Description
Creamy “Pizza Dip” delivers classic Italian flavors in a delightful appetizer perfect for game day or casual gatherings. Melted cheese, zesty marinara, and savory pepperoni create an irresistible dip you’ll crave at every party.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
- 1 (8 ounces/226 grams) pepperoni stick, diced small
Cheese:
- 1 ¾ pounds (794 grams) Velveeta cheese, diced
- Mozzarella cheese, for garnish (optional)
Seasonings and Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 cup marinara sauce
Serving:
- Tortilla chips or breadsticks, for serving
Instructions
- Sizzle ground beef and pepperoni in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat, rendering the meat until golden brown and releasing its flavorful oils.
- Eliminate excess fat from the meat mixture, ensuring a clean, concentrated base for the dip.
- Enhance the protein blend with aromatic seasonings: onion powder, Italian herbs, garlic powder, and a hint of red pepper flakes for subtle heat.
- Pour marinara sauce into the seasoned meat, creating a robust, tangy foundation that melds all flavors harmoniously.
- Introduce Velveeta cheese to the skillet, gently stirring until the cheese transforms into a luxurious, velvety texture that coats the meat evenly.
- Relocate the molten dip into a serving vessel, creating an inviting presentation for immediate enjoyment.
- Optional: Crown the dip with a delicate sprinkle of shredded mozzarella and a whisper of Italian seasoning for an extra layer of visual and gustatory appeal.
- Accompany the warm, decadent dip with crisp tortilla chips or rustic breadsticks, perfect for scooping and savoring every indulgent bite.
Notes
- Customize meat options by swapping ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter version.
- Control spice levels by adjusting red pepper flakes or omitting them completely for a milder taste profile.
- Elevate serving styles by using toasted baguette slices, pita chips, or fresh vegetable sticks as alternative dipping options.
- Prepare dip ahead of time by storing in a slow cooker on
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 950 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg