The following recipe is an ideal “party food” and is quick and easy to prepare.  It travels well and is a big hit at staff get-togethers or potluck events.  Though it’s technically an appetizer, our family sometimes makes a meal out of this warm and hearty dish.  (Serve it with a salad to balance out the meal.)

INGREDIENTS

• 1 pound of ground beef
• 1 pound of mild ground sausage (e.g. Jimmy Dean, Bob Evans, Tennessee Pride)
• 1 can of undiluted nacho cheese soup
• 1 can of undiluted cheddar cheese soup
• 1 can of Ro-Tel (optional)
• 8 ounces of Velveeta Cheese, cubed (This is half of a standard block)
• Large bag of Tortilla Chips (I prefer to use Tostitos Scoops)

INSTRUCTIONS

Brown and drain the ground beef and sausage and place in a large crockpot.  Add both cans of soup (and Ro-Tel if you want a spicier flavor) and mix with a spoon.  Add cubes of Velveeta on top of the mixture.  Set crockpot to low and heat for ~30 minutes.  Serve with tortilla chips.

The recipe is quick and simple.  I often mix together the ingredients in advance and then heat up the dip about a half hour before I leave for the event.  It’s better if kept warm, so I often serve it in the crockpot set to low.

The recipe can also be prepared in a baking dish and heated in the oven.  Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes or until cheese is bubbly.