Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

• Start by cooking the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart as it cooks. Once the beef is browned and no longer pink, drain the excess fat (unless you’re going for the extra indulgent route — no judgment here).
• Add the taco seasoning to the beef and follow the packet instructions. Most of the time, it’s as simple as adding a little water and letting the mixture simmer for a couple of minutes. This step is crucial because the seasoning gives the beef that classic taco flavor. Once the beef is ready, set it aside to cool a little before assembling the dip.

Step 2: Layer the Dip

• Now, grab your baking dish. I typically use a 9x13-inch dish, but any baking dish around that size will work. Start by spreading the refried beans across the bottom of the dish. I like to use a spatula to smooth it out into an even layer. The beans give the dip a creamy base and help it all stick together, plus they add a nice texture.
• Next, in a separate bowl, combine the cream cheese and sour cream. You want the cream cheese to be softened, so it blends easily. Mix the two together until it’s smooth and creamy. Then, spread this mixture on top of the refried beans. Don’t worry about it being perfect — it’ll all melt together in the oven, and no one will know if it’s a little messy!

Step 3: Add the Ground Beef

• Once the beef is ready, spread it evenly over the cream cheese layer. Try to cover the entire surface, but again, don’t worry if it’s not totally perfect. It’s going to be delicious either way. The ground beef adds so much flavor, and it’s the key to making this dip taste like a taco in every bite.

Step 4: Cheese It Up

• Now it’s time for the cheese. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar (or your favorite cheese) evenly over the top. I use about 2 cups, but feel free to add more if you want extra cheese. You can mix different types of cheese for more flavor, or if you prefer a more gooey dip, go heavy on the mozzarella. The cheese is what really brings everything together and makes this dip ooey-gooey and irresistible.

Step 5: Bake

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place your dip in the oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling. If you like your cheese extra crispy, you can leave it in for a few extra minutes, but keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn.

Step 6: Add the Toppings

• Once the dip comes out of the oven, it’s time to add your favorite toppings. This is where you can get creative! I usually add chopped green onions, sliced jalapenos for a little heat, and sometimes black olives. Fresh diced tomatoes can add a burst of color and flavor, and they also help balance out the richness of the cheese.

Don’t be afraid to pile on the toppings. The more, the better in my opinion. You could even add a dollop of sour cream or guacamole on top for some extra creaminess.