Oven-Baked Texas Trash Bean Dip: A Crowd-Pleasing Party Favorite
Get ready to elevate your appetizer game with this irresistible Oven-Baked Texas Trash Bean Dip. Packed with layers of savory goodness, this dip is a Tex-Mex twist on the classic party favorite. With creamy refried beans, seasoned ground beef, tangy salsa, and gooey melted cheese, every bite is a flavor explosion that will keep your guests coming back for more. Plus, it’s easy to make and perfect for feeding a crowd. Let’s dive into the recipe and learn how to make this mouthwatering dip that’s sure to be the star of any gathering!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 (28 oz.) can refried beans
- 1 (1 oz.) packet taco seasoning
- 1 1/2 cups salsa
- 4 cups Mexican blend cheese, grated
- Fritos or tortilla chips, for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
- Cook Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the room temperature cream cheese and sour cream until smooth and well combined.
- Layer Ingredients: Spread the refried beans evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Layer the cooked ground beef on top of the beans.
- Season: Sprinkle the taco seasoning evenly over the ground beef layer.
- Add Cream Cheese Mixture: Spread the cream cheese and sour cream mixture over the taco seasoning layer.
- Pour Salsa: Pour the salsa over the cream cheese mixture, spreading it out evenly.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the grated Mexican blend cheese over the salsa layer, covering the entire surface.
- Bake: Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the dip from the oven and garnish with Fritos or tortilla chips, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Spice Level: Adjust the heat level of the dip by using mild, medium, or hot salsa, and adjusting the amount of taco seasoning to taste.
- Additions: Customize the dip with your favorite toppings such as sliced jalapeños, diced tomatoes, chopped green onions, or black olives.
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the ground beef for a vegetarian version of the dip. You can add extra beans or vegetables to make up for the protein.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
Keto Version:
- Replace the refried beans with mashed avocado or a keto-friendly bean substitute such as mashed black soybeans.
- Use full-fat cream cheese and sour cream to keep the fat content high and the carbs low.
- Serve with low-carb tortilla chips or vegetable sticks for dipping.
Low-Carb Version:
- Use a low-carb bean substitute such as mashed cauliflower or mashed zucchini instead of refried beans.
- Choose a salsa with no added sugar, or make your own sugar-free salsa at home.
- Opt for a low-carb cheese blend or use less cheese to reduce the carb content of the dip.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
1. Can I make this dip ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the dip ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Simply cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed when ready to serve.
2. Can I freeze leftover dip? While you can freeze leftover dip, the texture may change slightly upon thawing due to the dairy content. To freeze, transfer the cooled dip to an airtight container and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
3. What can I serve with this dip? This dip pairs well with a variety of dippers such as Fritos, tortilla chips, corn chips, sliced baguette, or vegetable sticks. Choose your favorite or offer a selection for your guests to enjoy.
4. Can I make this dip spicy? Absolutely! You can add diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the dip for extra heat. Adjust the spice level to suit your taste preferences.
Oven-Baked Texas Trash Bean Dip is a flavorful and satisfying appetizer that’s perfect for any gathering or party. With its layers of creamy beans, seasoned ground beef, zesty salsa, and melted cheese, it’s a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for more. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a deliciously indulgent dip that’s sure to be a hit with family and friends!
