FREE 5-Ingredient Recipe EBook
- My Taco Dip Recipe Is A Party Favorite With Layers Of Flavor
- Ingredients & Substitutions
- How To Make Taco Dip
- My Recipe Tips
- Taco Dip Recipe card
- Serving Ideas
- Recipe Reviews
My Taco Dip Recipe Is A Party Favorite With Layers Of Flavor

If you love tacos, you’ll love everything about this taco dip recipe. It’s got layers like my taco casserole , but it’s served cold — more like an appetizer than a dinner. And just like my 7 layer salad , it may look like a showstopper, but it’s actually super simple to throw together. This is why 7 layer taco dip is on repeat at my house:
- Perfect make-ahead dish – I usually prep it the night before, just like I do with cold crab dip or creamy French onion dip . The flavors only get better after chilling.
- Totally customizable – You can stick with the classic toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, olives, and cheese, or make it your own. I’ve even swapped the meat for taco seasoned ground turkey or added sliced jalapeños for extra kick.
- Crowd favorite – I’ve made this for game day , potlucks, and casual family hangouts. There’s never any left. It’s one of those recipes people always ask me for.
Make it with me next time you need a fun, scoopable app!

Ingredients & Substitutions
Here I explain the best ingredients for my 7 layer taco dip recipe, what each one does, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card .
Meat Layer:
The base layer of this taco dip is taco meat . It’s the same kind I use for taco salad .
- Ground Meat – I usually go with ground beef. Ground turkey, pork, Mexican chorizo , or even shredded Instant Pot chicken all work great too. Just use whatever you have or like best.
- Taco Seasoning – I like to make my own taco seasoning because it only takes 5 minutes and I always have the spices on hand. It’s just chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, cayenne, salt, and pepper. But if you’re in a hurry, a store-bought packet works just fine.
Cream Cheese Layer:
I mix up a creamy layer with cream cheese, sour cream, and a little taco seasoning to give it some kick.
- Plain Cream Cheese – I love using cream cheese because it makes the dip extra rich and creamy. If you need a swap, whipped cream cheese works in a pinch, or even neufchâtel if you want it a little lighter.
- Sour Cream – I usually use sour cream, but plain Greek yogurt works great too. You can even do mayo with a tiny splash of vinegar (white or apple cider) if that’s what you have.
- Taco Seasoning – I just use the same seasoning from the meat layer to keep things simple.
Taco Dip Toppings:
You can customize your taco dip toppings to your liking, but here are the most classic options, along with alternatives:
- Veggies – I usually go with shredded iceberg lettuce, chopped tomatoes, diced bell peppers, and red onion. But honestly, use whatever you like or have in the fridge. Kale, spinach, or even taco slaw works instead of lettuce. Any color bell pepper is fine (or roasted red peppers ), and cherry or grape tomatoes are great if that’s what you’ve got. You can also swap red onion for white, yellow, or even shallots.
- Cheddar Cheese – I like sharp cheddar, but Monterey Jack, pepper jack, Mexican blend, or even mozzarella all work. Pre-shredded cheese makes it super easy.
- Olives & Herbs – I usually go with black olives and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. Not a cilantro fan? Try green onions, parsley, or chives instead. And if you’re feeling bold, green olives add a little extra tang.

