Go Back

Cream Cheese Taco Dip

Cream Cheese Taco Dip is a creamy, baked white dip layered with golden browned seasoned beef and melted cheddar. Top with jalapeños and green onions, then serve hot with tortilla chips for a crowd-ready Mexican appetizer.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 520
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cream cheese base
  • 8 oz cream cheese softerened
Seasoned beef layer
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 taco seasoning 1 packet
  • 1 cup salsa
Cheese topping
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Vibrant toppings
  • 0.25 cup diced jalapeños
  • 0.25 cup chopped green onions
For serving
  • 1 tortilla chips for serving

Equipment

  • 1 cast iron skillet
  • 1 sheet pan

Method
 

Cook the seasoned beef
  1. Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it apart as it cooks for about 8 minutes until no longer pink. Drain excess fat and stir in taco seasoning and salsa until combined.
Assemble and bake
  1. Spread softened cream cheese in the bottom of a shallow baking dish. Top with the cooked seasoned beef mixture.
  2. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the beef. Bake at 350°F for 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly at the edges.
Finish and serve
  1. Top the dip with diced jalapeños and chopped green onions right after baking. Serve immediately with tortilla chips for scooping.

Notes

Pro tip: soften the cream cheese to spread easily, and drain the beef well so the dip stays thick instead of watery. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through. Freezing is not recommended because the cream cheese can become grainy after thawing. For a lighter option, use reduced-fat cream cheese and part-skim cheddar while keeping the same baking time.