Description
Mouthwatering cheesy taco dip brings Mexican-inspired flavors to your next gathering. Layered with seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and fresh toppings, this quick appetizer promises delicious crowd-pleasing results you will savor.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 oz (28 g) taco seasoning mix packet
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 ½ cups (150 g) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup (100 g) shredded monterey jack cheese
- 1 cup (240 ml) sour cream
- 1 (10 oz / 280 g) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
- ¼ cup (60 ml) water
- ¼ cup (25 g) chopped green onions
- ¼ cup (25 g) diced tomatoes or pico de gallo
- 2 tbsps chopped fresh cilantro
- Sliced jalapenos (for spice)
Instructions
- Meat Preparation: Sizzle ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, crumbling thoroughly. Drain excess fat and incorporate taco seasoning, allowing flavors to meld and intensify.
- Cream Base Creation: Whisk cream cheese, sour cream, and diced tomatoes with green chilies until achieving a smooth, uniform texture that forms the dip’s luxurious foundation.
- Layer Assembly: Spread cream cheese mixture evenly in an oven-safe dish. Top with seasoned ground beef, ensuring complete and even coverage across the base.
- Cheese Topping: Blanket the surface with a generous layer of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Transfer to a preheated 375F oven, allowing the cheese to melt and develop golden, bubbly edges.
- Finishing Touch: Remove from oven after 15-20 minutes when cheese is perfectly molten. Garnish with fresh green onions, diced tomatoes, cilantro, or jalapeños for added vibrancy and flavor.
- Serving: Present immediately with tortilla chips, crackers, or vegetable sticks, offering a delectable and crowd-pleasing appetizer experience.
Notes
- Meat Crumbling Technique: Break ground beef into small, uniform pieces while cooking to ensure even seasoning and texture distribution.
- Fat Drainage Strategy: Thoroughly drain excess beef fat to prevent a greasy dip and maintain a clean, appetizing flavor profile.
- Cream Cheese Smoothing Tip: Ensure cream cheese is completely softened at room temperature for a lump-free, silky smooth base mixture.
- Cheese Melting Precision: Watch the dip closely during final baking to achieve the perfect golden-brown cheese top without burning or overcooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 16 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg