Description
A layered, savory dip featuring creamy cheeses, smoky spices, and tender beans, perfect for appetizers.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 cup sour cream, chilled
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes or cayenne (adjust to taste)
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can pinto or kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup mild salsa or 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chiles, drained
- 2 cups sharp cheddar, finely shredded
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
- 2 scallions, thinly sliced
- 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced (optional)
- Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground meat with a pinch of salt until no longer pink. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat.
- Add the diced onion and a splash of oil; sauté until translucent and slightly golden, about 4–5 minutes. Add garlic, tomato paste, smoked paprika, cumin, and chili flakes; cook 1 minute until fragrant.
- Return the meat to the pan, stir in drained beans and salsa or diced tomatoes with chiles. Simmer gently for 3–4 minutes until the mixture is glossy and slightly reduced.
- Blend the cream cheese and sour cream in a bowl until silky; season with salt and pepper. Spread this base evenly in a 9-inch skillet.
- Spoon the meat-and-bean mixture over the cream cheese layer and scatter two-thirds of the shredded cheddar across the top. Bake for 12–15 minutes, until the edges bubble and the cheese melts fully.
- Switch the oven to broil on high for 1–2 minutes to achieve golden, caramelized peaks — watch closely. Remove and let rest 5 minutes.
- Sprinkle remaining cheddar, fresh cilantro, scallions, and jalapeño slices. Finish with lime wedges for squeezing.
Notes
Use finely shredded cheese for even melting and ensure beans are well-drained to prevent a watery dip.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg