Time for a 7 layer dip! One of the iconic things to serve at parties, game days, and other social gatherings is a yummy homemade seven-layer bean dip.
And I will admit I may or may not eat only that with chips for lunch or dinner sometimes, haha. The 7 layer dip is the king of the bean dips, and chip dips in general, in my opinion.
It has everything that you want in a dip, beans, meat, salsa, guacamole, sour cream, cheese, etc. I mean it really is like 7 dips in one! And the 7 layer dip is so incredibly easy to make. If I can do it, you can do it. Let’s get started!
Step 1: Gather the ingredients
In order to make this amazing 7 layer bean dip you need the following ingredients:
- Taco meat – You can use whatever taco meat that you like, I really like using the taco meat from this ground beef tacos recipe. Other options could be shredded chicken, pork, steak, etc.
- Refried beans – Use canned refried beans, or use homemade refried beans.
- Salsa – Use your favorite store-bought chunky salsa or pico de gallo. You can also use my homemade pico de gallo recipe.
- Sour cream – The sour cream gives it a nice zing. Don’t have sour cream? Try using this sour cream substitute.
- Guacamole – In a hurry? Use your favorite store-bought guac. But if you have more time try this yummy homemade guacamole.
- Cheese – I like to use a Mexican blend, which consists of mild cheddar, jack, and a few other kinds of cheese. But really you can use whatever kind of cheese that you want.
- Tomatoes – Roma is a good choice, or any good red tomato.
- Olives – Black olives are my go-to choice.
- Green onion
Tools
- 13×9 dish or trifle bowl
- Spatula
- Can opener
- Skillet
- Spatula
- Spoon
- Knife
- Cutting board
Step 2: How to make 7 layer bean dip at home
Begin by cooking your taco meat. You use ground beef, chicken, pork, steak, etc. It is totally up to you. I love using the taco meat from my ground beef tacos recipe.
Or if you want you can just leave it out, but then you will have 6 layers, haha. And you can certainly substitute it with something else.
Time to start building the layers for the 7 layer dip.
I want to point out you can do the layers however you want, there is no right or wrong way to make a layered bean dip. Traditionally though, the bottom layer is the refried beans. You probably want to at least stick to that being the 1st layer.
And you can totally use more of one layer and less of the other if you want. No need to be super precise with this recipe!
Remove the refried beans from the can and spread them evenly on the bottom of your 13×9 glass dish or pan. You can also use a cool trifle bowl if you like.
Of if you want to use homemade refried beans you can make those ahead of time.
Now pour the ground beef or whatever taco meat you want to use over the refried bean layer and spread it out evenly.
Time for the salsa or pico de gallo layer. You can make your own salsa or use your favorite storebought salsa. I do recommend using a chunky style of salsa. But it is totally up to you.
Spread it out evenly over the ground beef layer.
Now spread out the sour cream over the salsa. Or you may want to do the sour cream layer before the salsa, totally up to you!
Some people even like to blend together softened cream cheese with the sour cream. Yummy!
If you can’t find sour cream where you live or don’t want to go buy it, you can try this homemade sour cream substitute.
Time for the guacamole layer!
You can make yummy homemade guacamole or if you are in a hurry just use your favorite store-bought guac.
Again spread it on evenly over the sour cream with the spatula.
Oh yeah, time for the cheese. I like to use a Mexican blend shredded cheese in my 7 layer dip, but again use whatever cheese that you want. Grate it yourself or buy pre-shredded cheese if you are in a hurry.
I love using a whole 8oz package of cheese with this because I love cheese!
Step 3: Finish that bean dip!
Time for the final layer. A classic top layer consists of diced tomatoes, sliced black olives, and chopped green onion.
Just sprinkle those on top and you are good to go. Maybe you want to add a little bit of kick? Throw on some sliced jalapenos. Or add some green chili in one of the layers.
Some many fun possibilities and substitutions you can do with this layered chip dip.
Now dig in with your favorite chips! I love using the Tostitos with a hint of lime chips. But really you can use whatever you like. Or you can also take a scoop of this yummy dip and put it in a tortilla for a yummy burrito. Or maybe you want to make a quesadilla with it? Have fun with it and the leftovers. Enjoy!
How long does homemade 7 layer bean dip last?
7 layer dip will last up to about 5 days if covered with plastic wrap and stored in the fridge. With that said the guacamole will start to turn color after a day or too. But it won’t effect the taste of it.
Here are some other recipes you may like:
How to Cook Rice in a Rice Cooker
7 Layer Dip
Equipment
- 13×9 dish or trifle bowl
- Spatula
- Can opener
- Skillet
- Spatula
- spoon
- Knife
- Cutting board
Ingredients
- 1 lb cooked ground beef/taco meat 400 to 850g
- 16 oz or 30 oz can of refried beans (400 to 850g)
- 1 to 1 1/2 cups of salsa 260 to 390g
- 1 1/2 to 2 cups of sour cream 240 to 360g
- 1 1/2 to 2 cups of guacamole 336 to 448g
- 1 to 1 1/2 cups of grated cheese 84 to 125g
- 1/2 cup diced tomato 100g
- 1/2 cup sliced olives 90g
- 1/2 cup chopped green onion 50g
Instructions
- Begin by cooking your taco meat. Use your favorite ground beef taco meat, or use my recipe here on my website.
- Spread out the refried beans in a 13×9 dish or trifle.
- Next, spread the taco meat on top of the bean layer.
- Now spread the salsa on top of the taco meat. Use your favorite store-bought salsa or homemade salsa. I have a yummy pico de gallo recipe here on my website you can try.
- Then spread the sour cream layer over the salsa, or you can certainly reverse the two layers.
- Next, spread the guacamole over the sour cream layer. Use your favorite store-bought guac or a homemade one. I have a great one here on my website.
- Time to sprinkle the shredded cheese on top. If you are using block cheese, you will want to shred it first.
- For the final layer sprinkle on diced tomatoes, sliced black olives, and chopped green onion. If you want some kick, add sliced jalapenos as well. Serve with chips and enjoy!
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Do you like this recipe? Share and Pin it! Please give it a rating and comment down below, I really appreciate it. If you make it tag me on Instagram @inthekitchenwithmatt. Also, sign up for the newsletter so you won’t miss out on any of my new posts and recipes.
