This easy taco dip recipe layered with seasoned ground beef, Velveeta, cream cheese, and Monterey Jack is the ultimate hot appetizer for any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a game day party, a family taco night, or a church potluck, this warm, creamy dip made in your Crock-Pot or oven is easy, crowd-pleasing, and perfect for effortless entertaining.
Gina’s Notes For Making Beef Taco Dip Recipe Layered In A Crock Pot
This Mexican dip is always a hit with our whole family, even the grandkids. With hearty layers of taco-seasoned ground beef and rich, melted cheeses, this beef taco dip recipe is a guaranteed hit for any occasion. You can prep the entire dish in just 15 minutes, making it ideal for last-minute hosting or busy weeknights. Even beginner cooks can handle it with ease. The ingredients are affordable and familiar, including pantry staples like canned corn, black beans, and salsa. Pair it with this hearty Favorite Nacho Casserole Recipe for a fully loaded Tex-Mex experience. Plus, there’s plenty of room to customize the dip with swaps like spicy Velveeta, Greek yogurt, or meat-free alternatives. If you’re planning a larger spread, check out these Game Day Party Food Bars to round out your menu.
This was awesome. I am going to double this recipe but not using it as a dip. This will be the main course and served over rice. My 14 year old grandson loved it without the chips. It’s great on its own.
— Trudy
Quick Tips Before You Get Started
Important Prep Tips Before Starting the Recipe:
- Let the Velveeta and cream cheese come to room temperature for easier mixing.
- Drain your salsa and beans well if they’re extra wet to prevent a watery texture in the final dip.
- Use a 2-quart slow cooker or an 8×8 dish if using the oven.
Common Mistakes When Making This Recipe
- Overmixing the cheese mixture can make it runny.
- Not seasoning the beef well can lead to a bland dip.
Ingredient Tips
Here’s a quick overview of the key ingredients for this recipe. For the full list of ingredients and exact measurements, be sure to check the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Ground beef: Use 80/20 for flavor, or sub in ground turkey or meatless crumbles.
- Taco seasoning: Use store-bought or for optimal flavor, try my Homemade Mexican Seasoning Mix.
- Salsa: Chunky or smooth, mild or hot, choose what your guests will enjoy. You can also use this zesty Mexican Restaurant Style Salsa for an authentic twist.
- Corn and black beans: Canned and drained, adds heartiness and color.
- Green chilies: Use mild or hot, depending on your crowd.
- Cream cheese: Full-fat gives the best texture, but low-fat works in a pinch.
- Velveeta:Use classic for a creamy base, or try spicy Velveeta for more heat.
- Sour cream: Greek yogurt is a great substitute if needed.
- Shredded Monterey Jack: Shred your own for the best melt. For variation, try Pepper Jack, sharp cheddar, or a Mexican cheese blend.
How To Make Taco Dip Recipe Layered with Ground Beef
Soften the Cheeses & Cook the Beef
Place Velveeta and cream cheese in a mixing bowl and let come to room temp. If short on time, microwave for 30-45 seconds.
Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Drain excess grease.
Add Onions & Seasoning
Stir in chopped onions, cook until soft. Add taco seasoning and combine well.
Add Salsa, Beans, Corn, Chilies
Stir in the salsa, black beans, corn, and green chilies. Mix well and remove from heat.
Mix Cheese Base
In the cheese bowl, add sour cream and 1 cup shredded cheese. Stir until smooth.
Cook & Finish with Cheese
Spray with cooking spray. Start with 1 cup meat mixture, then 1 cup cheese mixture. Repeat layers, finishing with meat. Cover and cook on low 2-3 hours.
In last 15 minutes, sprinkle remaining cheese on top and re-cover.
Variations, Substitutions, and Recipe Tips
Dietary Modifications: Use dairy-free cream cheese and shredded cheese for lactose sensitivity. Note the texture might not be as creamy however. Substitute refried beans for meat to create a vegetarian version.
Flavor Enhancements: Add chili powder, cumin, or smoked paprika to beef. Top with pickled jalapeño slices, diced tomatoes, guacamole, Taco Bell Red Sauce, chopped green onions, Spicy Pico de Gallo Recipe, lime wedges, or any of your favorite toppings.
Add-In Options: Refried beans, sautéed peppers, Rotel instead of salsa.
Simple Substitutions: Greek yogurt for sour cream. Pepper Jack instead of Monterey Jack. Ground turkey for beef.
Tips for Recipe Success: Don’t skip spraying your Crock-Pot. Keep it on “warm” for serving. Double the batch for larger gatherings by using a 4-qt Crock-Pot. If you want another slow cooker dip recipe, you’ll love these Creamy Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe and 5 Ingredient Crock Pot Chili Cheese Dip.
Layer dip in an 8×8 sprayed baking dish. Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 30 mins. Uncover, top with cheese, and bake another 10-15 mins. Broil 1-2 mins for bubbly top if desired.
