Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
- Servings: 10–12
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450 g) lean ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning (about 1 ounce)
- ¼ cup water
- 16 ounces refried beans
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup salsa
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Optional Toppings
- Chopped green onions
- Diced tomatoes
- Jalapeño slices
- Fresh cilantro
- Black olives
- Avocado
- Extra shredded cheese
For Serving
- Tortilla chips
- Corn chips
- Crackers
- Toasted baguette slices
- Celery sticks
- Bell pepper strips
Equipment Needed
- Large skillet
- Mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Oven
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
Step 2: Cook the Beef
Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook for 6–8 minutes until the beef is browned and the onions are soft.
Drain excess grease if necessary.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
Step 3: Season the Meat
Sprinkle in the taco seasoning and add the water. Stir well and simmer for about 3 minutes until the mixture thickens.
Remove from heat.
Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Base
In a large bowl combine:
- Refried beans
- Cream cheese
- Sour cream
- Salsa
- Chili powder
- Smoked paprika
- Ground cumin
- Black pepper
Mix until smooth and creamy.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Fold the seasoned beef into the bean mixture.
Add:
- 1½ cups cheddar cheese
- ½ cup Monterey Jack cheese
Mix until evenly combined.
Step 6: Assemble
Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
Top with the remaining cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese.
Step 7: Bake
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and the edges are bubbling.
For a golden top, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end.
Step 8: Garnish
Remove from the oven and allow the dip to rest for 5 minutes.
Top with green onions, cilantro, diced tomatoes, jalapeños, or olives if desired.
Serve warm.
Tips for Success
- Use freshly shredded cheese for smoother melting.
- Full-fat cream cheese creates the creamiest texture.
- Drain the beef well to prevent a greasy dip.
- Let the cream cheese soften before mixing.
- Serve immediately while hot for the best texture.
- Double the recipe for larger parties.
Recipe Variations
Spicy Version
Add diced jalapeños, hot salsa, or cayenne pepper.
Chicken Version
Replace ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken.
Turkey Version
Use lean ground turkey for a lighter option.
Vegetarian Version
Skip the meat and add black beans, corn, and diced peppers.
Extra Cheesy
Mix in pepper jack, mozzarella, or queso cheese.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing
Freeze before baking for up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
Reheating
- Oven: 350°F for 15–20 minutes
- Microwave: Heat individual servings for 1–2 minutes
- Stir before serving.
Serving Suggestions
This dip pairs wonderfully with:
- Tortilla chips
- Fritos
- Nachos
- Soft pretzels
- Garlic bread
- Toasted pita chips
- Fresh vegetables
- Loaded baked potatoes
- Burritos
- Tacos
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
Approximate values based on 12 servings.
- Calories: 340
- Protein: 18 g
- Carbohydrates: 13 g
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
- Fiber: 3 g
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Calcium: 260 mg
- Iron: 2.5 mg