There's nothing like gathering 'round the table for game day, a casual get-together, or even just a fun family night, and having a hearty, comforting dish to share. That's where my Slow Cooker Hamburger Dip comes in—it's like the warmth of a Midwestern hug in the form of a delicious, savory snack. This dip has its roots in the simple, satisfying meals that are a staple in small-town life, where a potluck is never complete without something you can scoop up with a chip. Folks might want to make this dip because it's easy, it's filling, and, most importantly, everybody from the little ones to Grandpa Joe will be coming back for seconds, or, dare I say, thirds!

Serve up this hearty dip with a side of tortilla chips, carrot sticks, celery, or even little toasted bread cubes for dipping. And if you're feeling extra festive, sprinkle some diced tomatoes and shredded lettuce on the side to add a fresh crunch that pairs so nicely with that savory dip.

Servings: 8-10 servings

Ingredients:

- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (16 oz.) block of Velveeta cheese, cut into cubes
- 1 (10 oz.) can of diced tomatoes and green chilies (e.g., Rotel), undrained
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic until the beef is browned and the onion is tender. Drain any excess grease.

2. Transfer the cooked meat mixture to your slow cooker.

3. Add the cubed Velveeta cheese and the can of diced tomatoes and green chilies to the slow cooker.

4. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, and paprika. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.

5. Cover and cook on LOW for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally until the cheese is completely melted and the dip is hot throughout.

6. Once the cheese is melted and the dip is heated through, stir in the sour cream until the dip is smooth and creamy.

7. Taste and then season with salt and pepper. Adjust the seasoning, if necessary.

8. Keep the slow cooker on the WARM setting as you serve to keep it nice and hot!

Variations & Tips:

For the families with little ones who might be a tad picky, feel free to switch out the Rotel for a milder can of plain diced tomatoes. If the kiddos are downright spice-averse, you can skip the chili powder and cumin altogether and just go with a bit of salt and pepper.

To make this a bit more 'grown-up' for an adult gathering, you can add a teaspoon of your favorite hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to give it an extra kick. And for those who look for that smoky flavor, a half teaspoon of smoked paprika can give this dish a whole new depth.

If you need this to be a little lighter, consider using ground turkey instead of beef, and a reduced-fat Velveeta.

This dip also freezes well. Just cool it down completely after cooking, package it in airtight containers, and store it in the freezer. When you're ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge and then reheat it gently on the stove or back in the slow cooker, stirring well and maybe adding a splash of milk to keep it smooth.

Remember, the key to a great dish is to make it with love—don't be afraid to tweak the recipe to suit your family's tastes. Happy dipping!

Copyright 2016 Cooktop Cove