Go big with this layered taco dip recipe – it is the perfect appetizer for large crowds. Ground beef, refried beans, shredded cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, and more. Add this appetizer to your game day or party menus!

My go-to recipe for potlucks has always been this 8 layer taco dip recipe. It’s a taco dip with meat so it is hearty enough that you can eat it as a main meal and be full. Or, you can take just a little bit and then try everything else that people bring.
The best thing about this dip recipe is that you can take out a few layers if, for example, someone hates beans. Make it a 7 layer taco dip, a 6 layer taco dip, etc.

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Also, it’s so easy to make that you can prepare this dish quickly for last-minute guests, or prep it before you get ready to go to a party.
It’s the perfect addition to your party spread – make some sheet pan loaded nachos or slow cooker barbacoa beef to go with it.
It is my go-to party recipe because it is so often requested by those that try it – keep that in mind. It’s a party favorite and everyone loves it.
I learned this step the hard way – at one party, everyone was huddled around the casserole dish and then there was none left for me!

Layer Taco Dip Recipe
My favorite part of this taco dip is the cream cheese layer. The sour cream and taco seasoning mix blend so well with the cream cheese that you could probably use that as a dip all on its own.
Want to go the extra mile? Make your own homemade taco seasoning!
Maybe even just make a cream cheese taco dip…. just sayin’. Taco dip is good for a few days after you make it – put any leftovers in the refrigerator.
How To Serve Taco Dip
Serve with tortilla chips and keep a large serving spoon and some small appetizer plates nearby so that your guests can take a little (or a lot).
Or skip the tortilla chips and serve it with Doritos. I’ve done both, recently. You could even skip the chips if you are counting your carbs and use just a fork.
Can Taco Dip Be Made Ahead of Time?
The answer to that question is YES. It can be served as a hot dip, right after preparation, or a cold dip if you make it ahead of time and then refrigerate it.
If you are going to be serving a lot of items, this is the one recipe you should definitely make the night before.

Taco Dip Without Cooking
If you want to make this even easier, skip the meat altogether and you don’t have to cook anything. Or buy and substitute a store-bought rotisserie chicken.
If you are making this vegetarian, add the taco sauce to the cream cheese mixture instead. Or make it it’s own layer; the more layers the better!
Taco Dip Layer Substitutions
If you want to add or replace layers to this taco dip, here are a few suggestions for you:
- Avocado – diced or sliced avocado
- Guacamole – check out this guacamole keeper!
- Salsa – a thick and chunky salsa would be perfect.
- Ground turkey instead of ground beef
- Chicken – grilled chicken chunks or shredded rotisserie chicken
- Greek yogurt – instead of sour cream
- Chili – instead of ground beef or in addition to it
- Bell Peppers – Red or green bell peppers
- Hot green peppers – like jalapeños
- Corn
If you don’t like it when the cheese is melted, make sure to add that layer towards the top.
Looking for more great party dips?
Try these:
Did you make this recipe? Tag @thethirstyfeast on IG!

Layered Taco Dip
Go big with this layered taco dip recipe - it is the perfect appetizer for large crowds.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 8 ounce jar taco sauce, medium or hot
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 16 ounces sour cream
- 1.25 ounce package taco seasoning
- 16 ounce can fat free refried beans
- 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 2 ounce can sliced black olives, drained
- 2 green onions, diced
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a large pan. Drain the fat and add the taco sauce. Mix well and set aside.
- In a bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the sour cream and taco seasoning. Mix until well combined.
- In a 3 quart dish, begin layering in this order - refried beans, cream cheese/sour cream mixture, ground beef, cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, black olives and green onions.
- Chill for 30 minutes prior to serving.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 14Amount Per Serving: Calories: 440Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 0mgCarbohydrates: 0gFiber: 0gSugar: 0gProtein: 0g
Doctor Grandma Jeannie
Tuesday 18th of October 2022
I have one other question... You suggested "If you don’t like it when the cheese is melted, make sure to add that layer towards the top." I'm sorry, but I don't understand that at all. Are you referring to the cream cheese or the cheddar cheese? How will moving the melted cheese nearer to the top make me like it any better? Thanks for your answers and for the recipe.
Angelina
Saturday 4th of September 2021
This recipe is phenomenal!!! So delicious! I’ve been making it for a few years now and always get requests for the recipe. I’ve taught family and friends and this is now a staple at many events. Sooooooo yummy!
Annebakerim
Thursday 16th of January 2020
You have many recipes that I take for myself, especially often I make desserts according to your recipes, thanks)
Kate
Friday 5th of April 2019
Jenny, this was wonderful! Never knew that those flavors would come out as they did in this beautiful dish! Follow the recipe word for word!!!
Nataly
Saturday 30th of March 2019
Jenny, thanks for sharing! Saved my butt on a quick impulsive idea for a dinner side!