This layered taco dip starts with a creamy seasoned base, topped with savory ground beef, cheese, tomatoes, and olives. It's a flavorful, crowd-pleasing appetizer perfect with tortilla chips.
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When it comes to game day, casual get-togethers, or family movie nights, I always find myself making this ground beef dip. It's one of those recipes that never fails to please a crowd. I've brought this to potlucks, served it at birthday parties, and even whipped it up just for the three of us at home.
This dish always makes an appearance at our house during football season and around Cinco de Mayo. It's also become a go-to appetizer for holidays like the 4th of July and New Year's Eve. It brings everyone together around the snack table, dipping and chatting. If you're looking for something easy, fun, and guaranteed to get devoured, this layered taco dip is it.
Ingredients
- Lean ground beef - Adds a hearty, savory layer that makes the dip filling and flavorful.
- Water - Helps evenly distribute the taco seasoning and create a saucy texture for the beef.
- Taco seasoning - Brings bold, zesty flavor to both the beef and the creamy base.
- Sour cream - Adds a cool, tangy contrast to the seasoned beef and balances the flavors.
- Cream cheese - Creates a smooth, rich base that holds the layers together.
- Shredded cheddar cheese - Melts into the dip for a cheesy finish and extra flavor.
- Diced tomato - Adds a fresh, juicy pop that brightens up the dish.
- Sliced black olives - Brings a salty, briny bite that complements the creamy and savory layers.
Scroll down to the recipe card for quantities used.
Instructions
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the sour cream and cream cheese. Beat until smooth.
Mix in half a packet of taco seasoning until fully incorporated.
Spread the mixture evenly in the bottom of a 7x5-inch baking dish and place it in the refrigerator while you cook the beef.
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it's no longer pink.
Drain any excess grease, then stir in the other half packet of taco seasoning along with water.
Cook until the mixture thickens, then remove from the heat and allow it to cool slightly.
Spread the seasoned beef over the chilled cream cheese layer.
Top with shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, and olives. You can also sprinkle on some chopped green onions for added color.
Hint: Chill the cream cheese and sour cream layer before adding the warm beef. This helps keep the layers distinct and prevents the dip from getting runny.
Variations
Here are some easy and fun ways to customize this taco dip recipe:
- Swap the protein - Use ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian version.
- Spice it up - Add diced jalapeños, a dash of hot sauce, or use spicy taco seasoning for extra heat.
- Switch the cheese - Try a Mexican cheese blend, pepper jack, or queso fresco for different textures and flavors.
- Add more layers - Include refried beans, shredded lettuce, chopped avocado, or guacamole as an extra layer for more heartiness and color.
- Make it Mediterranean-inspired - Use ground lamb, Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, and top with cucumbers, feta, and red onions.
- Go Tex-Mex - Layer with corn, black beans, and green chilies to give it a Southwestern twist.
- Serve it deconstructed - Let guests build their own dip with garnishings on the side. It's perfect for picky eaters or dietary restrictions.
Tips
Top tip: Let the cream cheese sit at room temperature before mixing so it blends smoothly with the sour cream.
- Drain the beef well - Remove excess grease to keep the dip from becoming oily or soggy.
- Chill before serving - Giving the dip a little time in the fridge helps the layers set and the flavors meld.
- Use a clear dish - A glass baking dish lets guests see the colorful layers, making it extra appealing for parties.
- Serve with sturdy chips - Choose thick or scoop-style chips that can handle the dip without breaking.
Serving suggestions
I like to place this taco layer dip right in the center of the snack table, surrounded by tortilla chips or baked tortilla strips so everyone can dig in. Sometimes I switch things up with different dippers like pita chips, sliced bell peppers, or cucumber rounds for a low-carb option that's just as satisfying.
If you're hosting a themed taco night, this dip makes the perfect starter while everyone waits for the main course. It pairs well with enchiladas, chicken tacos, and burrito bowls! I've even served it as a light dinner with a simple chopped salad on busy weeknights when craving something quick but flavorful.
For larger gatherings, consider doubling the recipe and using a 9x13 dish to make sure there's plenty to go around. You can also prep it in individual cups for easy, grab-and-go servings. Or, serve it alongside Mexican cheese dip, salsa and beef con queso.
Storage
To store leftover layered taco dip, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Make sure to keep the dip chilled to maintain its freshness and prevent any of the ingredients from becoming soggy.
FAQs
Absolutely! You can swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a vegetarian version. You could also use black beans for a meat-free option that still has great flavor and texture.
The dip will last for up to 3 days in the fridge when stored in an airtight container. Just make sure to keep the fresh ingredients separate, especially if you're storing leftovers, to keep them crisp and fresh.
While the beef and cream cheese layers can technically be frozen, it's best to avoid freezing the entire dip, as the texture of the sour cream and fresh toppings can change after thawing. If you want to freeze it, freeze just the beef and cream cheese layer, then assemble the dip with fresh garnishings when you're ready to serve.
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Recipe
Layered Taco Dip
Ingredients
- ½ pound lean ground beef
- ⅓ cup water
- 1 ounce taco seasoning (1 packet) divided
- 1 cup sour cream
- 4 ounces cream cheese softened
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 small tomato seeds removed and diced
- ¼ cup sliced black olives
Instructions
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the sour cream and cream cheese. Beat until smooth.
- Mix in half packet of taco seasoning until fully incorporated.
- Spread the mixture evenly in the bottom of a7x5-inch baking dish and place it in the refrigerator while you cook the beef.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it's no longer pink.
- Drain any excess grease, then stir in the other half packet of tac o seasoning along with water.
- Cook until the mixture thickens, then remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly.
- Spread the seasoned beef over the chilled cream cheese layer.
- Top with shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, and olives.
- Serve with tortilla chips.
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