Taco Dip with Cream Cheese

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This Taco Dip with Cream Cheese is a simple and delicious appetizer perfect for any gathering throughout the year. It features layers of refried beans, seasoned beef, a creamy taco sour cream layer, guacamole, salsa, and various taco toppings to suit your taste!

I originally published this recipe in 2014 and have since added new photos and some success tips.

Overhead picture of taco dip on a plate with chips surrounding it.

This taco dip with cream cheese is the perfect appetizer! It’s a tried-and-true recipe that has stood the test of time. This recipe has been used and taken to many events throughout the years, and people rave about it.

My family loves appetizers, and sometimes, we make a meal out of them! This is definitely one of those you could use as a “meal.” We also like Black Bean Salsa or Cowboy Caviar served with chips. This Taco Cheese Ball Board is also another really fun idea for appetizers.

Why I Love This Taco Dip with Cream Cheese

Appetizers seem to bring people together for great conversations
I love all the flavors of this dip, and it is a hearty dip (it happens to be one of my favorites!)
It is so easy to make and perfect for making in advance
Customizable to your liking!

Ingredients: ground beef, refried beans, guacamole, sour cream, cream cheese, taco seasoning, salsa, olives, cheese, and green onion.

Ingredient Notes

This is a quick overview of the ingredients you’ll need for this dip. As always, specific measurements and step-by-step cooking instructions are included in the printable recipe box at the bottom of the post.

I use ground beef, refried beans, cream cheese, sour cream, taco seasoning, salsa, cheddar, green onion, and olives.

You can use homemade taco seasoning or buy your favorite brand from the store. Homemade guacamole is so good in this dip, but I have also used store-bought. It depends on how quickly I need it.

Four pictures showing how to make the taco meat and how to make the sour cream layer.

How to Make This Taco Dip Recipe

STEP 1: Brown the ground beef with half of the taco seasoning. Mix the cream cheese until smooth. Add the sour cream and remaining taco seasoning.

STEP 2: Spread the refried beans on the bottom of a large serving platter or 9×13 dish. Top with ground beef, sour cream mixture, guacamole, salsa, cheddar, green onion, and olives.

STEP 3: Serve with chips. You can also cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days. I think it tastes better if it sits for a bit before serving.

Eight pictures showing how to layer the taco dip.

FAQs

Is taco dip served hot or cold?

The easy answer is room temperature. You can serve it immediately after you make it, meaning it’s probably at room temperature, or you can make it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator.

How can I make this dip ahead of time?

You can make it a couple of days before you’d like to serve as long as you keep it covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Ways to Enjoy Taco Dip:

Our favorite way is to enjoy it with tortilla chips as a snack!
Use it as a spread in a taco, burrito, or quesadilla.
Top your scrambled eggs with a spoonful of your taco dip.
Dip carrots, cucumbers, or bell peppers in the dip if you’re feeling particularly healthy!
Use the dip as a topping to some lettuce, along with some crumbled tortilla chips. Taco salad, ta-da!

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