How To Make Taco Dip
I have step-by-step photos here to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card .
- Cook the taco meat . Brown the beef in a large skillet , breaking it apart as it cooks. Add taco seasoning and a splash of water, then stir until it thickens up and the liquid is gone.
- Mix the creamy layer . Use a hand mixer to blend the cream cheese and sour cream until smooth. Stir in a little taco seasoning for extra flavor.
- Assemble the taco dip . Spread the meat in a casserole dish . I drop spoonfuls of the creamy layer over the top, then gently spread it out. Pile on the lettuce, cheese, peppers, onions, tomatoes, and olives.
My Recipe Tips
- Cold cream cheese is hard to mix, so I let it sit on the counter for 30–60 minutes. If I forget, I just cube it up and microwave it for 10–15 seconds at a time until it’s soft (but not melted!).
- You can mix the creamy layer by hand, but it won’t turn out as light and fluffy. I use this hand mixer because it makes everything super smooth. I also love that the beaters store right in the base so I don’t lose them in the drawer.
- Add beans or go meatless. Sometimes I mix in a can of refried or black beans with the meat, or skip the meat completely and do a bean and corn base instead. Either way, it still turns out super hearty and delicious.
- An 8×8 glass dish works great for nice thick layers, but a 9×13 will stretch it for a bigger crowd. I use this smaller one when I want the dip to look extra stacked.
- The smaller you dice everything, the easier it is to scoop. I like to keep the bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes in tiny bite-sized pieces so nothing falls off the chips.
Recipe Video
Ingredients
Tap underlined ingredients to see the ones I use.
Beef layer:
- 1 lb Ground beef ▢
- 1/2 cup Water ▢
- 2 tbsp Taco seasoning ▢
Cream cheese & sour cream layer:
- 1 cup Sour cream ▢
- 8 oz Plain cream cheese (softened) ▢
- 1 tbsp Taco seasoning (to taste) ▢
Toppings:
- 1 cup Iceberg lettuce (shredded) ▢
- 3/4 cup Cheddar cheese (shredded) ▢
- 1/2 large Bell pepper (diced) ▢
- 1 medium Roma tomato (diced) ▢
- 1/4 cup Red onion (diced) ▢
- 3 tbsp Black olives (sliced, drained) ▢
- Cilantro (optional) ▢
Instructions
Tap on the times in the instructions to start a kitchen timer.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the beef, breaking apart with a spatula, for about 8-10 minutes , until browned.
- Add the water and taco seasoning. Stir fry for 2-5 minutes , until the extra water evaporates and taco meat forms. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, use a hand mixer to beat together the sour cream and cream cheese. Beat in the taco seasoning. (You can add more seasoning to taste if you like.)
- Spread the beef in a single layer in an 8×8 square glass casserole dish .
- Drop dollops of the sour cream mixture over the beef and gently spread with a spatula.
- Top with lettuce, shredded cheese, bell peppers, red onions, tomatoes, and black olives, in that order.
LAST STEP: Leave a rating to help other readers, or tag me @wholesomeyum on Instagram. I’d love to hear from you!
Maya’s Recipe Notes
Serving size: 1/2 cup
- Tips: Check out my recipe tips above to help you get the perfect texture, build sturdy layers, and make your taco dip super easy to scoop and serve.
- Serving ideas: See my serving ideas below for what to dip, what to pair, and how to turn this taco dip recipe into the star of your snack table.
- Store: Cover and refrigerate for up to a week.
- Meal prep: Prep the meat and creamy layer ahead, but add veggies right before serving.
I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .
Add Your NotesYour Notes
© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead.
Taco Dip

Serving Ideas
- Dippers – Corn chips are the classic choice, but there are lots of other fun ways to scoop. Try it with air fried zucchini chips , cheese crisps , or flax crackers . Veggie sticks like celery, carrots, broccoli, bell peppers (like in the photos), or cucumber slices all work great too.
- Condiments – Spoon on some easy homemade salsa , a chunky fresh tomato version , creamy guacamole , or whatever you’re in the mood for.
- Main Dish – This 7 layer taco dip makes the perfect starter before a cozy bowl of Mexican pozole , some saucy pork chile verde , or cilantro lime chicken with a side of elote .

Free Printable: Low Carb & Keto Food List
- Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
- The Basic Keto Meal Formula
- Understanding Macros
- Keto Food Swaps
- Keto Food List
- Electrolyte Basics
- Keto Diet Types
- Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
- Recipe Reviews
Even though I have a great guide to starting a keto diet , people often ask me for a quick keto cheat sheet they can use. That’s why I created this simple keto diet cheat sheet , so that you can have all the info you need handy. We’ll cover the basic keto formula for building meals, foods to eat and to avoid, delicious keto swaps for high-carb foods, electrolyte basics, and 4 ways to follow the keto lifestyle.
You can keep reading to view this info, or download my keto cheat sheet printable pdf to print out or save ad-free on any device (plus the pdf has more details!).
Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?

