This taco dip with ground beef is a protein-packed twist on classic dips! With a creamy Greek yogurt base, seasoned taco beef, and fresh toppings, it's perfect for game day, parties, or a quick family snack.
Looking for more easy ground beef recipes?
Check out the taco meat, ground beef with broccoli, and hamburger soup.
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Recipe Overview
- Prep and Cook Time: 10 minutes to prep and 15 minutes to cook
- Cooking Method: Stove-top
- Dietary Info: Keto, Primal, Ancestral diet,
- Tools Needed: mixing bowl and skillet
- Skill Level: Easy
What is an ancestral diet? Read my post on what nourishing foods are based on the traditional dietary principles of the Weston A. Price Foundation.
Reasons to Love this Taco Dip with Ground Beef
Think 7-layer dip is the MVP? Think again.
This taco dip recipe with ground beef is like the 7-layer dip's cooler, more delicious cousin -- creamier, meatier, and with way more flavor to go around.
It's the kind of dip that makes you wonder why you've been settling for boring chips and salsa all these years.
Plus, it's so easy to make, you'll have plenty of time to sit back and enjoy being everyone's new favorite person at the party!
Ingredients for Taco Dip with Ground Beef
- Creamy layer: This is what makes this taco dip irresistibly smooth and scoopable. Cream cheese is the foundation (make sure to soften it first to avoid a lumpy dip). Greek yogurt or sour cream adds a lightness and tang. Greek yogurt is a great option for protein boost while sour cream gives that classic texture. A dash of taco seasoning ties it all together. Use this mild taco seasoning.
- Taco Meat: Seasoned taco meat makes this dip extra satisfying and protein packed. All you need is a half-pound of ground beef, taco seasoning, a dash of salt, and water. Usually, I make the taco meat with chicken or beef bone broth recipe but for this dip, we use water to prevent fat from solidifying. Be sure to check out my post for how to make taco meat for more tips and tricks.
- Toppings: Also known as the fun part. Shredded lettuce, raw cheddar, black olives, avocado, diced tomatoes, red onions, and fresh cilantro add crunch, creaminess, and bursts of flavor in every bite.
Substitutions and Variations
- Protein Swap - Use ground turkey or ground chicken for a leaner option. Since turkey has less fat than beef, add a drizzle of avocado oil while cooking to keep it juicy and add some richness.
- Extra Flavor - I love the fresh ingredients in this dip but you can top with chunky guacamole and fermented jalapenos. To really bring the heat, top with halved roasted jalapeno peppers.
Make it Ancestral
For a nutrient-dense upgrade, swap regular ground beef with an ancestral beef blend, which includes meats like heart and liver. These cuts are packed with essential vitamins and minerals like B12, iron, and CoQ10. If you're new to organ meats, don't worry -- the seasonings and creamy layers help balance the taste while still delivering all the benefits!
How to Make Taco Dip with Ground Beef
The complete printable recipe is below in the recipe card for your convenience. Follow these simple step-by-step instructions for the best results.
Step 1. Cook
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it apart as it browns until fully cooked. Stir in the taco seasoning, salt, and a splash of water. Let it simmer for a few minutes until the mixture thickens.
Step 2. Mix
In a mixing bowl, blend cream cheese, yogurt or sour cream, and taco seasoning until smooth. Spread the mixture evenly in a serving dish.
Step 3. Layer
Spread the ground beef mixture evenly over the cheese layer.
Step 4. Garnish
Top with lettuce, avocado, tomato, and shredded cheddar. Add optional toppings like black olives, green onions, and cilantro. Serve immediately with tortilla chips or refrigerate for later.
Helpful Tips
- Use full-fat dairy - Full-fat cream cheese and yogurt has the best texture and flavor and blends smoother. It also holds up better in the dip with all the toppings.
- Brown the beef well - I like the crispy bits in my ground beef taco meat so let the ground beef develop a deep brown color before adding seasoning.
- Prevent watery dip - Usually, I'm all good with fatty taco meat, but here, you want to drain any excess liquid from the cooked ground beef before layering to avoid a soggy dip. If using tomatoes, scoop out the seeds to reduce moisture.
