I can almost smell it now, the warm, cheesy aroma wafting from the oven. This cheesy texas trash dip brings back so many memories of family gatherings and game day celebrations. It was always the first thing to disappear, leaving an empty dish and a crowd of satisfied smiles.
My mom used to make it for every occasion, adjusting the spice level to suit everyone’s taste. It was a simple recipe, but it always felt special, a symbol of warmth and togetherness. And it’s so easy to tweak based on preferences; it’s like a blank canvas for flavor.
I’ve put my own spin on it over the years, but the core elements remain the same: creamy, cheesy, and utterly irresistible. Like this dolly parton casserole recipe, it is a dish that brings people together and is sure to please everyone.
Why you’ll love this Cheesy Texas Trash Dip
- This cheesy texas trash dip is incredibly easy to make, perfect for even the busiest of hosts.
- It’s packed with flavor, a delicious combination of savory ground beef, creamy cheese, and a hint of spice.
- This dip is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, always a hit at parties and gatherings.
- It’s versatile! Serve it with tortilla chips, crackers, or even fresh vegetables for a lighter option.
- You can easily customize it to your liking by adjusting the spice level or adding your favorite toppings.
- Leftovers (if there are any!) are just as delicious and can be enjoyed for days.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 (1 ounce) package taco seasoning
- 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
- Tortilla chips, for serving
Directions
Step 1
Cheesy texas trash dip makes every moment feel comforting. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). In a large skillet, brown ground beef over medium heat. Drain off any excess grease and stir in taco seasoning.
Step 2
In a large bowl, combine softened cream cheese, diced tomatoes and green chilies, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
Step 3
Stir in the cooked ground beef, cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, and green onions into the cream cheese mixture. Combine until everything is well incorporated.
Step 4
Pour the mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and heated through. Let cool slightly before serving.
Step 5
Serve warm with tortilla chips, crackers, or your favorite vegetables.
Variations, pairings, and serving ideas
Variations
Want to kick up the heat? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the mixture. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, like pepper jack or a Mexican blend.
For a lighter version, use reduced-fat cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. You can also substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef. This makes it a healthier, but still delicious, option.
Consider adding other veggies like black beans, corn, or bell peppers for extra flavor and texture. These additions can give the cheesy texas trash dip a unique twist.
Pairings
This dip is fantastic served with crispy tortilla chips, of course! But don’t limit yourself. Crackers, pretzels, and even toasted baguette slices are great options too.
For a healthier pairing, offer an array of fresh vegetables like carrots, celery, cucumbers, and bell peppers. The cool, crisp veggies provide a refreshing contrast to the rich, cheesy dip.
Consider serving this cheesy texas trash dip alongside other appetizers like wings, sliders, or a simple salad. It’s a perfect addition to any game day spread.
Serving ideas
For a more elegant presentation, bake the dip in individual ramekins instead of a large baking dish. This makes it easier for guests to serve themselves and adds a touch of sophistication. You can find some great dessert ideas and plating inspiration at Cook Reel.
Garnish the dip with extra chopped green onions, a sprinkle of shredded cheese, or a dollop of sour cream. These simple additions add visual appeal and enhance the flavor.
Serve the dip warm in a slow cooker or chafing dish to keep it at the perfect temperature throughout your gathering. This ensures that everyone can enjoy it at its best.
Storage and make-ahead tips
Storage
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to let the dip cool completely before refrigerating to prevent condensation.
To reheat, simply microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. You can also reheat it in the oven at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for about 10-15 minutes.
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze this cheesy texas trash dip for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Make-ahead
You can easily make this cheesy texas trash dip a day or two in advance. Simply prepare the mixture as directed and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake.
When ready to bake, remove the dip from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This will help it heat more evenly in the oven.
You can also brown the ground beef and prepare the cream cheese mixture separately, then combine them just before baking. This is a great way to break up the prep work and save time on the day of your event.
Common mistakes when making Cheesy Texas Trash Dip
- Forgetting to drain the excess grease from the ground beef. This can make the dip oily and less appealing.
- Not softening the cream cheese properly. This can result in a lumpy dip. Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing.
- Overbaking the dip. This can cause the cheese to become hard and the dip to dry out. Bake until it’s bubbly and heated through, but not overly browned.
- Adding too much liquid. If you add extra tomatoes or other liquid ingredients, the dip can become watery. Be sure to drain any excess liquid before adding them to the mixture.
- Not seasoning the ground beef adequately. The taco seasoning adds a lot of flavor, but you may need to add extra salt, pepper, or other spices to taste.
Final notes
This cheesy texas trash dip is more than just a recipe; it’s a chance to create memories and share good times with the people you love. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and toppings to make it your own.
Whether you’re hosting a party, watching a game, or just craving a delicious snack, this dip is sure to satisfy. The combination of savory ground beef, creamy cheese, and a hint of spice is simply irresistible.
So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy this crowd-pleasing appetizer. You won’t be disappointed!
Loved this Cheesy Texas Trash Dip? Try these next
Cheesy Texas Trash Dip
This Cheesy Texas Trash Dip is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! A creamy, cheesy, and savory dip loaded with flavor, perfect for parties, game day, or any gathering. Serve warm with tortilla chips, crackers, or veggies.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 10-12 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 (1 ounce) package taco seasoning
- 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
- Tortilla chips, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). In a large skillet, brown ground beef over medium heat. Drain off any excess grease and stir in taco seasoning.
- In a large bowl, combine softened cream cheese, diced tomatoes and green chilies, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
- Stir in the cooked ground beef, cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, and green onions into the cream cheese mixture. Combine until everything is well incorporated.
- Pour the mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and heated through. Let cool slightly before serving.
- Serve warm with tortilla chips, crackers, or your favorite vegetables.
Notes
For spicier dip, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving. Feel free to use any shredded cheese combination you prefer.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/12 of dip
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 90mg