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Cream Cheese Taco Dip

Cream cheese taco dip with golden browned seasoned beef, melted cheddar, and vibrant jalapeño-and-green-onion toppings. Baked until the cheese melts, then served hot with tortilla chips for an easy party appetizer.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 610
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cream cheese taco dip
  • 8 oz cream cheese Soften before starting so it spreads easily.
  • 1 lb ground beef Use for browning the seasoned taco layer.
  • 1 taco seasoning Use the full packet to flavor the beef.
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Reserve any extra for an even melt.
  • 0.5 cup salsa Stir into the beef after draining fat.
  • 0.25 cup diced jalapeños Add on top after baking for fresh heat.
  • 0.25 cup chopped green onions Add as a final topping for color and crunch.
  • 1 tortilla chips Serve alongside the baked dip.

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, about 8 minutes, until no longer pink.
  2. Drain excess fat, then stir in taco seasoning and salsa until the mixture looks evenly coated.
Assemble and bake
  1. Spread the softened cream cheese in the bottom of a shallow baking dish to form an even layer.
  2. Top with the cooked seasoned beef mixture and spread it into an even layer over the cream cheese.
  3. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the beef, then bake at 350°F for 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Finish and serve
  1. Top the hot dip with diced jalapeños and chopped green onions, then serve immediately with tortilla chips.

Notes

For the smoothest, spreadable base, soften the cream cheese at room temperature for 30–45 minutes before assembling. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days; reheat in an oven or microwave until warmed through. Freezing is not recommended because the dairy can change texture. For a lighter option, use reduced-fat cream cheese and reduced-fat shredded cheddar to cut calories while keeping the same layering method.