Description
This 7-Layer Taco Dip is a classic, crowd-pleasing appetizer perfect for parties or casual gatherings. It features a flavorful layer of taco-seasoned cream cheese, topped with seasoned ground beef and an array of fresh and zesty taco toppings like shredded lettuce, cheddar jack cheese, tomatoes, avocado, and green onions. Serve it chilled with crunchy tortilla chips and watch it disappear fast!
Ingredients
Beef Mixture
- 1 pound lean ground beef (90/10)
- 4 tablespoons taco seasoning, divided
Cream Cheese Layer
- 8 ounces whipped cream cheese
- 3 tablespoons taco seasoning, divided
Toppings
- 1 cup shredded iceberg or romaine lettuce, sliced very thin
- 1 cup cheddar jack cheese, freshly shredded
- 1 cup cherry tomato halves
- 1 medium avocado, diced small
- 2 to 3 green onions, sliced
Optional Additional Toppings
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives
- 2 tablespoons red onions, finely diced
- 1 to 2 jalapeños, sliced
- 2 tablespoons minced cilantro
- 1/3 cup sweet bell peppers, finely diced
For Serving
- 1 to 2 bags tortilla chips
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a 10-inch skillet over medium heat, add the lean ground beef. Use a spatula to break it up into small crumbles and cook until it is no longer pink. Drain and discard any accumulated fat from the pan. Add 4 tablespoons of taco seasoning and stir well to combine. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture: While the beef is cooling, in a small bowl combine the whipped cream cheese with the remaining 3 tablespoons of taco seasoning. Mix thoroughly until well blended.
- Assemble the Dip: Spread the taco-seasoned cream cheese mixture evenly across the bottom of a serving platter or dish to form the first layer.
- Add the Beef Layer: Evenly layer the cooled taco-seasoned ground beef over the cream cheese layer.
- Add Remaining Toppings: In this order, layer the shredded lettuce, shredded cheddar jack cheese, cherry tomato halves, sliced black olives (if using), diced avocado, sliced jalapeños (if using), green onions, red onions (if using), and finally sprinkle minced cilantro over the top.
- Serve: Serve immediately with tortilla chips. Enjoy as a flavorful and easy-to-share appetizer.
Notes
- For a saucier beef mixture, add 2 to 3 tablespoons of water or canned diced tomatoes while cooking the beef with taco seasoning, and simmer until desired consistency is reached.
- Adjust taco seasoning amount to taste or use a homemade blend if preferred.
- Keep the dip chilled if preparing in advance to maintain freshness of avocado and other toppings.
- Optional toppings like olives, red onion, jalapeños, cilantro, and bell peppers can be added or omitted to suit personal taste.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican