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    Home » Recipes » Appetizers

    Published: Feb 11, 2024 · Modified: Feb 2, 2025 by AshleyFreeman ·

    Super Easy Old El Paso Layered Taco Dip Recipe

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    This Old El Paso taco dip recipe is a Tex-Mex favorite for a reason, and it's sure to be the star of the party. It may not be a new recipe, but my version has even more layers than the 7-layer dip version you may have had before.

    Bursting with 8 layers of zesty goodness, this dip is a fiesta in every bite! Whether you're hosting a game night, a family gathering, or simply craving a delicious snack, this recipe is guaranteed to satisfy your taste buds.

    Old El Paso taco dip in a green-rimmed baking pan with Fritos in a basket.

    I'm a fan of easy recipes, and this dip is certainly one of those. It's an easy dip perfect for serving to a big crowd to watch the Super Bowl, and since it's packed full of fresh flavors and veggies, it's a healthier option to add to the mix. Plus, it's vegetarian, and I'm always looking for recipes that'll appeal to all our friends, including those who don't eat meat.

    Whether you're hosting a party, enjoying a casual night in with friends and family, or simply craving a delicious snack, this recipe is guaranteed to satisfy everyone's taste buds.

    If you're looking for more crowd-pleasing appetizers to serve at your next party, I've got you covered. Everyone will love my Bread Bowl Baked Brie with Fig Preserves. It's made in the air fryer so it's super easy.

    Another recipe to check out is my Carolina Caviar. It's also got Tex-Mex flavors and is on the healthier side. This spicy queso hummus is another fun option. And, I know you'll love my Creamy Fried Dill Pickle Dip, Sautéed Onion, Ham, and Cheese Empanadas, and Poke Nachos with Ahi Tuna recipes; all of these recipes are party-ready!

    Jump to:
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Substitutions
    • Variations
    • Equipment
    • Storage
    • Tasty tip
    • Frequently asked questions
    • Related
    • Even more
    • 🍽Get the recipe
    • Recipe guidelines and test kitchen tips
    • Food safety

    Ingredients

    Before we get started, let’s gather the ingredients we need for this recipe.

    Ingredients for Old El Paso taco dip recipe.
    • refried beans
    • taco seasoning mix
    • cream cheese
    • chopped green chiles
    • salsa
    • guacamole
    • shredded lettuce
    • shredded Mexican cheese blend
    • chopped fresh tomatoes
    • chopped green onions

    (See recipe card for quantities.)

    Instructions

    Now that we’ve got our ingredients, it’s time to get cooking!

    Mixing refried beans and taco seasoning in a glass bowl.

    First, combine refried beans and taco seasoning in a bowl.

    Mixing cream cheese and green chiles in a metal bowl.

    Next, mix cream cheese and green chiles in another bowl.

    Spreading guacamole over the cream cheese and bean mixture in a green-rimmed serving dish.

    Then, spread the beans on the bottom of a serving dish. Spread the cream cheese on top of the beans in an even layer. Top with the guacamole and then the salsa.

    Sprinkling lettuce over the cheese in a green-rimmed serving pan.

    Finally, sprinkle with the cheese, followed by the lettuce, tomatoes, and green onions. Serve immediately or refrigerate until serving time.

    Hint: I like to use an offset spatula to spread the layers of refried beans, cream cheese, and guacamole. Because they're thicker ingredients, this tool helps spread them evenly.

    Substitutions

    Need to make some adjustments to this recipe? Here are a few suggestions:

    • Cream cheese- instead of cream cheese use sour cream. I recommend using a (16-ounce) container of full-fat sour cream so that it'll be a thick enough layer.
    • Green onions - use chopped red onion or yellow onion instead of green onions if you'd like a stronger onion flavor. The red onion also adds another burst of color to this easy taco dip recipe.
    • Fritos - I love a Frito scoop--I find it's the perfect sturdy chip to serve with this dip, as it's able to scoop through the layers of refried beans, guacamole, and other thick ingredients. You can also serve this with tortilla chips or pita chips if you prefer.
    • Mexican blend cheese - use your favorite shredded cheese. Shredded Cheddar cheese or Monterey Jack are great options. You can also use pepper jack for a little spicy kick.

    Variations

    Here are some more ideas to change up this recipe:

    • Spicy - add pickled jalapeños or fresh jalapeños to add a little heat to this dip. You can also stir in some cayenne pepper to the refried beans.
    • Meaty - I love that this is a vegetarian option for my friends who don't eat meat, but feel free to add a layer of browned ground beef. Simply cook beef in a skillet over medium-high heat until it crumbles and is no longer pink. If you don't use lean meat, like ground sirloin, you'll want to drain the beef first so it's not overly oily. High-fat meat like ground chuck adds a lot of extra flavor, so that would be my choice. And, I recommend adding it after the salsa and before the lettuce so you're not having to spread a thick dip on top of the meat.
    • Deluxe - top with more fresh toppings like chopped bell pepper and sliced ripe olives.

