Smoky Chipotle Layered Taco Dip
The ultimate comfort food, Smoky Chipotle Layered Taco Dip is a creamy and crunchy dip perfect for any occasion. With layers of savory beef, fresh veggies, and that smoky kick, it’s sure to be a hit! Dive in and make this easy weeknight dinner tonight!
Equipment
- Wooden Spoon
- Grater
- Frying Pan
- Skillet
- Chef's Knife
Ingredients
- 8 ounces ground beef
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon chipotle chili powder
- 1 can refried beans
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup salsa verde
- 1 cup freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup chopped tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro
- 4 green onions
- 1 serving pickled onions for topping
- 1 serving tortilla chips for serving
Instructions
- Start by heating a skillet over medium heat. When it’s hot, add the ground beef or turkey. If your meat is fatty, you won’t need to add any oil; otherwise, a teaspoon of your preferred oil will do. Watch the meat closely as you break it apart with a wooden spoon. You want it to begin browning evenly.
- As the ground beef cooks, add the ground cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, chipotle chili powder, and a generous pinch of kosher salt and pepper. Stir well to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed. Cook until you see the beef turning a nice golden brown, which takes about five to seven minutes.
- Once the beef is browned, remove it from heat and let it cool down to room temperature. This helps in building layers without melting the other ingredients too quickly.
- In a saucepan, heat the refried beans gently. You want them creamy and smooth, making them easy to spread. Once heated, take a large plate, a platter, or an 8x8 baking dish and spread the beans evenly as your first layer.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the sour cream and salsa verde. Stir until smooth. Spread this mixture over the layer of beans, being careful to leave a small border around the edges for a visually appealing finish.
- Now it’s time to sprinkle the cooked ground beef over the sour cream layer. Make sure to distribute it evenly so every bite has a taste of that savory flavor.
- Next, generously sprinkle the freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese over the beef. This will create a deliciously gooey top layer as it melds with the other flavors.
- Top your creation with chopped tomatoes and shredded lettuce. These fresh ingredients not only add vibrancy but also a refreshing crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy layers underneath.
- Add the green onions and chopped cilantro for a burst of freshness. Finally, finish it off with a scattering of pickled onions for that extra zing!
- Now, cover the dip and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows all the flavors to meld beautifully. When you’re ready to serve, set it out with some crispy tortilla chips for a fantastic treat. Enjoy every bite!
Notes
To store leftovers, cover the dip tightly and refrigerate. It’s best enjoyed within three days for optimal freshness. I don’t recommend freezing the whole dip because of the fresh ingredients, but if you have leftover ground beef, it can be frozen for future use. Serve this dip with fresh vegetables like carrot sticks or bell peppers for a healthier option. Feel free to add other layers like guacamole or black olives to elevate the flavors even further. This dip is perfect for parties, but if you're just making it for yourself, consider halving the recipe!