Cheesy Texas Trash Dip

Texas Trash Dip is a cheesy, flavorful, and crunchy appetizer that’s perfect for game days, parties, or casual gatherings. Layers of beans, cheese, seasoned ground beef, and crunchy tortilla chips make every bite irresistible. Quick to assemble and guaranteed to disappear fast, this dip is a crowd favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Cheesy, savory, and full of bold flavors
• Easy to make with layered ingredients
• Perfect for parties, game days, or casual gatherings
• Crunchy toppings add irresistible texture
• Can be made ahead and reheated before serving
• Customizable with favorite toppings like jalapeños or olives

Ingredients

• Ground beef
• Onion, chopped
• Garlic, minced
• Taco seasoning
• Refried beans or black beans
• Cream cheese
• Sour cream
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Tortilla chips, crushed
• Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, green onions, black olives

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish.
2. In a skillet, cook ground beef with onion and garlic until browned. Drain excess fat.
3. Stir in taco seasoning and cook 1–2 minutes. Remove from heat.
4. In a separate bowl, mix refried beans (or black beans), cream cheese, and sour cream until smooth.
5. Layer the bean mixture in the bottom of the baking dish.
6. Add the cooked seasoned beef evenly over the beans.
7. Sprinkle shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese on top.
8. Crush tortilla chips and sprinkle them over the cheese layer.
9. Bake for 15–20 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Remove from oven and garnish with optional toppings before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
• Add extra heat with diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce.
• Swap tortilla chips for corn chips or Fritos for different textures.
• Prepare the layers ahead of time and refrigerate; bake just before serving.
• Experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack or Monterey Jack for extra flavor.

Storage & Freezer Instructions

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze unbaked dip in a baking dish or portioned containers for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding extra 10–15 minutes.
• Serving tip: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

Serving & Pairing Ideas

• Serve with tortilla chips, crackers, or sliced baguette.
• Pair with fresh salsa or guacamole for added flavor.
• Add a side of sour cream or ranch dressing for dipping.
• Garnish with chopped cilantro or green onions for presentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dip ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the layers in the dish, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving for best results.

How long does it stay fresh?

Refrigerated leftovers last up to 3 days. If frozen, it can be stored for 2 months and baked directly from the freezer.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Absolutely! Omit the ground beef and use extra beans, veggies, or meat alternatives like plant-based crumbles.

What can I use instead of tortilla chips?

Corn chips, Fritos, or even crushed pita chips work well to add crunch.

Ready to Make It?

Texas Trash Dip is a crowd-pleasing, cheesy, and crunchy appetizer perfect for parties, game days, or casual get-togethers. With layers of flavorful ingredients and an irresistible topping, this dip is sure to disappear fast.

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