Layered Taco Dip

Layered taco dip with a can of refried beans is among the easiest and most well-known appetizer dips.

Truly perfect for making your own, refried beans taco dip has 7 layers of the most delicious and simple ingredients.   

Combined, beans, cheese, salsa, and sour cream are smooth, creamy, cheesy, and usually GONE before the end of the night. So let’s get out that casserole dish and create the easiest and best layer dip ever! 

Taco Dip Ingredients

Perfect to prep and display, the layered dip is as pretty to look at as it is to eat (at least until you dip in) and goes fantastic with homemade tortilla chips.

This 7-layer taco dip is a perfect game day appetizer dip, but don’t exclude whipping it up for dinner!

• Refried beans – Refried beans come in a few kinds. Regular refried beans and black bean refried beans. I have to say that the black bean version is SO good and if you haven’t tried the layered dip with those, give it a shot. 
• Sour cream – There is no substitute for sour cream, and I believe the dip tastes best with full fat. 
• Taco seasoning – Any package taco seasoning mix will do OK, but we prefer Ortega. 

• Salsa – The salsa layer is where you control the heat of the dip. Choose your favorite hot sauce or salsa. Another great way to bring some flavor is to make air fryer salsa verde. It’s a pretty green layer and made with fresh veggies.
• Shredded lettuce – The Head of the iceberg lettuce should be shredded so every bite has a bit of lettuce, so this green vegetable doesn’t take over the plate. 

• Shredded cheese – Best cheese options are shredded cheddar cheese, queso, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend.
• Ripe olives – Black olives are a personal choice, but the distinct flavors of a black olive go perfectly with this dip. 
• Tortilla chips – As with every dip, you need a dipper! Homemade Tortilla chips are the best choice. 
• Optional ingredients or Favorite Toppings: There are many ways to enjoy a dip, not just how we make it. Try adding other favorite taco toppings like green bell pepper, homemade guacamole (in fact, a whole layer of guacamole works great), fresh cilantro leaves, diced white onion, chopped green onions, or extra tomatoes.

How to make Taco Dip with Refried Beans

There are many ways to make a fantastic taco dip, and this bean version is perfect.   Of course, you can easily make this with the meat of your choice; steak, ground beef, and even shredded make great choices.

Still, if you need a party platter, a simple layered taco dip is usually the best way to go and serves up the easiest with chips or broken taco shells.

1. Spread refried beans (or make this simple bean dip recipe for the bottom layer) onto a large serving platter. 
2. Mix 16 oz. Tub of sour cream and a packet of taco seasoning together in a  medium bowl.
3. Using a spatula, spread the seasoned sour cream on the beans.
4. If you add beef or any protein or meat, add it cooked before the sour cream layer.
5. Now continue layers – Spread salsa on top of the sour cream mixture and top with other favorites like lettuce, cheese, avocado, and black olives.
6. Refrigerate taco dip until ready to serve.
7. Serve with tortilla chips.

Expert Appetizer Tips for Taco Dip

• Try a dash of cayenne pepper and some garlic powder in addition to the taco seasoning mix. 
• If adding cooked ground beef, including on top of beans, before adding the other layered and favorite taco ingredients. This keeps the weight of the meat on the bottom. 
• Make a cream cheese mixture: Mix half a block of softened cream cheese with the sour cream to create a thicker and heavier dip. 
• Like many taco dip recipes, this dip is not keto-friendly. 
• A clear pie plate is a great way to serve the dip. It holds all the ingredients in it and allows you to see all the layers. 

How long does Taco Dip Last? 

Typically I do not have leftovers of taco dip! But if you find yourself in this unusual position, taco dip should last about three days in the fridge.

Just cover the top with plastic wrap. 

Adding a Guacamole Layer

If you happen to have included guacamole in a top layer, it will oxidize and turn brown. This will not affect the flavor; it just looks unappetizing.

The best option is to make sure any avocado or guacamole is deeper in the layers and smothered in the salsa and sour cream. 

Can homemade refried beans be used as a Layer?

Absolutely! If you want to make this dip homemade, make sure you try this slow cooker refried beans recipe.

Truly refried beans are SO easy and incredibly cost-effective to make in batches. Plus, you can have more taco dip all week long! 

If you liked this dip recipe, there is no need to be a chef to whip up these other simple ingredient dip recipes!

• Queso Dip with Rotel Tomatoes
• 5 minute Chili Cream Cheese Dip
• Fiesta Corn Dip with Rotel 

Related Mexican Recipes

• These slow cooker Mexican Thighs with black beans is a great weeknight option.
• Not all Mexican foods are tacos and dips! Try one of these delicious casserole options: Mexican Chicken Casserole Recipe, Cheesy Beef Tortilla Casserole Recipe, or this simple ground beef casserole recipe.

• Absolutly a favorite here on Salty Side Dish, this Mexican Street Corn Dip also makes a delicious layer to add onto this dip.
• If you have never had street corn, you must try this Mexican Street Corn Recipe – it’s my favorite!
• If you have an air fryer, these air fried tortilla chips are pretty easy to whip up.