Layered Taco Salad Dip with Ground Beef
A deconstructed taco salad in dip form, layering seasoned ground beef with a smooth cream cheese and cottage cheese base, topped with melted cheddar, crisp lettuce, fresh tomatoes, and optional avocado. Served with tortilla chips for scooping. Quick to assemble and perfect for entertaining.
Ingredients
- 1 package taco seasoning mix, Original Taco by McCormick
- ¼ cup water
- 1 lb lean ground beef, 7% fat
- 1 8oz package cream cheese
- 1 cup cottage cheese, any size curd
- 1 cup salsa, roasted or any variety
- 2 cups shredded medium cheddar cheese, finely shredded
- 2 cups shredded lettuce
- 2 cups tomatoes, finely chopped
- 1 avocado, diced(optional)
- cilantro, for garnish(optional)
- tortilla chips, firm, for serving
Instructions
- 1
Brown ground beef in a large skillet without added oil.
- 2
Drain excess liquid with paper towel if needed.
- 3
Combine taco seasoning mix with water.
- 4
Stir seasoning mixture into cooked beef and remove from heat to cool.
- 5
Blend cottage cheese, cream cheese, and salsa in a food processor until smooth.
- 6
Spread cooled beef into a 9x13-inch glass baking pan or individual ramekins.
- 7
Top beef layer with blended cream cheese mixture.
- 8
Sprinkle finely shredded cheddar cheese evenly over top.
- 9
Layer lettuce, tomatoes, and avocado if using.
- 10
Garnish with cilantro if desired.
- 11
Serve with tortilla chips.
Tips
Use 7% fat ground beef to minimize draining step.
Blend cream cheese mixture until completely smooth for even layering.
Assemble shortly before serving for best texture, or refrigerate covered.
Squeeze lime juice over avocado before refrigerating to prevent browning.
Good to Know
Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate up to 2 days. Do not freeze as texture will suffer.
Prepare beef and cream cheese mixture up to 1 day ahead. Assemble cold components (lettuce, tomatoes, avocado) up to 4 hours before serving; cover and refrigerate.
Serve at room temperature or chilled with tortilla chips on the side for scooping.
Common Mistakes
Skip draining cooked beef to avoid soggy bottom layers.
Don't over-blend cream cheese mixture to avoid breaking down texture.
Apply lime juice to avocado before refrigerating to avoid browning.