” in our household, just taking a more conservative approach.
What Other Meats Can Be Used in This Hot Chip Beef Dip Recipe to Substitute for the Chipped Beef?
I know other families have used cooked chicken breasts and tuna in place of beef. We’ve enjoyed the meat and haven’t tried the different options.
What Chips or Crackers Work Best With This Hot Chip Beef Dip?
Our favorite has always been Fritos corn chips. They taste great and seem to hold up best when dipped.
I did see a few family members using other crackers from the appetizer table, such as Chicken In a Biscuit, Triscuit, Wheat Thins of all varieties, and even the baguette slices we had out. You could try some tortilla chips, too, but depending on the chips’ flavor, they may change the dip’s flavor.
Is This Hot Chip Beef Dip Appetizer Good for You?
With all the dairy products and meat in this dip, it’ll have a fair amount of calories and a good amount of protein. With the chips and crackers added, I don’t think it qualifies as low-carb. There isn’t much fiber unless you consider the corn from the Fritos in that category.
Final Word
I tend to be a snacker and find appetizers like this one a real temptation. I try to limit what I eat during the holidays, and having this delicious hot chip beef dip close by challenges that goal. Easy Hot Chip Beef Dip is the kind of appetizer that brings people together. It’s comforting, flavorful, and effortlessly crowd-pleasing.
Whether you’re hosting a big gathering or just want a cozy snack to share, this classic dip delivers every time. Simple ingredients, bold flavor, and endless compliments; what more could you ask for?
The way the sour cream, cream cheese, green onion, and chip beef come together to create this creamy and luscious dip hits the spot every time. Many friends and family have asked for this recipe! So ensure you’re ready to share it when you take this dip to a family get-together!
Trying different meats, toppings, chips, and crackers can make this easy hot chip beef dip a real adventure at mealtime. If you make yours differently, I’d love to hear about your changes in the comments. Let’s share our food prep ideas with others so they can find joy in new and fun recipes. May God bless this world. Linda
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