Taco Dip with Meat

Loaded with layers of sour cream, seasoned beef, cheese, and fresh produce, this easy taco dip with meat is a party classic.

Taco dip is the ultimate party appetizer for your game day spread or whenever you are looking for a sure crowd pleaser! This hearty dip is piled with your favorite toppings and will keep your next party going long after your guests have worn out their welcome. Best of all, it is easy to prepare and can even be made in advance.

What is it?

This delicious taco dip with meat differs from a classic taco dip by loading seasoned taco meat onto the traditional layers of lettuce, shredded cheese, fresh produce, and creamy sour cream and cream cheese base infused with taco seasoning. This easy appetizer is best served with tortilla chips.

Ingredients & Substitutions

• Ground Beef - I recommend using lean ground beef so the dip doesn't get too oily or greasy. 90/10 beef is my favorite for tacos. This easy taco dip recipe is great to make with leftover taco meat. Ground beef is the traditional choice, but you can also use ground turkey, ground chicken, or venison too.
• Cream Cheese
• Sour Cream - Plain Greek yogurt can be substituted. This creates a lighter dip with fewer calories.
• Taco Seasoning Mix - Homemade taco seasoning or store-bought are both fine.
• Shredded Iceberg Lettuce
• Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese - Mild cheddar cheese or taco cheese is a good substitute.
• Roma Tomatoes - Romas are meatier and less watery than other tomatoes which is why I specifically recommend them over other diced tomatoes. Pico de Gallo or salsa would be a great substitute.
• Sliced Black Olives 
• Green Onions 
• Tortilla chips

Customize with additional toppings - This ground beef taco dip recipe is technically a seven layer taco dip, but there is no reason it can't have more layers by adding any of your favorite taco toppings. Refried beans, avocado, guacamole, black beans, chopped onion, bell peppers, or green chiles would all be great additions.

How to make it

Begin making your taco dip recipe with ground beef by browning the meat in a large skillet set over medium heat. Be sure to crumble the meat with a wooden spoon as it browns. Next, the taco seasoning can be stirred in with some water. The water helps it distribute evenly and transform into a flavorful taco sauce. Most of the water will evaporate out when letting it simmer for a few minutes.

Using a small bowl, combine the cream cheese and sour cream with another taco seasoning packet. It is important to soften the cream cheese first or it will not blend smoothly. Using a whisk, or hand mixer, mix until smooth.

The cream cheese mixture can be spread across the bottom of your serving dish. A casserole dish or baking dish are both great options to use. Layer the ground beef mixture on top of the cream cheese layer, followed by lettuce, cheese, tomato, olives, and green onion. This can be served hot or cold, and always with tortilla chips.

Tip: If you wish to serve it as a hot taco dip, you can bake it in a 350 oven for 15 minutes to warm the cream cheese and melt the shredded cheese. However, do not add the fresh vegetables until after it is warmed.

Can Taco Dip Be Made Ahead?

This taco dip with meat recipe can easily be made ahead and enjoyed the next day. The flavors of the sour cream mixture meld beautifully when left sitting in the refrigerator overnight, or even when made a couple of hours ahead. Just be sure to cover the dip with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It is also ok for the ground beef to be cold when this appetizer is served.

This recipe was originally published April 25, 2018 on FoxValleyFoodie.com.

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