Simple Layered Taco Dip Recipe

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Tacos have always been a staple in our home. They’re go together quickly, always taste good, and the ingredients are economical. This layered taco dip has all of the flavors of your favorite tacos in every single bite, and it’s more fun to eat because it doesn’t fall apart when you bit into it.

Now let’s get right to the good stuff…

how to make easy layered taco dip

INGREDIENTS:

Gather your ingredients and get ready to make this amazing dip, good enough to eat as a meal. This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

  • 8oz package cream cheese-softened
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 2 packages taco seasoning
  • 16 oz refried beans
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 small tomato
  • 1 small can black olives
  • Taco sauce
  • Optional other toppings: jalapeno peppers, onions, seasoned taco meat, cilantro, dollop of sour cream, shredded lettuce

ingredient information:

  • Cream cheese: We prefer using Philadelphia brand cream cheese for this dip, though any brand will work. If you haven’t had a chance to leave it out to soften, just pop it in the microwave for about 20 to 30 seconds.
  • Sour cream: Our favorite brand of sour cream is Daisy for both the flavor and texture. You should use your favorite. This can also be swapped out for Greek yogurt.
  • Taco seasoning: We chose a packet of our favorite mild taco seasoning for this dip. You can choose your favorite brand and spice level or even make your own blend from scratch.
  • Refried beans: Any kind of refried beans will work for this. You can choose a can that’s seasoned or plain. We used plain. Try making your own homemade refried beans with this recipe from Cookie & Kate.
  • Shredded cheddar: You can purchase pre-shredded cheddar this is mild or sharp. We chose to use a block of our favorite sharp cheddar and grate it on our own because it has a better flavor.
  • Taco sauce: Drizzling on a bit of taco sauce is the perfect topping to this layered taco dip. You can choose whatever heat level suits your taste.

instructions:

Stick around to the end, and I’ll tell you how to turn this into a real party.

  1. Spread the refried beans in the bottom of a deep pie plate or 9″ casserole dish.
  2. In a medium mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream and taco seasoning. Mix until smooth.
  3. Layer the mix onto the refried beans.
  4. On top, spread the shredded cheese.
  5. Dice the tomatoes into ¼ inch pieces and sprinkle on top.
  6. Slice the black olives and add to the top of the taco dip.
  7. Drizzle on the taco sauce.
  8. Optional: Garnish with other toppings as desired.
easy layered taco dip served on a tortilla chip
  • spreading refried beans into the base of the layered taco dip
  • adding ingredients to the bowl for layered taco dip base
  • adding taco seasoning to cream cheese and sour cream
  • mixing cream cheese, sour cream and taco seasoning for layered taco dip
  • Transferring the creamy mixture and second layer of the layered taco dip to the serving container
  • spreading the creamy taco mixture on top of the refried beans in the layered taco dip
  • garnishing layered taco dip with shredded cheddar cheese
  • garnishing layered taco dip with black olives
  • drizzling taco sauce onto the layered taco dip
  • chopping tomatoes
  • garnishing the layered taco dip with diced tomatoes
  • garnishing layered taco dip with a dollop of sour cream

my recipe tips

  • Spice level: If you prefer spicier food, increase the heat level with hot taco seasoning and hot taco sauce. You can also add jalapenos to the top or even mince some into the base.
  • Customize: Everyone likes something different on their tacos. Feel free to top this layered taco dip with all of your favorite toppings. One of our favorites are these sweet hot jalapeno peppers (more sweet than hot really). You can even just add the cheese and keep all of the toppings on the side for your family to customize their own taco dip.
  • Leave out the beans: Not everyone is a fan of refried beans. You can choose to leave them out of this recipe all together and still have an amazing taco dip.

recipe video

🍽️ serving ideas

There’s really only one best choice for serving taco dip, and that’s tortilla chips. You can also use fresh soft tortillas cut into pieces or choose a healthier option like lettuce leaves.

If you’re having a get together with lots of appetizers, this dip recipe is great alongside this pepperoni pizza dip or this caramel apple dip. Then there will be a little something for everyone.

do we have a preferred cream cheese brand?

Yes!!! I understand that this is a personal preference, but I always use Philadelphia cream cheese (even though Philly is our sports rival here in Pittsburgh). There’s just something about the taste. That being said, any cream cheese brand will work just fine. So, stick with your favorite brand when making this dip.

easy layered taco dip served on a tortilla chip

recipe notes

  • Tips: Check out my recipe tips above to help you get the best results for this super yummy dip.
  • Storage: Keep leftovers (if you even have any) covered in plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days. I don’t recommend freezing this dip, as it may affect the texture.
  • Dip prep: You can prepare this taco dip ahead of time, but I would hold off on adding the fresh toppings until you’re ready to serve it.

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