Name: Meaty Texas Trash Dip
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: Ground beef: 1 lb (450g) (or ground turkey for a leaner option); Cream cheese: 8 oz (226g), softened; Sour cream: 1 cup (240g); Shredded cheddar cheese: 2 cups (200g); Ranch seasoning mix: 1 packet (about 1 oz or 28g); Salsa: 1 cup (240g); Green onions: 2-3, chopped (optional); Jalapeños: 1-2, sliced (optional for extra heat)

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If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing dip that packs a punch, look no further than this Meaty Texas Trash Dip! It’s got all the flavors you crave—cheesy, savory, a little bit spicy, and super satisfying. This dip is perfect for game nights, parties, or just when you want something warm and hearty to snack on. Serve it with tortilla chips, crackers, or veggies, and get ready for everyone to ask for the recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

This Meaty Texas Trash Dip is everything you love about dips—cheesy, spicy, and filling—but with the added bonus of hearty ground beef. It’s the kind of dip that you can’t stop eating, and it’s guaranteed to be a hit at your next gathering. Whether you’re feeding a big group or just looking for a fun snack, this dip will always deliver. It’s quick to throw together, and you can even make it ahead of time. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s called “trash”—because it’s so irresistible, you’ll be digging in until it’s all gone!

Ingredients

Here’s a sneak peek at the basic ingredients to get started:

Ground beef (or turkey if you prefer leaner)
Cream cheese
Sour cream
Shredded cheddar cheese
Ranch seasoning mix
Salsa
Green onions (optional)
Jalapeños (optional for some heat)

(Full list of ingredients and measurements will be provided below)

Directions

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Start by cooking the ground beef (or turkey) in a large skillet over medium heat. Use a wooden spoon to break it up as it cooks, making sure it’s evenly browned. Once the meat is cooked through, drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Mixture

In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, and ranch seasoning mix. Stir it well until the mixture is smooth and creamy. You can soften the cream cheese by microwaving it for 20-30 seconds to make mixing easier.

Step 3: Layer the Dip

In a baking dish (a 9×9-inch dish works great), spread the cream cheese mixture evenly on the bottom. Next, layer the cooked ground beef over the top of the cheese mixture. Then, pour the salsa over the beef layer and sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese.

Step 4: Bake the Dip

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once it’s ready, pop the baking dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the dip is bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once the dip is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a couple of minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions and sliced jalapeños if you like a little extra spice. Serve hot with tortilla chips, crackers, or veggie sticks. Dig in and enjoy!

Expert Tips and Tricks

Make it Spicy: If you love spice, feel free to add extra jalapeños or even a splash of hot sauce to the beef mixture. You can also switch the salsa for a spicier variety to kick up the heat.
Make-Ahead: You can prep this dip a day in advance. Simply assemble the layers in the baking dish, cover with plastic wrap, and store in the fridge overnight. When you’re ready to serve, just pop it in the oven to bake.
Cheese Swap: While cheddar is classic, you can mix it up with other cheeses like pepper jack for some extra spice or Monterey Jack for a milder, melty texture.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Vegetarian Version: If you want a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with cooked beans (like black beans or refried beans). You can also add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and corn for extra texture and flavor.
Dairy-Free: For a dairy-free option, use a dairy-free cream cheese and sour cream substitute, and choose a dairy-free cheese that melts well.
Lean Protein: If you’re watching your calories, swapping out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken is a great way to make this dip a bit lighter without sacrificing flavor.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

This Meaty Texas Trash Dip is great on its own, but if you’re serving it at a party, consider pairing it with some sides to complement the dip:

Tortilla Chips: Classic and perfect for dipping.
Vegetable Crudités: For a healthier option, serve the dip with crunchy veggies like bell pepper slices, cucumber rounds, or carrot sticks.
Rice or Nachos: Spoon the dip over a bed of rice for a quick meal or serve it on top of nachos for a fun twist.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you have any leftovers (which is unlikely), you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm the dip in the microwave or oven until it’s heated through. If it gets too thick, add a splash of milk or sour cream to loosen it up.

4 FAQs

Can I make this dip in advance?
Absolutely! You can assemble it the day before, refrigerate it, and then bake it just before serving. It’s a great make-ahead option.
Can I use a different protein?
Yes! You can swap out the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage if you prefer.
Can I freeze the dip?
Yes, this dip freezes well! After baking, let it cool completely, then cover it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake until bubbly.
What can I serve with this dip?
You can serve this dip with tortilla chips, crackers, or veggies. It’s also great as a topping for nachos or even on a baked potato!

Conclusion

This Meaty Texas Trash Dip is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s full of flavor and super easy to make. Whether you’re hosting a big game day event or just looking for a fun snack, this dip is always the star of the show. It’s cheesy, spicy, and oh-so-satisfying. Serve it up with your favorite chips or veggies, and watch it disappear in no time!

Meaty Texas Trash Dip

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Author: Emily
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 6-8 servings
Category: Appetizer, Dip
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Tex-Mex, American
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

A cheesy, savory, and slightly spicy dip packed with hearty ground beef and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for parties, game nights, or whenever you want a warm, crowd-pleasing snack.

Ingredients

Ground beef: 1 lb (450g) (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
Cream cheese: 8 oz (226g), softened
Sour cream: 1 cup (240g)
Shredded cheddar cheese: 2 cups (200g)
Ranch seasoning mix: 1 packet (about 1 oz or 28g)
Salsa: 1 cup (240g)
Green onions: 2-3, chopped (optional)
Jalapeños: 1-2, sliced (optional for extra heat)

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Instructions

Brown the Ground Beef: Cook ground beef (or turkey) in a large skillet over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat and set aside.
Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, and ranch seasoning mix. Stir until smooth.
Layer the Dip: In a 9×9-inch baking dish, spread the cream cheese mixture. Add cooked ground beef, then pour salsa over the beef layer. Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes, until bubbly and cheese is melted.
Garnish and Serve: Let the dip cool slightly, then garnish with green onions and jalapeños. Serve with tortilla chips, crackers, or veggies.

Notes

Make it Spicy: Add extra jalapeños, hot sauce, or a spicy salsa variety.
Make-Ahead: Assemble the dip and refrigerate it overnight, then bake before serving.
Cheese Swap: Try using pepper jack or Monterey Jack for different flavor profiles.