Go Back
+ servings
overhead view of Cheesy Taco Dip with fresh toppings in a cast iron skillet
Olga

Cheesy Taco Dip

No ratings yet
This cheesy taco dip is warm, bubbly, and packed with taco-seasoned beef, melted cheese, and all my favorite toppings. I love making it for game day or casual hangouts!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 29 minutes
Servings: 10 people
Course: Appetizer, Sauce, Side Dish, Tapas
Cuisine: American, Tex-Mex
Calories: 240

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef or turkey
  • 1 packet taco seasoning 1 oz
  • 8 oz cream cheese softened
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
  • 1 10 oz can Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies), drained
  • 3 tbsp pickled jalapeños diced (optional)
  • 2 green onions chopped (for garnish)
  • 2 tbsp fresh cilantro chopped (for garnish)

Equipment

  • 1 Large Skillet
  • 1 Spatula or Wooden Spoon
  • 1 Cheese grater
  • 1 Mixing Bowl
  • 1 Serving Dish or Cast-Iron Skillet

Method
 

  1. Heat a cast iron skillet or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb ground beef or turkey and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned, 5-7 minutes. Drain grease if needed.
  2. Sprinkle 1 packet taco seasoning over the cooked meat and stir in ½ cup water. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until liquid is mostly absorbed.
  3. Reduce heat to medium. Add 8 oz softened cream cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
  4. Stir in 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese, and 1 (10 oz) can Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained). Mix until fully combined and creamy.
  5. Stir in 3 tbsp diced pickled jalapeños (optional), adjusting to taste.
  6. If using a cast iron skillet, serve the dip directly from the skillet to keep it warm. If using a regular skillet, transfer the dip to a serving dish or cast iron skillet for serving.
  7. Garnish with 2 chopped green onions and 2 tbsp fresh cilantro. Serve warm with tortilla chips or fresh veggies.

Nutrition

Calories: 240kcalCarbohydrates: 7gProtein: 8gFat: 19gCholesterol: 49mgSodium: 450mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2g

Notes

Top Tips for Cheesy Taco Dip

  1. Drain the Rotel: Be sure to drain the diced tomatoes with green chilies to prevent the dip from becoming watery.
  2. Customize the Spiciness: Add pickled jalapeños, fresh jalapeños, or even a splash of hot sauce to control the spice level.
  3. Keep It Warm: Serve the dip in a cast-iron skillet or a slow cooker set to warm for longer gatherings.
  4. Make It a Meal: This dip can double as a taco filling or a topping for baked potatoes or nachos.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!