    Equipment

    Here's the equipment you'll need for this ultimate no-fuss appetizer recipe:

    • mixing bowl set
    • spatula
    • 3-quart baking dish

    Storage

    Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you'd like to make this recipe ahead of time, it's a great candidate for that. I recommend covering the guacamole layer completely with the salsa to prevent it from browning.

    This recipe does not freeze well.

    Tasty tip

    Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature so it'll be smooth when you spread it. Cold cream cheese will be lumpy and will be very hard to spread over the bean layer.

    Frequently asked questions

    What is taco dip made of?

    Everyone has their own variations, but I like to layer this easy taco bean dip with traditional refried beans, cream cheese flavored with green chilis, guacamole, salsa, shredded Mexican-blend cheese, shredded lettuce, chopped fresh tomatoes, and chopped green onions.

    I don't have the taco seasoning on hand. What are the ingredients in Old El Paso taco seasoning mix so I can make my own?

    Old El Paso taco seasoning is a mix of chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, sugar, and cornstarch.

    How many days is taco dip good for? Can I make this ahead of time.

    Easy entertaining make-ahead apps are winners in my book! This dip will last for several days, so you can definitely make it ahead of time and store, covered, in the refrigerator. Two days ahead of time is probably the most I'd go.

    Can I freeze my taco dip?

    Sadly, no. The ingredients in this dip don't hold up to freezing and would cause a mushy, watery mess. Thankfully this dip is super easy so it doesn't take long at all to put it together.

    Why does my taco dip get watery?

    To avoid a watery dip, make sure to refrigerate it long enough to allow it to set up.

    Related

    Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:

    • White platter of Burrata Caprese Salad with a metal spatula and green checked cloth on the side.
      Burrata Caprese Salad with Fresh Basil Vinaigrette
    • Two plates topped with pulled pork sandwiches and coleslaw, a jar of Western NC BBQ Sauce, a bowl of pickles, and some red checked napkins.
      Western North Carolina Style Vinegar BBQ Sauce
    • A metal pan of grilled pork chops brushed with Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce alongside a white bowl of sauce with a brush on top and a red checked cloth.
      The Best Tangy Carolina Gold Mustard BBQ Sauce
    • Slice of Edwards Turtle Pie recipe on a white plate with a bite out on a fork and a blue platter of the whole pie behind.
      The Ultimate No Bake Turtle Pie with Chocolate Crust

    Even more

    These are more of my favorite recipes:

    • Three plates with slices of homemade Publix key lime pie with a blue rimmed enamel pie pan of key lime pie to the side.
      The Best Key Lime Pie with Graham Cracker Crust
    • Metal surface topped with Roger Wood sausage Low Country Boil, two cans of beer, and metal containers of tartar sauce and cocktail sauce.
      Low Country Boil with Roger Wood Smoked Sausage
    • Metal Ovenex Starburst pan filled with Phillips Crab Cakes and a bowl of Cajun Tartar Sauce with lemon wedges and fresh herbs sprinkled on top.
      How to Make Crab Cakes with Cajun Tartar Sauce
    • Wooden tray topped with a light blue bowl of Cajun tartar sauce with hot sauce on top, a bottle of hot sauce on the side, as well as lemon wedges, parsley leaves, and a kitchen towel.
      Easy Homemade Cajun Tartar Sauce with Creole Mustard

    🍽Get the recipe

    Old El Paso Taco Dip in a green-rimmed baking pan.

    Old El Paso Layered Taco Dip

    This Old El Paso taco dip recipe is a Tex-Mex favorite for a reason, and it's sure to be the star of the party. Bursting with 8 layers of zesty goodness, this layer dip recipe is a fiesta in every bite!
    5 from 7 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Appetizer
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 0 minutes minutes
    Servings: 8

    Equipment

    • mixing bowl set
    • spatula
    • 3-quart baking dish

    Ingredients

    • 1 (16-ounce) can refried beans
    • 1 (1-ounce) package Old El Paso original taco seasoning mix
    • 1 (8-ounce) block cream cheese, softened
    • 1 (4-ounce) can chopped green chiles, drained
    • 1 (12-ounce) jar chunky salsa
    • 1 (15-ounce) container guacamole
    • 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
    • 2 cups shredded lettuce
    • 2 green onions, chopped
    • 2 cups chopped fresh tomatoes
    • Corn chips, for serving

