Taco Dip Recipe
Description:
This Taco Dip recipe is a delightful twist on the traditional taco dip, created to steer away from the usual “red” taco seasonings mixed with sour cream. It’s layered with rich cream cheese, flavorful tomato sauce, and classic taco spices like cumin and chili powder. Ground beef adds a hearty texture, while fresh lettuce, cheddar cheese, black olives, and diced tomatoes provide a crisp, colorful topping. Perfect as an appetizer for parties or a fun snack, this dip pairs perfectly with tortilla chips for scooping. Quick and easy to make, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients & Nutritional Information:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Calories | Fat (g) | Saturated Fat (g) | Cholesterol (mg) | Sodium (mg) | Carbs (g) | Fiber (g) | Sugar (g) | Protein (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cream cheese | 2 blocks | 308 | 25 | 14.1 | 86.7 | 564 | 5.4 | 1.1 | 2.1 | 16.1 |
| Tomato sauce | 1 cup | 60 | 0.4 | 0.1 | 0 | 640 | 14 | 2 | 8 | 2.5 |
| Cumin (ground) | 1 tsp | 8 | 0.4 | 0.1 | 0 | 4 | 1.4 | 0.6 | 0 | 0.4 |
| Chili powder | 1 tsp | 6 | 0.3 | 0.1 | 0 | 143 | 1.1 | 0.6 | 0.2 | 0.3 |
| Ground beef (hamburger) | 1 lb | 774 | 62 | 23 | 225 | 77 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 49 |
| Lettuce (shredded) | 2 cups | 10 | 0.1 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Cheddar cheese (shredded) | 2 cups | 908 | 72 | 45 | 240 | 1520 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 56 |
| Black olives (sliced) | 1 cup | 142 | 15 | 2 | 0 | 735 | 7 | 3 | 0 | 1.3 |
| Diced tomatoes (fresh) | 1 cup | 32 | 0.2 | 0 | 0 | 10 | 7 | 2 | 5 | 1.5 |
Total Nutrition per Serving (12 servings):
- Calories: 308
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 14.1g
- Cholesterol: 86.7mg
- Sodium: 564mg
- Carbohydrates: 5.4g
- Fiber: 1.1g
- Sugar: 2.1g
- Protein: 16.1g
Instructions:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Prepare the base layer: In a jellyroll pan, start by spreading softened cream cheese evenly across the bottom. This creates a creamy base that holds all the other ingredients together. It’s important that the cream cheese is soft enough to spread easily. Let it sit out for about 30 minutes before starting. |
| 2 | Add the tomato sauce: Pour the tomato sauce over the cream cheese layer. Gently spread it out to ensure an even layer of tangy flavor over the creamy base. The contrast of the creaminess with the tang of tomato sauce is what sets this recipe apart. |
| 3 | Season the dip: Sprinkle the cumin and chili powder evenly over the tomato sauce. These spices will give the dip a warm, earthy taco flavor without the need for pre-packaged taco seasoning. Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your taste—add a pinch more cumin for a deeper, smoky flavor, or chili powder for extra heat. |
| 4 | Cook the ground beef: In a skillet, brown the hamburger over medium heat until it’s fully cooked through. Drain any excess grease. If you’d like a more traditional taco flavor, you can prepare the beef with a bit of taco seasoning as per package instructions, but this step is optional based on your taste preferences. Once cooked, sprinkle the ground beef evenly over the seasoned tomato sauce layer. |
| 5 | Add fresh toppings: Now it’s time to add the fresh, crunchy toppings. Start by scattering shredded lettuce evenly over the top of the ground beef. Follow with a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese—this will melt slightly and add a rich, sharp bite to every scoop. |
| 6 | Finish with olives and tomatoes: For the final touches, sprinkle sliced black olives and diced fresh tomatoes over the top of the cheese. These toppings not only add a pop of color but also a delightful mix of flavors, from the briny olives to the sweet, juicy tomatoes. |
| 7 | Chill and serve: If you prefer your dip cold, chill it in the fridge for about 30 minutes to let the layers set. However, it’s equally delicious served immediately. This taco dip pairs perfectly with crunchy tortilla chips—ideal for scooping up every delicious layer. Serve at your next gathering, and watch it disappear fast! |
Cooking & Prep Time:
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Tips for the Perfect Taco Dip:
- Customizable toppings: Feel free to customize this dip with other toppings you love. You can add jalapeños for some heat, or sprinkle green onions for a bit of freshness.
- Make it healthier: Substitute Greek yogurt for cream cheese if you want a lighter version. The Greek yogurt will still offer creaminess but with added protein and less fat.
- Meatless option: To make a vegetarian version, skip the ground beef and instead use seasoned black beans or refried beans. It still gives a hearty texture and complements the other ingredients well.
Serving Suggestions:
This taco dip is best served with tortilla chips, but it also works well with veggie sticks like celery, cucumber slices, or bell pepper strips. It can also be used as a filling for soft taco shells if you’re looking for a more substantial meal.
Enjoy this Taco Dip recipe, a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion!
