If you’re craving a rich, crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s loaded with bold Tex-Mex flavor, this Meaty Texas Trash Dip is a must-try! It’s cheesy, creamy, spicy, and packed with seasoned ground beef — the ultimate comfort dip for parties, game days, or cozy nights at home. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to throw together using pantry staples and minimal prep. Just mix, bake, and dig in with your favorite chips! Whether you’re hosting a big bash or just want a flavorful snack, this dip is guaranteed to disappear fast.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love Meaty Texas Trash Dip
This Meaty Texas Trash Dip hits all the right notes — creamy, cheesy, meaty, and just the right amount of heat. It’s one of those throw-it-in-the-oven kind of dishes that tastes like you spent hours on it (spoiler: you didn’t). It’s perfect for sharing, super versatile, and totally customizable to your spice level or dietary needs. Plus, it reheats like a dream, making it great for leftovers (if there are any). Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or just treating yourself, this dip is bound to become a go-to favorite.
Ingredients
One of the best things about this Meaty Texas Trash Dip is how simple the ingredient list is. Most of these are pantry staples or easy grabs from the grocery store. Here’s what you’ll need:

- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel), drained
- 1 (15 oz) can refried beans
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)
- Jalapeño slices (optional, for extra kick)
- Tortilla chips, for serving
Instructions
This dip comes together in just a few easy steps. Let’s get cooking!

- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a medium baking dish (an 8×8 or 9-inch round works great).
- Brown the beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned. Drain excess fat if needed. Stir in the taco seasoning and cook for 1–2 minutes until well combined.
- Mix the base: In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, refried beans, and the drained diced tomatoes with green chilies. Stir until smooth.
- Add the meat: Fold the seasoned ground beef into the creamy mixture until evenly combined.
- Assemble the dip: Spread the mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden around the edges.
- Garnish and serve: Top with chopped green onions and jalapeños if desired. Serve hot with tortilla chips and watch it disappear!
Servings and Timing
This Meaty Texas Trash Dip serves about 6–8 people as an appetizer — though don’t be surprised if they go back for seconds (or thirds). It’s the kind of dip that disappears quickly at any gathering.
Timing:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
It’s quick, it’s satisfying, and it’s always a hit — perfect for last-minute get-togethers or laid-back movie nights.
Tips and Variations
Want to make this Meaty Texas Trash Dip your own? Here are some fun ideas to mix things up:
- Spice it up: Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture for extra heat.
- Make it leaner: Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken.
- Veggie version: Skip the meat and add sautéed bell peppers, onions, and black beans for a hearty vegetarian twist.
- Extra cheesy: Stir some shredded cheese into the base mixture for even more gooey goodness.
- Tex-Mex toppings: Add sliced black olives, diced avocado, or fresh cilantro before serving.
- Serve it up: It’s great with tortilla chips, but also tasty scooped onto baked potatoes or used as a nacho topping.
Storage
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (seriously, it goes fast), storing your Meaty Texas Trash Dip is super simple.
- Refrigerate: Let the dip cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Pop it in the microwave or oven until heated through. Add a little extra cheese on top before reheating if you want to freshen it up!
- Freezing not recommended: Because of the dairy, freezing can change the texture — so it’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days.
FAQs
Can I make Texas Trash Dip ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble everything up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Just bake when you’re ready to serve.
Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles work great as a substitute for ground beef.
Is this dip spicy?
It has a mild kick from the Rotel, but you can make it spicier with jalapeños or hot sauce — or tone it down with regular diced tomatoes.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Definitely! Greek yogurt is a great substitute and adds a nice tang while cutting back on fat.
What kind of cheese works best?
A shredded Mexican blend is ideal, but cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a mix of both will also melt beautifully.
Can I make this dip in a slow cooker?
Yes! Cook the meat first, then add everything to a slow cooker and heat on low for 1–2 hours until hot and bubbly.
What are the best dippers for this?
Tortilla chips are classic, but it’s also great with crackers, toasted baguette slices, or even raw veggies!
There you have it — the ultimate Meaty Texas Trash Dip that’s creamy, cheesy, full of bold flavor, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd on game day or just need a cozy snack for movie night, this dip has you covered. It’s easy to make, endlessly customizable, and always a hit. Don’t forget to save this recipe to your Pinterest board so you can make it again and again!
Craving more tasty recipes? Follow @butteryrecipes on Pinterest and Facebook for daily inspiration!
You Might Also Like These Recipe
1. Crispy Parmesan Garlic Potatoes Recipe
These crispy, cheesy potatoes make the ultimate sidekick to any Tex-Mex dip. Plus, they’re snackable perfection on their own!
2. Baked Salmon Meatballs with Avocado Sauce
Light, savory, and protein-packed — these meatballs are a great addition to any appetizer spread or as a healthier main.
3. Rosemary Garlic Pull Apart Bread Recipe
This fluffy, buttery bread is perfect for dipping, scooping, or just enjoying on the side. A total comfort food win!

Meaty Texas Trash Dip Recipe
A rich, cheesy, and crowd-pleasing Tex-Mex dip loaded with seasoned ground beef, creamy layers, and just the right kick — perfect for game days, parties, or cozy nights in.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel), drained
- 1 (15 oz) can refried beans
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)
- Jalapeño slices (optional, for extra kick)
- Tortilla chips, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a medium baking dish (an 8×8 or 9-inch round works great).
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned. Drain excess fat if needed. Stir in the taco seasoning and cook for 1–2 minutes until well combined.
- In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, refried beans, and the drained diced tomatoes with green chilies. Stir until smooth.
- Fold the seasoned ground beef into the creamy mixture until evenly combined.
- Spread the mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden around the edges.
- Top with chopped green onions and jalapeños if desired. Serve hot with tortilla chips and watch it disappear!
Notes
Customize the spice level by adding jalapeños or hot sauce, or keep it mild with regular diced tomatoes. Make it vegetarian by skipping the beef and adding black beans and sautéed veggies.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: texas trash dip, beef dip, party dip, meaty appetizer, cheesy dip