Get all this information and MORE in convenient printer-friendly format – 13 cheat sheet pages you can take with you anywhere or keep in your kitchen, plus 4 recipe cookbooks! Includes:
- Keto food list (230+ foods) – Super detailed & color-coded, with net carb counts, so you’ll know exactly what to eat.
- Foods to avoid on keto – Detailed and specific list so that you know exactly what to watch out for.
- Macros cheat sheet – Explains everything you need to know about macros to succeed on keto.
- Keto food swaps (60+ foods) – Covers virtually every food you love, so you don’t have to miss out!
- Keto meal formula – With specific food ideas, so it’s easy to mix-and-match.
- Keto flu guide – Understand what it is and exactly how to avoid it.
- Electrolyte cheat sheet – With whole food ideas + bonus keto tips.
- Keto Diet Types – Summary of 4 ways to do keto, so you can choose what fits you best.
- FOUR (4!) Keto Swaps Recipe EBooks – Dozens of recipes to replace bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, desserts, and other carbs you’d otherwise miss.
Get The Printable Keto Cheat Sheet System + EBooks (Only $37)
The Basic Keto Meal Formula
Eating keto doesn’t have to be complicated! While there are plenty of delicious easy keto recipes to choose from, you don’t even have to cook from a recipe to get started.
Simply follow the keto cheat sheet formula of protein + veggie + fat for your meals.
Be sure to choose a moderate amount of protein, only low carb vegetables (mostly ones that grow above ground), and generous fat to attain an optimal macro ratio. That’s approximately 60-75% of calories from fat, 20-25% protein, and 5-10% from carbohydrates. The table below will give you ideas for what to choose.
| Pick A Protein | Pick A Veggie | Add Fat |
|---|---|---|
| Beef Chicken Pork Eggs Lamb Turkey Fish Shellfish Protein powder Venison | Cauliflower Broccoli Zucchini Leafy Greens Cucumbers Brussels Sprouts Cabbage Asparagus Radishes Bell Peppers Jicama Celery | Butter Avocado Oil Cheese Bacon Avocado Lard Ghee Mayo Nuts MCT Oil |
Understanding Macros
Macros are macronutrients for short. They include fat, protein, and carbohydrates.
You can calculate your own macros using the macro calculator , but the macro keto cheat sheet below will explain how to look at macros when following a keto lifestyle.
Carbs Are A Limit.
Keeping carbs low is what gets you into ketosis and keeps you there. Ketosis means that you’re using fat as your primary energy source instead of sugar, and requires keeping carbs very low.
A good starting point is 20-25 grams net carbs per day, but you can experiment after a few weeks to see if your body stays in ketosis at higher levels. People who are very active may be able to do more and stay in ketosis, up to around 50 grams per day.
“Carbs are a limit” means that you set a limit for how many carbs to eat per day and don’t exceed it. You don’t have to hit that limit, so if you’re under that’s okay, just don’t go over. Ideally most of your carbs would come from low carb vegetables, and if you’re eating enough veggies, you’ll usually get close to the limit naturally.
A common misconception is that reaching ketosis requires a certain macro ratio, but it’s really only restricting your carb intake that gets you there [ * ]. In the absence of sufficient carbs to use as energy, the body will switch to using fat as fuel. This is called the metabolic state of ketosis.
Protein Is A Goal.
Protein is made up of amino acids, the building blocks of all our cells. It’s a crucial for keeping our muscles strong and for many cellular functions [ * ].
“Protein is a goal” means that you always want to eat enough protein to reach the goal each day, but not exceed it too much. You want enough for your needs, but excess protein can trigger gluconeogenesis, which is protein being converted to sugar [ * ] and can kick you out of ketosis.
Fat Is A Lever.
Fat is the primary macronutrient in a keto lifestyle, because being in ketosis means that fat is your primary fuel source. Fat as a fuel source will come from your food, and if you are losing weight, from your body.
A big advantage of a keto lifestyle is the high fat intake. It keeps you full and satisfied, making it easier to stick to, and using it as the primary fuel source makes it easier on your body to burn body fat, with a lower chance of breaking down your muscle (provided you get enough protein).
Aside from reaching your protein goal and limiting your carbs, the remainder of your calories on a keto diet comes from fat.
Don’t fear fat – it’s your main energy source on keto, and getting enough of it trains your body to use fat for fuel instead of sugar. That means that as long as you are not overdoing your overall calorie intake, you’ll efficiently burn your body fat for fuel as well.
“Fat is a lever” means that you can increase or decrease your fat intake depending on your goals and hunger levels. Increase it (along with exercise) to gain muscle, or decrease it to lose weight.
Keto Food Swaps
One of my favorite challenges is creating recipes, or just discovering, keto food swaps. These are delicious keto replacements for traditionally high-carb or high-sugar foods.
So, I created this keto diet cheat sheet with all the swaps in one place! I also have more keto food swaps in my Easy Keto Cookbook .
Keto Swaps For Breakfast
| Instead Of This… | Eat This |
|---|---|
| Pancakes | Almond flour pancakes or coconut flour pancakes |
| Oatmeal | Keto oatmeal with hemp seeds |
| Cinnamon rolls | Fathead cinnamon rolls |
| Cereal | Keto nut granola |
| Muffins | Almond flour muffins or coconut flour muffins |
| Donuts | Almond flour donuts |
| Scones | Almond flour scones |
| High-sugar smoothies | Smoothie with berries or avocado |
| Hash browns | Cauliflower hash browns |
| Breakfast casserole | Breakfast casserole with no potatoes |
| Egg whites | Whole eggs |
| Turkey bacon | Bacon |
| Waffles | Chaffles |