Thick chips, pita wedges, or crusty bread. Also great on nachos or baked potatoes. Or serve alongside Easy and Fun Cinco de Mayo Dessert Recipes for a festive spread.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Fridge: Cool the dip completely before storing in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 3 to 4 days. Press plastic wrap directly on the surface to minimize drying out.
- Freezer: While not ideal due to texture changes, you can freeze this dip in a tightly sealed container for up to 2 weeks. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
- Reheating: For best results, reheat in a 350°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes until warmed through. Or microwave individual portions in 30-second bursts, stirring between each round to keep the texture even.
Biblical Hospitality Tips For Serving This Beef Taco Dip
“When people leave your home, they should feel better about themselves, not better about you.” – Shauna Niequist
Whether you’re hosting for game day, taco night, or a church potluck, this easy dip helps you welcome others and makes prep time easy for you using a slow cooker.
Hostessing Tips for Casual Taco Nights
- Hospitality as Ministry: What does your guest need most today? A laugh, a quiet seat, a listening ear? Serve them accordingly.
- Fellowship Over Perfection: Forget cleaning every corner. Tidy what matters, then let go. Your presence is what people remember, not your baseboards.
- Prep-Ahead Tip: Cook meats or grains in batches and store them in 2-cup portions. You’ll always have taco-seasoned ground beef like this Homemade Seasoned Ground Meat Taco Recipe ready for dips, tacos, or casseroles. ready for dips, tacos, or casseroles.
Hospitality in Action
Challenge yourself to invite someone over this week who you might not normally host, maybe a new neighbor or a church member you haven’t connected with yet. Serve this dip with chips and casual conversation. Make space for stories, laughter, and fun fellowship. That’s real hospitality.
Who will you share this taco dip with? Leave a comment below and tell me how it turned out! For more easy hosting ideas and recipes, don’t forget to sign up for my newsletter.
Do you have a question about the recipe? Feel free to ask in the comments below. I’m here to help!
Cheesy Beef Taco Dip Recipe Layered In Crock Pot
Note: Be sure to read through the recipe’s post for tips and details about this recipe.
You can add any recipe from Intentional Hospitality to your shopping list to plan a full menu!
Ingredients
- 8 ounces Velveeta cheese, cut into cubes
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1 pound ground beef, 80/20
- 1/3 cup yellow or white onion, diced
- 3 tablespoons taco seasoning, store-bought or homemade
- 1 cup salsa
- 1/2 cup black beans, canned, drained
- 1/2 cup corn, canned. drained
- 4 ounces green chilies, canned
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 1/2 cups Monterey Jack cheese, shredded – set aside 1/2 cup for topping
Instructions
Soften Cheese Base
- Place the Velveeta cubes and cream cheese in a mixing bowl. Let sit at room temperature. (In a rush? Microwave for 30 to 45 seconds to soften.)8 ounces Velveeta cheese, 8 ounces cream cheese
Prepare Ground Beef Mixture
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it into crumbles as it browns. Drain off any excess grease.1 pound ground beef
- Stir in the diced onions and cook for another 2 minutes until softened. Then, mix in the taco seasoning.1/3 cup yellow or white onion, 3 tablespoons taco seasoning
- Stir in the salsa, black beans, corn, and green chilies. Mix well and remove from heat.1 cup salsa, 1/2 cup black beans, 1/2 cup corn, 4 ounces green chilies
Mix the Cheese Blend
- Add sour cream and 1 cup of the shredded Monterey Jack cheese to the Velveeta and cream cheese bowl. Stir together until creamy (use a hand mixer on low speed if needed, but don’t overmix).1/2 cup sour cream, 1 1/2 cups Monterey Jack cheese
Layer in the Crock-Pot
- Spray the Crock-Pot with non-stick cooking spray.
- Layer 1 cup of the meat mixture.
- Spread 1 cup of the cheese mixture on top.
- Repeat layers, ending with a layer of meat (about 4 layers total).
Cook
- Cover and cook on low for 2 to 3 hours.
Finish with Cheese
- In the last 15 minutes, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of Monterey Jack cheese over the top. Cover again until melted.
Serve
- Set the slow cooker to “warm” and serve directly from the Crock-Pot.. Garnish with chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, or diced tomatoes, if desired.
Notes
Important Prep Tips Before Starting the Recipe:
- Let the Velveeta and cream cheese come to room temperature for easier mixing.
- Drain your salsa and beans well if they’re extra wet to prevent a watery texture in the final dip.
- Use a 2-quart slow cooker or an 8×8 dish if using the oven.
Equipment
This was awesome. I am going to double this recipe but not using it as a dip. This will be the main course and served over rice. My 14 year old grandson loved it without the chips. It’s great on its own.
Thanks for sharing Trudy. I made you a star review at the beginning of the post. Isn’t it great to cook for grandkids? Mine are still small but I bet it’s going to be fun filling them up when they are teens.