Loaded Taco Cheese Dip Recipe with Ground Beef
This loaded taco cheese dip with ground beef and cheddar is the ultimate party appetizer, featuring layers of creamy cheese, savory taco-seasoned beef, and all your favorite Tex-Mex toppings. Quick to make and always a crowd-pleaser, it’s perfect for game nights, holidays, or any gathering.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (85/15 preferred)
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning (homemade or store-bought)
- 1/2 cup water
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (plus 1/2 cup extra for topping)
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes or pico de gallo
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions
- 1/4 cup sliced pickled jalapeños (optional)
- 1/2 cup crushed tortilla chips or seasoned corn chips
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Set out all your ingredients so the cream cheese can soften.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add ground beef. Break it up and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Sprinkle taco seasoning over the beef, then pour in water. Stir well and let simmer for 2-3 minutes, until the liquid is mostly absorbed and the beef is coated. Remove from heat.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, and sour cream. Mix until smooth.
- Spread the cheese mixture evenly on the bottom of a large oven-safe skillet or baking dish. Top with the cooked, seasoned beef, spreading it to the edges.
- Sprinkle an extra 1/2 cup cheddar cheese over the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, until the cheese is bubbling and golden around the edges.
- Remove from the oven and immediately top with diced tomatoes or pico, green onions, jalapeños, crushed tortilla chips, and cilantro if desired.
- Let cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Serve straight from the skillet or transfer to a serving bowl. Enjoy with tortilla chips, celery sticks, or warm flour tortillas.
Notes
For best results, use freshly shredded cheese and softened cream cheese. You can prep the dip ahead (minus toppings) and bake before serving. For a vegetarian version, substitute the beef with black beans or plant-based crumbles. Keep the dip warm in a slow cooker for parties. Adjust toppings to taste and use sturdy chips for dipping.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1/10th of the recipe (roughly 1/2 cup per serving)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 26
- Saturated Fat: 13
- Carbohydrates: 7
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 16
Keywords: taco cheese dip, ground beef dip, party appetizer, Tex-Mex dip, cheesy dip, skillet dip, game day snack, loaded queso, easy appetizer, cheddar dip