Keto Swaps For Bread
| Instead Of This… | Eat This |
|---|---|
| Bagels | Fathead bagels |
| English muffin | Almond flour English muffin |
| White bread | Keto white bread |
| Multigrain bread | Coconut flour bread with seeds |
| Tortillas for wraps | Coconut flour tortillas |
| Corn taco shells | Cheddar cheese taco shells |
| Burger buns | Oopsie rolls , portobello mushroom caps |
| Breadsticks | Cauliflower breadsticks |
| Biscuits | Almond flour biscuits |
| Cornbread | Almond flour cornbread |
| Croutons | Parmesan crisps |
| Rice | Cauliflower rice , konjac rice |

Keto Swaps For Meals & Side Dishes
| Instead Of This… | Eat This |
|---|---|
| Breaded wings | Crispy air fryer wings (unbreaded) |
| Low-fat meat & poultry | High-fat cuts, or cook low-fat cuts with fat |
| Mashed potatoes | Mashed cauliflower |
| Roasted potatoes | Roasted or fried radishes |
| Tacos | Taco salad |
| Pizza | Fathead crust , chicken crust , or cauliflower crust pizza |
| Lasagna | Eggplant lasagna |
| Potato salad | Cauliflower “potato” salad |
| French fries | Jicama , rutabaga , or zucchini fries |
| Tater tots | Cauliflower tots |
| Wraps | Lettuce wraps , almond flour tortillas |
| Sushi | Naruto-style or homemade rice-free sushi |
| Breaded chicken or fish | Breaded cuts with almond flour or pork rinds |
| Spaghetti | Zoodles , spaghetti squash , shirataki noodles, kelp noodles |

