Description

This Texas Trash Dip is loaded with creamy cheese, refried beans, and taco seasoning, baked until hot and bubbly. A crowd-pleasing party dip for any occasion!

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients List

Here’s everything you’ll need to make Texas Trash Dip:

For the Dip:

2 (16 oz) cans refried beans
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup sour cream
1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Optional Add-ins: 1 pound cooked ground beef, sausage, or shredded chicken, 1 can diced green chilies, 1/4 cup diced jalapeños

Instructions

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that the dip bakes evenly and becomes hot and bubbly.

Step 2: Prepare the Dip Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine the refried beans, cream cheese, and sour cream. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy. You can use a hand mixer to make this process quicker, but a spoon or spatula works just as well.
Add the taco seasoning to the mixture and stir until it’s evenly incorporated.

Tip: If you want to make your own taco seasoning, you can combine chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder for a homemade version.

Step 3: Add the Cheese

Stir 1 cup of cheddar cheese and 1 cup of Monterey Jack cheese into the dip mixture. This adds an extra layer of cheesiness to the dip itself, ensuring that every bite is packed with flavor.

Tip: Feel free to mix and match your favorite cheeses. If you like sharper cheese flavors, you can substitute sharp cheddar or add a bit of pepper jack for extra spice.

Step 4: Spread the Dip in the Baking Dish

Spread the dip evenly into a 9×13-inch baking dish, using a spatula to smooth it into an even layer. Make sure the dip is spread out so that it bakes evenly and each bite has a good balance of beans, cheese, and seasoning.

Step 5: Top with More Cheese

Once the dip mixture is spread evenly in the baking dish, top it with the remaining shredded cheese—1 cup of cheddar and 1 cup of Monterey Jack. Sprinkle the cheese evenly over the surface to create a melty, gooey layer on top.

Tip: If you like a crispy cheese crust, you can sprinkle a little extra cheese on top or add some Parmesan for an added crunch.

Step 6: Bake the Dip

Bake the Texas Trash Dip in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and golden brown around the edges.
Keep an eye on the dip during the last 5 minutes of baking to ensure it doesn’t overcook or burn. You want the top to be beautifully golden and the dip to be hot and bubbly throughout.

Tip: If the top isn’t browning as much as you’d like, you can turn on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes, but keep a close watch to prevent burning.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Once the dip is out of the oven, you can garnish it with fresh toppings like chopped cilantro, diced green onions, or jalapeño slices for added color and flavor.
Serve the dip hot with tortilla chips, pita chips, crackers, or veggies for dipping.

Notes

Tips for Perfect Texas Trash Dip

1. Let the Dip Rest Before Serving

After removing the dip from the oven, allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes before serving. This lets the flavors meld together and allows the dip to thicken slightly, making it easier to scoop without burning anyone’s mouth.

2. Use Freshly Grated Cheese for a Better Melt

Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly. For a creamier and more consistent dip, use freshly grated cheese. This ensures a perfect, gooey consistency that makes every bite more indulgent.

3. Adjust the Seasoning to Taste

If you’re using a store-bought taco seasoning, it’s still a good idea to taste the dip mixture before baking and adjust the salt, pepper, or spices to your liking. Some taco seasonings are saltier than others, and adding a little extra spice or a squeeze of lime juice can enhance the flavor.

4. Mix It Up with Different Cheeses

While cheddar and Monterey Jack are classic options, you can experiment with different cheeses to suit your preferences. Pepper Jack adds a spicy kick, while Colby Jack or sharp cheddar provide a deeper flavor. Mixing in some Parmesan can give the dip a saltier, nuttier finish.

5. Make It Ahead for Convenience

You can prepare the dip ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This is especially helpful for party planning. Simply cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, remove the plastic wrap and pop it in the oven.