This Taco Dip with Ground Beef, also known as 7 Layer Dip, is a crowd-pleasing appetizer perfect for parties, game days, or casual get-togethers! Imagine layers of savory ground beef, creamy refried beans, smooth cream cheese, and flavorful toppings like shredded cheese, tomatoes, olives, and green onions. This dip is easy to make and always a hit!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This recipe requires minimal cooking and simple assembly, making it perfect for beginner cooks or busy schedules.
- Crowd-Pleasing: This dip is always a hit at parties and gatherings, and it’s sure to be a crowd favorite.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the ingredients and toppings to your liking.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This dip can be made ahead of time, making it perfect for entertaining.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: Provides a savory and protein-rich base.
- Water: Helps to create a sauce with the taco seasoning.
- Taco seasoning: Adds a blend of spices for a classic taco flavor.
- Refried beans: Canned or homemade, forms the base layer.
- Sour cream: Adds creaminess and tanginess to the bean and cream cheese layers.
- Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dip.
- Cream cheese: Softened and adds a smooth and creamy layer.
- Cheddar cheese: Finely shredded and adds a melty, cheesy topping.
- Tomatoes: Diced and adds a juicy and slightly acidic flavor.
- Black olives: Sliced and adds a salty and briny flavor.
- Green onions: Diced and adds a fresh and pungent flavor.
Note: For exact measurements, see the recipe card below!
How to Make Taco Dip With Ground Beef
Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef
Place the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook until browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess grease from the pan.
Step 2: Season the Ground Beef
Return the skillet to the burner. Add the taco seasoning and water to the ground beef. Reduce the heat to medium and stir until well combined. Cook until most of the liquid has evaporated.
Step 3: Prepare the Bean Layer
In a medium bowl, mix together the refried beans, ยฝ cup of sour cream, and salt (if desired) until smooth. Set aside.
Step 4: Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer
In a separate medium bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese and 1 cup of sour cream until smooth.
Step 5: Assemble the Dip
Layer the dip in an 8×8 inch square pan. First, spread the refried bean mixture evenly on the bottom of the pan. Next, layer the cream cheese mixture over the beans. Add the seasoned ground beef on top of the cream cheese. Top with the shredded cheddar cheese.
Step 6: Add Toppings
Add the diced tomatoes and sliced black olives. Garnish the top with diced green onions.
Step 7: Serve
Serve the dip warm or refrigerate for later and serve cold. Serve with tortilla chips.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Use finely shredded cheese: Finely shredded cheese makes the dip easier to scoop and serve.
- Layer the ingredients evenly: This ensures that each bite has a balanced flavor.
- Adjust the seasonings: Taste the ground beef and bean layers before assembling the dip and adjust the seasonings as needed.
- Use softened cream cheese: Softened cream cheese blends more easily with the sour cream.
- Make it ahead of time: This dip can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
How to Serve
This Taco Dip with Ground Beef is best served with tortilla chips. Here are some other serving suggestions:
- Vegetable Sticks: Serve with carrot sticks, celery sticks, or bell pepper strips for a healthier option.
- Pita Chips: Pita chips add a crispy and flavorful alternative to tortilla chips.
- Crackers: Serve with your favorite crackers for a different texture.
Make Ahead and Storage
This Taco Dip with Ground Beef can be made ahead of time or stored for later.
Make Ahead
You can prepare the dip up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate.
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of ground meat?
Yes, you can! Ground turkey or ground chicken are great alternatives to ground beef.
2. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can! Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a blend of cheeses can be used.
3. Can I add other toppings?
Definitely! Feel free to add your favorite toppings, such as guacamole, sour cream, salsa, or jalapeรฑos.
4. Can I make this dip spicier?
Yes, you can! Add chopped jalapeรฑos or a spicier salsa to the ground beef mixture.
This Taco Dip with Ground Beef Recipe is a simple, flavorful, and customizable way to enjoy a delicious and crowd-pleasing appetizer. With its easy preparation, make-ahead convenience, and versatile ingredients, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again!
Taco Dip With Ground Beef (7 Layer Dip!) Recipe
- Prep Time: 23 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Dip
- Method: Stovetop, Layering
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Description
This Taco Dip with Ground Beef is a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s perfect for parties and gatherings! Layers of seasoned ground beef, refried beans, creamy sour cream, and all your favorite toppings create a flavorful and irresistible dip.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning (about 1 ounce)
- 2 cups refried beans (canned, about 16 ounces)
- 1 1/2 cups sour cream, divided (12 ounces)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (optional)
- 3/4 cup cream cheese, softened (about 6 ounces)
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, finely shredded (about 4 ounces)
- 1/2 cup tomatoes, diced (about 3 plum tomatoes or 1 1/4 large tomatoes)
- 2/3 cup black olives, sliced (about 3.8 to 4 ounces, canned)
- 3 green onions, green tops diced
Instructions
- Cook Ground Beef: Place ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook until no longer pink.
- Season Beef: Drain grease. Add taco seasoning and water. Reduce to medium heat and stir until liquid is mostly absorbed.
- Bean Layer: In a medium bowl, mix refried beans, ยฝ cup sour cream, and optional salt until smooth. Set aside.
- Cream Cheese Layer: In a separate medium bowl, mix cream cheese and 1 cup sour cream until smooth.
- Assemble Dip: Layer the dip in an 8×8 inch square pan:
- Evenly spread refried bean mixture on the bottom.
- Layer cream cheese mixture over the beans.
- Layer ground beef over the cream cheese.
- Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Add diced tomatoes and sliced black olives.
- Garnish with diced green onions.
- Serve: Serve warm or refrigerate and serve cold with tortilla chips.
Notes
- Add ยผ teaspoon salt to the refried bean layer if they are unsalted.
- Finely shredded cheese is recommended for easier dipping.
- Layering the ground beef in the middle provides the best flavor.
- Refrigerate leftovers and consume within 2-3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/10 of dip
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *