Anyone love the combo of a traditional layer dip but want to try it in a warmer, semi-baked version? This taco layer dip adds in ground beef cooked with our own Beef Taco Seasoning. Serve this Taco Layer Dip with tortilla chips and a fine margarita. It is truly a perfect Super Bowl party food!

The Taco Layer Dip Ingredients

For the seasoned ground beef, you will need 1 pound ground beef (We prefer using 80% lean, but you can choose your preferred percentage of leanness), 1/2 yellow onion, 2 cloves garlic, one Roma tomato, dried paprika, beef or chicken bouillon, cumin, salt, and water.

For the rest of the layers, you will need 1 can refried beans, 1/2 cup shredded Mexican mix cheese, guacamole (the fresh store-bought is a good shortcut or consider making this fresh and easy Guacamole, Pico de Gallo (fresh, store bought is a good shortcut), and sour cream. Shredded lettuce or fresh cilantro works as the finishing touch topping.

For serving, be sure to have your favorite tortilla chips.

For the Seasoned Ground Beef Layer:

Start by cooking the ground beef in a skillet, making sure to use a wooden spoon to separate the meat. As the meat is cooking, chop the onion and the tomato.

Depending on the fat content of your ground beef, you can proceed in one of two ways:

If meat is on the leaner side and not cooking off much grease, after the meat is about halfway cooked, add in the chopped onion to sauté as the beef continues to cook.
If you are using a higher fat content beef, and there is a lot of grease, cook the meat fully and then drain the grease out by pouring the beef onto a plate or bowl lined with a few layers of paper towel. Then, pat the meat to remove excess grease. Next, sauté the onion in the pan alone and add the ground beef back to the pan when finished. Mix them together.

beef and onions cooking in a pan Once onions and beef are cooked and combined, add in the diced tomato and let cook for 5 minutes.

Now add in pressed garlic and cook for 1 minute. Finally add in all seasonings: paprika, Knorr beef or chicken seasoning, cumin, salt, and the water. Bring to a boil and mix together. Then bring down to a simmer and allow the meat mixture to cook, until all liquids have reduced.

Beef and seasoning cooking in a pan

Creating your Taco Layer Dip:

First spread a layer of refried beans across the bottom of the un-greased oven safe baking dish, such as a 9 X 13. Or you could choose a square or smaller version if you want thicker layers. (We love these Staub baking dishes from Amazon.)

Next, layer the seasoned beef across the beans. Then, sprinkle shredded cheese across the beef and beans. Now, bake at 350° until cheese is slightly melted (~ 5 – 10 mins), as shown here:

beans, seasoned meat, and melted cheese in a baking dish Remove from the oven and let cool for 10 mins.

Once slightly cooled, spread guacamole across the melted cheese, then a thin layer of sour cream, then Pico de Gallo, and finally if you would like shredded lettuce or additional cilantro add that last.

Get out a bowl of your favorite tortilla chips and enjoy!

Taco Layer Dip Tips and Suggestions

The bouillon cube could be substituted by bouillon seasoning granules (such as Knorr, which we love) and chicken or beef bouillon works fine. If you do not have bouillon or prefer using broth- substitute the water and bouillon with 3/4 c- 1 cup beef or chicken broth.
This recipe makes a large batch, so if you are having a smaller gathering, cut the recipe in half and also use a half-sized dish. Then use the remaining of any ground beef, Pico, and guacamole to have tacos the next day.
If you prefer black beans, the refried black beans are a great substitution for traditional refried pinto beans.
For a spicier dip: Add cayenne pepper (1/4-1/2 tsp) and/ or 1 tsp chili powder to the ground beef when cooking it. You can also add a layer of canned or fresh jalapeño slices under or on top of the Pico layer.