- Let it cool slightly before layering - If the beef is too hot when layered over the creamy base, it can cause the dairy to turn runny. Let it sit for a few minutes before assembling.
Troubleshooting
- Too soggy? The dip can become too soggy if there's too much liquid in the taco meat or tomatoes. Drain any excess liquid from the meat before layering it onto the dip. And scoop out the seeds to reduce moisture.
Serving Suggestions
This taco dip with ground beef is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. It's best served room temperature. Too hot, the creamy layer will become runny and unappetizing. Too chilled, the taco meat will be lose its flavor and texture.
Let it sit for a few minutes after removing it from the fridge to allow everything to come to room temperature.
Here are some ways to serve it:
Appetizer: This taco dip is perfect as a starter at parties or gatherings. Serve it with homemade tortilla chips or mini bell peppers.
Salad: Spoon the dip over a bed of fresh, crisp lettuce or mixed greens. Top with extra raw cheddar and use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for the creamy layer.
Main Course: This taco dip can easily be turned into a main course. Like with salads, make sure to use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and serve it as a taco bowl with a side of bone broth rice or quinoa for a satisfying, well-rounded meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Store taco dip in an airtight container for up to 3 days. These glass snap containers are perfect for leftovers. If you have leftover dip that's already topped with lettuce and other ingredients, try to remove the toppings before storing it to preserve their texture. You can then add fresh toppings when you're ready to serve it again.
No, I don't recommend freezing the entire taco dip with ground beef because the creamy layer made with yogurt or sour cream and the fresh toppings like lettuce, avocado, and tomatoes do not freeze well. However, you can freeze just the taco meat layer and prepare the creamy and fresh toppings when ready to assemble the dip.
Prepare the taco meat and creamy layer in advance, storing them separately in the fridge for up to 3 days. For the toppings, prep everything except for the avocado, which should be added right before serving to prevent browning. Assemble the dip just before serving for the freshest taste and texture.
Looking for more related recipes? Here are some ideas:
Did you make this taco dip with ground beef? Please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ recipe rating in the recipe card below and leave a review in the comments. Thank you!💚
Printable Recipe
Taco Dip with Ground Beef
Ingredients
Taco Meat
- ½ pound ground beef
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ cup water
Creamy Layer
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1 cup yogurt or sour cream
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
Toppings
- 1 cup iceberg lettuce shredded
- 2 avocados diced
- 1 tomato diced
- 1 cup shredded raw cheddar
- other toppings like black olives, green onions, cilantro, and fermented jalapenos
Instructions
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ½ pound ground beef, breaking it up as it browns until fully cooked. Stir in 2 tablespoons taco seasoning, ½ teaspoon sea salt, and ¼ cup water. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until thickened.
- In a mixing bowl, combine 8 ounces cream cheese, 1 cup yogurt or sour cream, and 1 tablespoon taco seasoning and mix until smooth. Spread evenly in a serving dish.
- Spread the ground beef mixture evenly over the cheese layer.
- Top with 1 cup iceberg lettuce, 2 avocados, 1 tomato, and 1 cup shredded raw cheddar. Add other toppings like black olives, green onions, cilantro, and fermented jalapenos if desired.
- Serve immediately with tortilla chips or refrigerate for later.
Notes
- Use full-fat dairy - Full-fat cream cheese and yogurt has the best texture and flavor and blends smoother. It also holds up better in the dip with all the toppings.
- Brown the beef well - I like the crispy bits in my ground beef taco meat so let the ground beef develop a deep brown color before adding seasoning.
- Prevent watery dip - Usually, I'm all good with fatty taco meat, but here, you want to drain any excess liquid from the cooked ground beef before layering to avoid a soggy dip. If using tomatoes, scoop out the seeds to reduce moisture.
- Let it cool slightly before layering - If the beef is too hot when layered over the creamy base, it can cause the dairy to turn runny. Let it sit for a few minutes before assembling.
Keira Hotard says
Great read! I found some useful takeaways that I’ll definitely apply. Thanks for sharing.