    Instructions

    • Stir together the refried beans and taco seasoning in a medium bowl.
    • Stir together the cream cheese and chopped green chiles in a separate medium bowl.
    • Spread the bean mixture in an even layer on the bottom of a 3-quart dish. Spread the cream cheese mixture on top of the beans. Top evenly with the guacamole and then the salsa.
    • Sprinkle with the cheese, followed by the lettuce. Top with the tomatoes and green onions. Serve immediately with corn chips or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

    Recipe guidelines and test kitchen tips

    When developing and testing recipes, here are some key things that I do for more success in the kitchen:

    • Be sure to use dry measuring cups for things like flour, sugar, and mayonnaise and a liquid measuring cup for things like water, milk, and broth.
    • When measuring dry ingredients like flour and powdered sugar that can pack down, spoon the ingredient into a dry measuring cup and level with a knife as opposed to scooping the measuring cup into the ingredient.
    • I test and develop recipes using a standard electric oven and standard gas stovetop. Be aware that if you use an electric stovetop or convection oven, your bake times will be different.
    • When recipes call for kosher salt, I use Diamond Crystal kosher salt.

    Food safety

    Finally, don't forget to keep these food safety tips in mind when making this recipe.

    • Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
    • Never leave cooking food unattended
    • Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove

    See more guidelines at USDA.gov.

    More Appetizers

    • Cast iron skillet filled with hot Mexican street corn dip with cream cheese on a wooden board surrounded by a blue checked napkin and small white enamel appetizer plates.
      Hot Mexican Street Corn Dip with Cream Cheese
    • Oval platter topped with yellow and blue tortilla chips and a wooden bowl filled with 4 Ingredient Guacamole with a green striped towel on the side.
      Easy 4-Ingredient Guacamole Recipe from Scratch
    • Three small wooden plates topped with tortilla chips and colorful bowls of Restaurant-Style Queso Dip.
      Amazing Restaurant Style Queso Dip (10 Minute Recipe)
    • A dark wooden cutting board topped with triangles of jerk chicken quesadillas with a teal enamel bowl filled with pineapple salsa on the side and a stack of plates with some quesadillas on top.
      Jerk Chicken Quesadillas with Pineapple Salsa

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Sonja says

      June 24, 2024 at 1:16 pm

      5 stars
      I always wondered how to make these layered dips and your recipe was so easy to follow and yummy! Was the hit at the garden party. I should have made more!

      Reply
      • AshleyFreeman says

        June 25, 2024 at 2:03 pm

        Oh yay! That's so great to hear!

        Reply
    2. Juyali says

      June 17, 2024 at 9:28 am

      5 stars
      There is something about "taco dips" that makes them so irresistible! And this recipe was so so easy. I brought it to a party and received many compliments. Thanks for making me look so good! 🙂

      Reply
      • AshleyFreeman says

        June 17, 2024 at 12:13 pm

        Awe, yay! So glad it was a hit!

        Reply
    3. Chenee says

      May 21, 2024 at 10:55 am

      5 stars
      Can you really go wrong with taco dip? My daughter and I had "girls night in" and this was our dinner choice! So yummy.

      Reply
      • AshleyFreeman says

        May 21, 2024 at 8:05 pm

        Chenee, you are so right!

        Reply
    4. Caroline says

      May 21, 2024 at 10:23 am

      5 stars
      I love how easy this is and great for a party!

      Reply
      • AshleyFreeman says

        May 21, 2024 at 8:04 pm

        Yeah! Perfect for a party!

        Reply
    5. Paula says

      May 21, 2024 at 9:07 am

      5 stars
      This layered taco dip was a huge hit at a party I hosted last weekend. Will definitely be making it again.

      Reply
      • AshleyFreeman says

        May 21, 2024 at 10:19 am

        Awesome! Thanks for sharing, Paula!

        Reply
    6. Ned says

      May 21, 2024 at 8:13 am

      5 stars
      This is perfect for an appetizer but also can double for a meal! Oh my it was so good!

      Reply
      • AshleyFreeman says

        May 21, 2024 at 10:19 am

        I'm with you Ned! I could eat a dinners' worth myself!

        Reply
    7. kushi says

      May 21, 2024 at 8:04 am

      5 stars
      How colorful and delicious is this dip. Thanks for sharing.

      Reply
      • AshleyFreeman says

        May 21, 2024 at 10:19 am

        It's a classic and always a crowd-pleaser!

        Reply
    5 from 7 votes

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    Photo of Ashley Strickland Freeman in a kitchen.

    Hi, I'm Ashley, "your best friend in the kitchen." I'm a food stylist, culinary producer, editor, travel junkie, and author of The Duke's Mayonnaise Cookbook from Charleston, SC. Thanks for stopping by Little Black Skillet!

    More about me →

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