Keto Swaps For Snacks & Sauces
| Instead Of This… | Eat This |
|---|---|
| Nachos | Cheese crisps |
| High-sugar fruit | Berries & other keto fruits |
| Crackers | Almond flour crackers |
| Hummus | Cauliflower hummus |
| Soft pretzels | Fathead pretzels |
| Popcorn | Puffed cheese |
| Granola bars | Grain-free granola bars |
| Jam | Sugar-free berry chia jam |
| Sweet fruity yogurt | Full-fat plain Greek yogurt with berries |
| Sweet salad dressing | Ranch , blue cheese , or plain vinaigrette |
| Ketchup | Mustard and/or sugar-free ketchup |
| BBQ sauce | Sugar-free BBQ sauce |
| Sweetened peanut butter | Natural, sugar-free nut butters |
| Light mayo | Avocado oil mayo |
| Maple syrup | Sugar-free, maple flavored syrup |
| Potato chips | Zucchini chips , pepperoni chips , pork rinds |

Keto Swaps For Cooking & Baking
| Instead Of This… | Eat This |
|---|---|
| Sugar | Monk fruit or allulose |
| Powdered sugar | Powdered monk fruit or allulose |
| White flour | Almond or Coconut flour (use in tested recipes) |
| Making baked goods soft/chewy | Xanthan gum, flax seed meal, psyllium husk powder |
| Breadcrumbs | Pork rinds or almond flour |
| Margarine | Butter, coconut oil, or ghee |
| Vegetable oil | Olive or avocado oil |
| Bananas | Banana extract |
| Chocolate chips | Sugar-free chocolate chips |
| Cornstarch or flour roux | Xanthan gum or gelatin powder (used at the end) |
| Simple syrup | Dissolve monk fruit allulose blend in water over heat |

Keto Swaps For Drinks
| Instead Of This… | Eat This |
|---|---|
| Lemonade | Water with lemon |
| Soda | Flavored sparkling water |
| Milk | Almond milk, coconut milk, heavy cream |
| Latte | Butter coffee |
| Coffee creamer | Heavy cream |
| Sweet wine | Dry wine |
| Beer | Ultra light beer |
| Mixed drinks | Hard liquor with soda + lemon |
If you’re looking specifically for keto alcohol options, browse the full keto alcohol guide .

Keto Food List
When looking for a keto cheat sheet printable, the most-requested information is a keto food list.
The great thing is that keto doesn’t have to feel restrictive. It’s incredibly satisfying and there’s such a wide variety of foods you can eat!

Foods To Eat On Keto
- Leafy greens – Such as spinach, chard, and lettuce.
- Above-ground veggies – Such as peppers, zucchini, and cauliflower.
- Full-fat cream & cheese – Such as heavy cream, sour cream, and full-fat hard cheeses.
- Natural meats – Such as beef, lamb, and pork.
- Berries – Such as raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries.
- Avocados
- Unsweetened nut milks – Such as almond milk and coconut milk.
- Almond flour and coconut flour
- Eggs
- Healthy fats – Such as coconut oil, avocado oil, olive oil and butter.
Foods To Avoid On Keto
- White flour & sugar
- Rice & grains – Such as barley, wheat, and corn.
- Milk & yogurt – Such as fruit on the bottom yogurt, sweetened Greek yogurt, and all milk.
- Cereal
- Processed food – Such as granola bars, candy
- Most fruit – Such as apples, bananas, and grapes
- Hydrogenated fats – Such as vegetable oil, soybean oil, and margarine
- Sweetened beverages & condiments – Such as soda, ketchup, and sweet dressings
- Starchy veggies – Such as peas, carrots, and beets.
- Potatoes – Such as sweet potatoes and white potatoes.
That’s the short keto diet cheat sheet version of all the keto food categories, but I recommend downloading the full Keto Cheat Sheet System. It includes a super detailed printable keto food list with over 100 items, including 2 color-coded pages with net carb counts, along with 6 more pages of keto cheat sheets:

