The Thirsty Feast

Layered Taco Dip Recipe

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!

layered taco dip with chips

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.

up close photo of layered taco dip

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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!

single portion of layer taco dip

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.

photograph of 8 layer taco dip

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

Layered Taco Dip

Yield: 12-14 servings
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
: 30 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

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

  1. Brown the ground beef in a large pan. Drain the fat and add the taco sauce. Mix well and set aside.
  2. In a bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the sour cream and taco seasoning. Mix until well combined.
  3. 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.
  4. Chill for 30 minutes prior to serving.

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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 14
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 440Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 0mgCarbohydrates: 0gFiber: 0gSugar: 0gProtein: 0g
© Jenny Bullistron
Cuisine: Mexican / Category: Appetizers

Reader Interactions

Comments

  2. Kate says

    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!!!

    Reply

  5. Charles King says

    As soon as I can get to store to get items I need I will be making this dip and will send you a photo of final results.

    Reply

  6. Linda says

    I made this dip for a baby shower yesterday. I took your advice and prepared it the night before.
    I made it vegetarian without the meat or the beans.
    I did however add a couple items.
    I added both red and green peppers to your recipe. And I mixed baby spinach with the lettuce.
    I will use this recipe again. It was a hit. Everyone said it was delicious.
    Thanks

    Reply

  8. Vera Kipp says

    Love this recipe .Cant wait till Summer when we have cookouts .My friend will love it. Thank You .Keep them coming.

    Reply

  9. Janie Mace says

    Janie Mace. Idaho
    Used to make this w/o the cream cheese or store salsa l used home made salsa my husband liked his habbbanaros no one else could take it so l startrd. To make two separate dishes hot and mild. Now hes gone so lm back to one dish. For his sake l hope they have hot peppers in heaven. Next time l will try it with the cream cheese

    Reply

  12. Audrey says

    What is it about layer dips that make them disappear so quickly? Maybe it is the thought that you get all of those luscious flavors in one bite. Thanks for sharing on Creative K Kids #TastyTuesdays

    Reply

  13. Debi says

    Thanks for sharing this amazing dip recipe on Weekend Bites! We’re featuring it along with more healthy veggie packed recipes.

    Reply

  16. Helen at the Lazy Gastronome says

    I like the shallow dish so you can get a bit of all eight layers in each bite! Thanks for sharing on the What’s for Dinner link up and don’t forget to leave a comment at the party – Next week’s features that also leave a comment get pinned, yummed and tweeted!

    Reply

  21. Mollie says

    This is always a classic and I love your version! Thanks for bringing this by Throwback Thursday and Happy New Year~ I’ll be pinning this to our Throwback Thursday board.

    Reply

  22. Morgan @ Morgan Manages Mommyhood says

    This looks so good! It would be such a fun dinner, as well! Also, obsessed with that shirt!

    Reply

  27. Chelc | Inside the Fox Den says

    It’s been FOREVER since I had a good taco dip. Definitely going to be making soon! Thanks for sharing at Merry Monday! This is going to be one of my features this week. 🙂 Hope to see you again next week!

    Reply

  30. Christine | Where The Smiles Have Been says

    Man, I haven’t had layered taco dip in ages, but now I definitely want some! Thanks for tempting my appetite, and thanks so much for sharing this with us at Merry Monday! We hope you’ll join us again next week starting Sunday evening! 🙂 Pinned!

    Reply

  31. Kristina & Millie says

    oh yeah drool and more drool! love this recipe and will be trying it out this weekend! thanks for sharing with Snickerdoodle Sunday!

    Reply

  32. Chantale Evans says

    I can’t wait to try!! Sooooo yummy made me hungry lol. I’m a true foodie and I know this will be a hit with my teens!! Thanks for sharing

    Reply

  34. melissa cushing says

    I have been looking for one of these dip recipes and yours sounds awesome! I will be making this today! Thanks !

    Reply

  35. Leah Lucas says

    We are having a get-together this weekend and have been looking for ideas for some dishes. This is going to be one for sure!!

    Reply

  39. melissa cushing says

    Thanks for sharing this recipe… I think I am going to make this one for my super bowl sunday! I like the ground sirloin in there!!! Thanks for sharing!!

    Reply

  41. Linda says

    Hi Jenny… Love this recipe!! I have made it many times and it is always a hit. My recipe did not include the cream cheese or the ground beef … great additions. Just made it for a get-together and I thought adding the taco sauce to the ground beef made especially good. The empty platter told the story 🙂 Thank you for this yummy recipe!!

    Reply

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