Imagine a bubbling hot, cheesy, and beefy dip that steals the show at every gathering—this is the Meaty Texas Trash Dip. A bold, flavorful dish packed with seasoned ground beef, creamy refried beans, melty cheese, and zesty Tex-Mex flair, it’s the kind of appetizer that demands attention and quickly disappears from the table.

Perfect for game days, potlucks, or family movie nights, this dip offers all the comforting richness of a cheesy casserole but in a scoopable, shareable form. Serve it with crunchy tortilla chips, and watch everyone keep coming back for more. It’s indulgent, satisfying, and incredibly easy to make.
Ingredients for this Meaty Texas Trash Dip
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- 1 can (16 oz) refried beans
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1½ cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel tomatoes (drained)
- ½ cup canned corn (drained)
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro (optional)
- Tortilla chips, for serving
- Optional toppings: dollop of sour cream, extra tomatoes, cilantro

Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s fully browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess grease, then stir in the taco seasoning and a splash of water. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until well blended and slightly thickened.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the refried beans, softened cream cheese, and sour cream. Mix until smooth and creamy. You can use a hand mixer or stir vigorously with a spatula.
Step 3: Assemble the Dip
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a greased 9×9-inch baking dish or similar-sized oven-safe dish, layer the creamy bean mixture as the base. Spread evenly with a spatula.
Step 4: Add the Meaty Layer
Evenly spoon the seasoned ground beef over the bean mixture. Sprinkle the corn and drained Rotel tomatoes on top of the beef layer.
Step 5: Load with Cheese
Top everything with a combination of shredded Mexican blend and cheddar cheeses. Be generous—this is where the gooey, melty magic happens.
Step 6: Bake the Dip
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbling around the edges.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Remove from oven, and if desired, garnish with fresh cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, and extra diced tomatoes. Serve hot with tortilla chips.
Storage Instructions
To store any leftover Meaty Texas Trash Dip, allow it to cool completely at room temperature first. Then, follow these steps:
- Refrigerator: Transfer to an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: While best enjoyed fresh, this dip can be frozen. Place in a freezer-safe container and store for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until heated through, about 15–20 minutes. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until hot.
Estimated Nutrition
Per serving (based on 8 servings):
- Calories: 410
- Total Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
- Sodium: 870mg
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 23g
Note: Nutrition values are estimates and may vary based on brands and specific ingredients used.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the dip, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Add 5–10 minutes extra to the baking time if cold.
Is this dip spicy?
It has mild heat from the taco seasoning and Rotel. For more spice, use hot Rotel or add jalapeños.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or even ground chicken works great as a leaner substitute.
What can I serve with this dip besides chips?
Try toasted baguette slices, pita chips, or even veggie sticks like bell pepper strips and celery.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes—just omit the beef or use a plant-based meat alternative. Everything else remains the same.
How do I make it extra cheesy?
Add more shredded cheese on top before baking, or layer cheese between the beans and beef for extra gooeyness.
Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
Yes! Use a larger baking dish, like a 9×13-inch pan, and double all ingredients. Bake for an additional 5–10 minutes.
What toppings go well with this dip?
Try green onions, black olives, diced avocado, or a squeeze of lime for a fresh finish.

Meaty Texas Trash Dip
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
Description
This Meaty Texas Trash Dip is a bold, cheesy, and hearty Tex-Mex inspired appetizer that’s perfect for game day or gatherings. Loaded with seasoned ground beef, creamy beans, and layers of melty cheese, it’s served warm and topped with fresh garnishes. Just add tortilla chips and dig in!
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 packet taco seasoning mix
1 can (16 oz) refried beans
1 cup sour cream
1 cup cream cheese, softened
1½ cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 can (10 oz) Rotel tomatoes (drained)
½ cup canned corn (drained)
¼ cup chopped cilantro (optional)
Tortilla chips, for serving
Optional toppings: dollop of sour cream, extra tomatoes, cilantro
Instructions
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook and crumble the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in taco seasoning and a little water. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- In a bowl, mix refried beans, sour cream, and softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Spread the creamy mixture in a greased 9×9-inch baking dish.
- Top with the seasoned beef, then sprinkle on corn and drained Rotel tomatoes.
- Cover with both shredded cheeses.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes, until hot and bubbly.
- Garnish with cilantro, sour cream, and extra tomatoes if desired. Serve with tortilla chips.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner