Description
Mexican-inspired Cheesy Taco Dip brings sizzling layers of flavor to your next gathering. Creamy cheese, zesty seasoned ground beef, and fresh toppings create an irresistible appetizer you’ll crave at every party.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Protein:
- 1 pound (450 grams) ground beef
- 1 packet (1 ounce / 28 grams) taco seasoning mix
- ¼ cup (60 milliliters) water
Cheese and Dairy:
- 8 ounces (225 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) sour cream
- 1 ½ cups (150 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup (100 grams) shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Tomatoes and Toppings:
- 1 (10 ounces / 280 grams) can of diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
- ¼ cup (25 grams) chopped green onions
- ¼ cup (25 grams) diced tomatoes or pico de gallo
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- Sliced jalapenos (for spice)
Instructions
- Prepare the savory meat base by sizzling ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Crumble the protein thoroughly while cooking, ensuring even browning. Drain excess fat and infuse with zesty taco seasoning, allowing the mixture to simmer and develop rich flavors.
- Create a creamy foundation by whisking together softened cream cheese, tangy sour cream, and diced tomatoes with green chilies. Blend until the mixture achieves a uniform, silky consistency that will serve as the dip’s luxurious bottom layer.
- Select an oven-safe dish and spread the velvety cream cheese mixture across the bottom, creating an even, smooth surface. Artfully distribute the seasoned ground beef over this creamy canvas, ensuring complete coverage.
- Generously sprinkle a lavish blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses across the top, creating a tempting golden blanket that promises melty deliciousness. Slide the assembled dip into a preheated oven at 375F, allowing the cheese to transform into a bubbling, golden masterpiece.
- After 15-20 minutes of baking, retrieve the dip when the cheese reaches a perfect molten state with enticing golden edges. Enhance the presentation by scattering vibrant garnishes like chopped green onions, fresh diced tomatoes, fragrant cilantro, or fiery jalapeños across the surface.
- Serve immediately while warm, accompanied by crisp tortilla chips, rustic crackers, or fresh vegetable sticks for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that promises to tantalize taste buds.
Notes
- Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier dip option.
- Customize the spice level by adjusting the amount of taco seasoning or using mild/hot varieties.
- Drain ground beef thoroughly to prevent a greasy texture in the final dish.
- Consider using low-fat cream cheese and sour cream for a lighter version of the dip.
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for alternative protein sources.
- Prepare the dip ahead of time and refrigerate before baking for easier party preparation.
- Experiment with different cheese blends like pepper jack or queso fresco for unique flavor profiles.
- Add a layer of black beans or refried beans for extra texture and protein boost.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg