Dried Beef Appetizer is a classic mid-century party dish that reflects the popularity of convenient, savory baked spreads served warm for entertaining. Often appearing on handwritten cards from the 1950s–1970s, this recipe combines chopped dried beef with cream cheese, sour cream, milk, and seasonings to create a rich, tangy, and deeply savory bake. A dash of Worcestershire sauce and prepared mustard adds sharpness, while green pepper brings a mild vegetal bite. Baked until hot and smooth, it was traditionally served with crackers or toasted bread and became a reliable choice for potlucks, cocktail parties, and family gatherings because it was easy to prepare, economical, and satisfying.
Ingredients
- 1 pkg dried beef (finely chipped)
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 2 tbsp milk
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 tbsp green pepper (chopped )
- 2 tbsp onion (minced)
- 1 dash Tabasco sauce
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Baking Dish
- Use a shallow pan or flat Pyrex casserole dish with a lid.
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
Step 2: Mix Base
- In a bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, and milk.
- Mix until smooth.260
Step 3: Add Remaining Ingredients4
- Stir in chipped dried beef, chopped green pepper, minced onion, and Tabasco sauce.11
- Mix thoroughly.22
- Step 4: Bake13
- Transfer mixture to prepared casserole dish.1
- Bake at 350°F for 15 minutes until hot and creamy.6
Tips
- Rinse dried beef briefly to reduce saltiness
- Serve with rye bread, crackers, or toast points
- Add a pinch of black pepper for extra bite
- Substitute chopped onion for green pepper
- Use low-fat cream cheese if desired
- Add a dash of hot sauce for heat
- Keep warm in a low oven for parties
- Double the recipe for potlucks
Nutrition
Calories: 260kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 11gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 13gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 65mgSodium: 980mgPotassium: 160mgFiber: 0.3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 780IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 120mgIron: 1.8mg
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