Description
This Smoked Taco Dip is a flavorful Tex-Mex appetizer perfect for parties and gatherings. It features a creamy base of cream cheese and sour cream seasoned with taco spices, layered with seasoned ground beef, and topped with melted cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Fresh veggies and optional jalapeños add brightness and a bit of heat, all enhanced by gentle smoking for a unique depth of flavor. Served warm with tortilla chips, this dip is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Scale
Base
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
Meat Layer
- 1/2 lb ground beef or ground turkey, cooked and seasoned
Cheese Layer
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Toppings
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes, drained
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup pickled jalapeños (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
Serving
- Tortilla chips for serving
Instructions
- Preheat smoker: Set your smoker to 225°F to get it ready for gentle cooking and infusing smoky flavor into the dip.
- Prepare base mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and taco seasoning. Mix thoroughly until smooth and well incorporated.
- Assemble layers: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly into a cast iron skillet or a disposable aluminum pan. Layer the cooked and seasoned ground beef over the base mixture. Sprinkle shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses on top evenly.
- Add toppings: Scatter diced tomatoes, black olives, red onion, green onions, and pickled jalapeños over the cheese layer if using, creating a colorful and flavorful topping.
- Smoke the dip: Place the assembled skillet in the smoker. Smoke for 1 to 1.5 hours or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the top is lightly golden, allowing smoky flavors to penetrate.
- Finish and serve: Carefully remove the dip from the smoker, sprinkle with chopped fresh cilantro for a fresh finish, and serve warm with tortilla chips for dipping.
Notes
- For an extra depth of flavor, use smoked cheddar or pepper jack cheese to enhance the smoky profile.
- To make this dish vegetarian, skip the meat and replace it with double the beans or add grilled vegetables for texture.
- If a smoker is not available, you can bake the dip in a preheated oven at 350°F for 25–30 minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles.
