Ground Beef Taco Dip

Few foods say “party” as much as a good dip. It’s always the first thing emptied from a holiday potluck table. It’s also the centerpiece of any self-respecting spread of game-day food. This taco dip with meat is one of our most popular (and addictive) dip recipes for good reason.

Ground beef taco dip is packed with flavor yet super simple to make, thanks to a few handy ingredients. Packets of store-bought taco seasoning add spice. A mix of sour cream and cream cheese (low-fat if you like) builds a super-smooth base. And a top layer of fresh vegetables creates a dash of crunch.

Ground beef recipes like this one are useful when you have little time. They are perfect for feeding a lot of mouths. In less than 30 minutes, everyone can dunk tortilla chips, veggies or crackers into this delightful dip. Just watch how fast it disappears!

Ingredients for Ground Beef Taco Dip

• Ground beef: Savory ground beef makes a flavorful, hearty base for this rich beef taco dip. If you prefer, use lean ground beef, such as 80% lean, which is lower in calories and saturated fat.
• Taco seasoning: Any of the best taco seasoning brands will give this dip plenty of flavor with little effort. You can also use homemade taco seasoning, which allows you to adjust the level of spiciness.
• Sour cream: Sour cream serves several functions in this dip. Its tanginess brightens the heavier ingredients, while its thin, creamy texture lightens the thicker cream cheese base. This recipe uses nonfat sour cream since the added fat isn’t essential to the flavor or texture. Use whatever kind you like.
• Cream cheese: As with many cream cheese dip recipes, cream cheese adds flavor and a smooth texture to this dip. Go ahead and use low-fat or even nonfat cream cheese if you prefer.
• Cheddar: Shredded cheddar cheese makes a colorful and tasty addition to this dip. For more flavor, try sharp cheddar cheese, pepper jack or our Test Kitchen’s pick for the best shredded cheddar cheese.
• Toppings: An assortment of fresh toppings adds texture and color to the dip dish. We suggest lettuce, tomatoes, green bell peppers and olives, but you can use (or omit) any topping that suits your taste (find more specific suggestions below).