Get The Keto Cheat Sheet System PDF (Only $37)
Electrolyte Basics
Getting enough electrolytes is crucial for anyone, but especially so on a keto diet. The reason is that ketosis has a diuretic effect, which increases excretion of water and electrolytes, especially sodium [ * ]. This is often the cause of the keto flu.
For more details on electrolytes and avoiding keto flu, check out the full keto flu guide here .
The important thing to know about electrolytes is that replenishing them will keep keto flu away and keep your body functioning well. I always recommend an electrolyte drink and whole food sources of anything your body needs before resorting to supplements, so I made a list of what to eat to get each of the 3 major electrolytes – sodium, magnesium and potassium.
Here’s your keto diet cheat sheet for getting electrolytes from food:
| Sodium | Magnesium | Potassium |
|---|---|---|
| Bone broth Boullion cubes Bacon Salted nuts Pickles | Seaweed Seeds Nuts Avocado Leafy greens | Potassium chloride Avocado Bone broth Spinach Broccoli Mushrooms Beef Pork |
Keto Diet Types
People follow a keto lifestyle for different reasons. Some do it just to lose weight, others are after better overall health, increased energy, and reduced inflammation.
Strictly speaking, the defining factor of a keto diet is the metabolic state of ketosis, which is achieved by restricting carbs. However, many people (myself included) also reduce or eliminate processed, inflammatory, or low-nutrient foods.
Below is your keto cheat sheet summary of the different ways that people follow keto. You choose what works best for your goals and lifestyle!
- Strict Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, count all calories and macros, and eat clean, unprocessed foods.
- Lazy Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, and track only net carbs OR eat keto foods without tracking.
- Dirty Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, with “if it fits your macros” approach including processed foods.
- Low Carb – Up to 50-100g net carbs daily, less strict.
For a more detailed listing of these different types of keto with pros and cons, grab the Easy Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF below!
Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
Get all this information and MORE in convenient printer-friendly format – 13 cheat sheet pages you can take with you anywhere or keep in your kitchen, plus 4 recipe cookbooks! Includes:
- Keto food list (230+ foods) – Super detailed & color-coded, with net carb counts, so you’ll know exactly what to eat.
- Foods to avoid on keto – Detailed and specific list so that you know exactly what to watch out for.
- Macros cheat sheet – Explains everything you need to know about macros to succeed on keto.
- Keto food swaps (60+ swaps) – Covers virtually every food you love, so you don’t have to miss out!
- Keto meal formula – With specific food ideas, so it’s easy to mix-and-match.
- Keto flu guide – Understand what it is and exactly how to avoid it.
- Electrolyte cheat sheet – With whole food ideas + bonus keto tips.
- Keto Diet Types – Summary of 4 ways to do keto, so you can choose what fits you best.
- FOUR (4!) Keto Swaps Recipe EBooks – Dozens of recipes to replace bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, desserts, and other carbs you’d otherwise miss.

Get The Printable Keto Cheat Sheet System (75 pages, Only $37!)
Taco Dip

My 7 layer taco dip recipe is loaded with beef, creamy layers, and fresh toppings. It’s easy to make and always a hit at parties!
Scan this QR code with your phone’s camera for the full recipe, including tips, step-by-step photos, and storage, or to save it to your account. You can also find it at: https://www.wholesomeyum.com/taco-dip/
Ingredients
Beef layer:
- 1 lb Ground beef
- 1/2 cup Water
- 2 tbsp Taco seasoning
Cream cheese & sour cream layer:
- 1 cup Sour cream
- 8 oz Plain cream cheese (softened)
- 1 tbsp Taco seasoning (to taste)
Toppings:
- 1 cup Iceberg lettuce (shredded)
- 3/4 cup Cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1/2 large Bell pepper (diced)
- 1 medium Roma tomato (diced)
- 1/4 cup Red onion (diced)
- 3 tbsp Black olives (sliced, drained)
- Cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the beef, breaking apart with a spatula, for about 8-10 minutes , until browned.
- Add the water and taco seasoning. Stir fry for 2-5 minutes , until the extra water evaporates and taco meat forms. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, use a hand mixer to beat together the sour cream and cream cheese. Beat in the taco seasoning. (You can add more seasoning to taste if you like.)
- Spread the beef in a single layer in an 8x8 square glass casserole dish .
- Drop dollops of the sour cream mixture over the beef and gently spread with a spatula.
- Top with lettuce, shredded cheese, bell peppers, red onions, tomatoes, and black olives, in that order.
Maya’s Recipe Notes
Serving size: 1/2 cup
- Tips: Check out my recipe tips above to help you get the perfect texture, build sturdy layers, and make your taco dip super easy to scoop and serve.
- Serving ideas: See my serving ideas below for what to dip, what to pair, and how to turn this taco dip recipe into the star of your snack table.
- Store: Cover and refrigerate for up to a week.
- Meal prep: Prep the meat and creamy layer ahead, but add veggies right before serving.
I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .
© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead. :)
FREE 5-Ingredient Recipe EBook
- My Taco Dip Recipe Is A Party Favorite With Layers Of Flavor
- Ingredients & Substitutions
- How To Make Taco Dip
- My Recipe Tips
- Taco Dip Recipe card
- Serving Ideas
- Recipe Reviews
My Taco Dip Recipe Is A Party Favorite With Layers Of Flavor

