Slow Cooker Dips

At party time, have you ever wished that you had another set of hands? With your trusty slow cooker, you do. Count on this hardworking appliance—it’s more than willing to chip in and will help you turn ground beef into rich and wonderful party dips.

LOADED DOUBLE CHEESEBURGER DIP

Combine 2 pounds lean ground beef, 1 ½ cups chopped onion and 3 cloves minced garlic in a large skillet. While stirring, cook over medium-high heat until beef is crumbled and brown. Drain excess fat; discard fat. Transfer cooked meat to a 3 ½- to 4-quart slow cooker. Add 1 (15-ounce) jar cheese dip, ½ cup ketchup, ¼ cup yellow mustard and ¼ cup sweet pickle relish. Cover and cook on low setting for 3 to 4 hours. Serve, if desired, with oven-fried potato wedges. Makes 20 servings.

GERMAN KRAUT AND BEEF DIP

Brown 2 pounds lean ground beef in a large skillet until meat is crumbled. Drain excess fat; discard fat. Transfer cooked meat to a 3 ½- to 4-quart slow cooker. Stir in 8 chopped tomatoes, 4 chopped green bell peppers, 2 (27-ounce) cans drained sauerkraut and 2 (12-ounce) cartons reduced-fat sour cream. Cover and cook on low setting for 5 to 6 hours. Serve, if desired, with toasted cocktail rye bread. Makes 20 servings.

HOT NACHO DIP WITH BEEF AND BLACK BEANS

Brown 2 pounds lean ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat until beef is crumbled. Drain excess fat; discard fat. Transfer cooked meat to a 3 ½- to 4-quart slow cooker. Add 2 (14-ounce) cans diced tomatoes with green chiles, 2 pounds cubed processed cheese loaf, ⅔ cup sour cream, ½ cup chopped green onion, 2 (1-ounce) packages taco seasoning mix, 3 tablespoons minced jalapeño chile and 2 (15-ounce) cans rinsed and drained black beans. Cover and cook on low setting for 2 to 3 hours. Serve, if desired, with tortilla chips. Makes 20 servings.