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Easy Taco Dip with Ground Beef Recipe

4.4 from 137 reviews

This Easy Taco Dip with Ground Beef is a crowd-pleasing appetizer perfect for game days, parties, or casual gatherings. It features layers of seasoned ground beef, creamy cheese mixtures, and flavorful toppings baked to bubbly perfection and served warm with tortilla chips.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Seasoning

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 cup salsa

Vegetables and Beans

  • 3/4 cup black beans (drained)
  • 3/4 cup corn (frozen, canned, or fresh)
  • 4 ounces green chilies (1 small can, drained)

Dairy

  • 16 ounces cream cheese (softened)
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 1/2 cups Monterey Jack cheese, divided (shredded)
  • 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, divided (shredded)

Optional Toppings

  • Chopped tomatoes
  • Chopped avocados
  • Chopped onions
  • Olives
  • Jalapenos

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 2.5-quart oblong casserole dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Cook Ground Beef: Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat until fully cooked and no longer pink. Drain any excess grease to keep the dish from becoming too oily.
  3. Add Seasonings and Veggies: Stir in the taco seasoning, 1/2 cup water, and salsa with the browned beef. Let it simmer over medium heat until most of the liquid evaporates. Then fold in the drained black beans and corn. Remove from heat to prevent overcooking.
  4. Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a separate bowl, blend the softened cream cheese and sour cream until smooth and creamy. Stir in 1/2 cup each of shredded Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses along with the drained green chilies to add a flavorful, melty base layer.
  5. Assemble the Dip: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly on the bottom of the prepared casserole dish. Layer the seasoned ground beef mixture evenly over the cheese layer. Finally, sprinkle the remaining 1 cup Monterey Jack and 1 cup cheddar cheese evenly on top to create a cheesy crust.
  6. Bake: Place the assembled casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes or until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly.
  7. Add Toppings and Serve: Remove from the oven and top with chopped tomatoes, onions, or your favorite taco toppings such as avocados, olives, or jalapenos. Serve warm with tortilla chips for dipping.
  8. Store Leftovers: Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container. The dip will stay good for 3-4 days.

Notes

  • For a spicier dip, add jalapenos or hot sauce to the ground beef mixture.
  • Use low-fat cream cheese and sour cream to reduce fat content.
  • Make sure to drain the ground beef well to avoid a greasy dip.
  • The dip can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated before baking; just add 5 extra minutes to baking time if baking from cold.
  • Serve with a variety of dippers such as tortilla chips, sliced bell peppers, or crackers.

Keywords: taco dip, ground beef dip, cheesy dip, Mexican appetizer, party dip