If you love tacos, you’ll love everything about this taco dip recipe. It’s got layers like my taco casserole , but it’s served cold — more like an appetizer than a dinner. And just like my 7 layer salad , it may look like a showstopper, but it’s actually super simple to throw together. This is why 7 layer taco dip is on repeat at my house:
- Perfect make-ahead dish – I usually prep it the night before, just like I do with cold crab dip or creamy French onion dip . The flavors only get better after chilling.
- Totally customizable – You can stick with the classic toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, olives, and cheese, or make it your own. I’ve even swapped the meat for taco seasoned ground turkey or added sliced jalapeños for extra kick.
- Crowd favorite – I’ve made this for game day , potlucks, and casual family hangouts. There’s never any left. It’s one of those recipes people always ask me for.
Make it with me next time you need a fun, scoopable app!

Ingredients & Substitutions
Here I explain the best ingredients for my 7 layer taco dip recipe, what each one does, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card .
Meat Layer:
The base layer of this taco dip is taco meat . It’s the same kind I use for taco salad .
- Ground Meat – I usually go with ground beef. Ground turkey, pork, Mexican chorizo , or even shredded Instant Pot chicken all work great too. Just use whatever you have or like best.
- Taco Seasoning – I like to make my own taco seasoning because it only takes 5 minutes and I always have the spices on hand. It’s just chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, cayenne, salt, and pepper. But if you’re in a hurry, a store-bought packet works just fine.
Cream Cheese Layer:
I mix up a creamy layer with cream cheese, sour cream, and a little taco seasoning to give it some kick.
- Plain Cream Cheese – I love using cream cheese because it makes the dip extra rich and creamy. If you need a swap, whipped cream cheese works in a pinch, or even neufchâtel if you want it a little lighter.
- Sour Cream – I usually use sour cream, but plain Greek yogurt works great too. You can even do mayo with a tiny splash of vinegar (white or apple cider) if that’s what you have.
- Taco Seasoning – I just use the same seasoning from the meat layer to keep things simple.
Taco Dip Toppings:
You can customize your taco dip toppings to your liking, but here are the most classic options, along with alternatives:
- Veggies – I usually go with shredded iceberg lettuce, chopped tomatoes, diced bell peppers, and red onion. But honestly, use whatever you like or have in the fridge. Kale, spinach, or even taco slaw works instead of lettuce. Any color bell pepper is fine (or roasted red peppers ), and cherry or grape tomatoes are great if that’s what you’ve got. You can also swap red onion for white, yellow, or even shallots.
- Cheddar Cheese – I like sharp cheddar, but Monterey Jack, pepper jack, Mexican blend, or even mozzarella all work. Pre-shredded cheese makes it super easy.
- Olives & Herbs – I usually go with black olives and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. Not a cilantro fan? Try green onions, parsley, or chives instead. And if you’re feeling bold, green olives add a little extra tang.

