Taco Dip with Ground Beef

Taco Dip with Ground Beef is the perfect appetizer to serve for your game day party, Taco Tuesday or holiday gathering. It is delicious served with tortilla chips or crackers for a crowd pleasing dip recipe.

If you love this recipe, make sure to try CrockPot Taco Dip, Seven-Layer Dip, Crockpot Taco Salad Recipe, Oven Nachos and Taco Dip Recipe.

What is Taco Dip made of?

This taco dip has amazing layers of ground beef, cream cheese, salsa, lettuce, tomatoes and more. You can easily change things up and add or omit based on your preference. This taco is packed with savory flavor and easy to make.

We make a similar Taco Dip that does not have the ground beef.

Ingredients

• Ground Beef – We used lean ground beef
• Taco Seasoning – I use our easy Homemade Taco Seasoning but you can also use the packet
• Salsa – Use chunky salsa or use Homemade Salsa Recipe
• Sour Cream – Low Calorie option use Greek Yogurt
• Cream Cheese – Make sure cream cheese is softened
• Shredded Iceberg Lettuce – Chop the lettuce
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese – Use shredded cheese of your choice. Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack Cheese is a great option.
• Toppings – Add your favorite toppings such as diced Tomatoes, bell peppers, sliced black olives and sour cream.

Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe and ingredients in the recipe card.

Variations Ideas

• Refried Beans – Add a layer of refried beans to the dip. Sometimes I add this and it is so delicious. Just put the refried beans in the baking dish first and put the cream cheese layer on top of the beans.
• Remove the Ground Beef – Omit the meat! Skip the ground beef layer and add refried beans or just enjoy with the cream cheese layer alone. I have tried all of these options and they are all amazing.
• Use Ground Turkey – You can easily substitute ground turkey or ground chicken for ground beef. It blends with the taco seasoning and other flavors. No one will even notice!

How to Make Ground Beef Taco Dip

Step 1 – First, brown the ground beef. I used a large skillet over medium high heat. Once the ground beef has finished cooking, drain off the excess grease.

Step 2 – Second, stir in 1 Tablespoon of the taco seasoning or ½ a packet if using store bought) with the salsa and water. Cook uncovered for a few minutes. It normally takes between 2 to 4 minutes.

Step 3 – Next, in a separate large bowl, add together the cream cheese, sour cream and the remaining taco seasoning and beat with a hand held mixer.

Step 4 – Finally, spread the cream cheese blend in the bottom of a 8X8 or 9X9 pan. You might need to use a spatula to smooth out the cream cheese mixture.

• Step 5 – Once the cream cheese mixture is smooth, top with the ground beef, shredded lettuce, cheese, tomatoes and sliced olives. Serve and enjoy!

Expert Tips

• Baking Dish – We prepared this taco dip in an 8×8 baking dish but you can double the recipe and prepare in a 9×13 baking dish.
• Cream Cheese – Before combining the ingredients make sure that the cream cheese is softened for best creamy texture.
• Chop Vegetables – To prepare this layered taco dip ahead of time, I like to prepare the vegetables ahead of time and store until ready to prepare the dip.
• Leftover Taco Meat – If you have leftover taco meat, you can easily make this dip in just a few steps.

What to Serve with Taco dip with Ground Beef?

• Tortilla Chips
• Corn Chips
• Pita Chips
• Veggies- carrot and cucumber sticks work great.

More Topping Ideas

• Onions – Add red, Vidalia or green onions are a delicious addition.
• Jalapenos – If you like extra heat, add some of these to the top.
• Fresh Lime – Sometimes, I will take a lime wedge and squeeze a little on top.
• Sour cream – You can add a few dollops on the dish or use the squeeze containers to make a pretty design.
• Guacamole – We have an easy homemade guacamole recipe that makes an delicious topping.
• Black Beans – Sprinkle a handful of black beans on top.