How To Make Taco Dip
I have step-by-step photos here to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card .
- Cook the taco meat . Brown the beef in a large skillet , breaking it apart as it cooks. Add taco seasoning and a splash of water, then stir until it thickens up and the liquid is gone.
- Mix the creamy layer . Use a hand mixer to blend the cream cheese and sour cream until smooth. Stir in a little taco seasoning for extra flavor.
- Assemble the taco dip . Spread the meat in a casserole dish . I drop spoonfuls of the creamy layer over the top, then gently spread it out. Pile on the lettuce, cheese, peppers, onions, tomatoes, and olives.
My Recipe Tips
- Cold cream cheese is hard to mix, so I let it sit on the counter for 30–60 minutes. If I forget, I just cube it up and microwave it for 10–15 seconds at a time until it’s soft (but not melted!).
- You can mix the creamy layer by hand, but it won’t turn out as light and fluffy. I use this hand mixer because it makes everything super smooth. I also love that the beaters store right in the base so I don’t lose them in the drawer.
- Add beans or go meatless. Sometimes I mix in a can of refried or black beans with the meat, or skip the meat completely and do a bean and corn base instead. Either way, it still turns out super hearty and delicious.
- An 8×8 glass dish works great for nice thick layers, but a 9×13 will stretch it for a bigger crowd. I use this smaller one when I want the dip to look extra stacked.
- The smaller you dice everything, the easier it is to scoop. I like to keep the bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes in tiny bite-sized pieces so nothing falls off the chips.
Recipe Video
Ingredients
Tap underlined ingredients to see the ones I use.
Beef layer:
- 1 lb Ground beef ▢
- 1/2 cup Water ▢
- 2 tbsp Taco seasoning ▢
Cream cheese & sour cream layer:
- 1 cup Sour cream ▢
- 8 oz Plain cream cheese (softened) ▢
- 1 tbsp Taco seasoning (to taste) ▢
Toppings:
- 1 cup Iceberg lettuce (shredded) ▢
- 3/4 cup Cheddar cheese (shredded) ▢
- 1/2 large Bell pepper (diced) ▢
- 1 medium Roma tomato (diced) ▢
- 1/4 cup Red onion (diced) ▢
- 3 tbsp Black olives (sliced, drained) ▢
- Cilantro (optional) ▢
Instructions
Tap on the times in the instructions to start a kitchen timer.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the beef, breaking apart with a spatula, for about 8-10 minutes , until browned.
- Add the water and taco seasoning. Stir fry for 2-5 minutes , until the extra water evaporates and taco meat forms. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, use a hand mixer to beat together the sour cream and cream cheese. Beat in the taco seasoning. (You can add more seasoning to taste if you like.)
- Spread the beef in a single layer in an 8×8 square glass casserole dish .
- Drop dollops of the sour cream mixture over the beef and gently spread with a spatula.
- Top with lettuce, shredded cheese, bell peppers, red onions, tomatoes, and black olives, in that order.
LAST STEP: Leave a rating to help other readers, or tag me @wholesomeyum on Instagram. I’d love to hear from you!
Maya’s Recipe Notes
Serving size: 1/2 cup
- Tips: Check out my recipe tips above to help you get the perfect texture, build sturdy layers, and make your taco dip super easy to scoop and serve.
- Serving ideas: See my serving ideas below for what to dip, what to pair, and how to turn this taco dip recipe into the star of your snack table.
- Store: Cover and refrigerate for up to a week.
- Meal prep: Prep the meat and creamy layer ahead, but add veggies right before serving.
I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .
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Taco Dip

Serving Ideas
- Dippers – Corn chips are the classic choice, but there are lots of other fun ways to scoop. Try it with air fried zucchini chips , cheese crisps , or flax crackers . Veggie sticks like celery, carrots, broccoli, bell peppers (like in the photos), or cucumber slices all work great too.
- Condiments – Spoon on some easy homemade salsa , a chunky fresh tomato version , creamy guacamole , or whatever you’re in the mood for.
- Main Dish – This 7 layer taco dip makes the perfect starter before a cozy bowl of Mexican pozole , some saucy pork chile verde , or cilantro lime chicken with a side of elote .
