Name: Texas Trash Dip – Gooey Cheesy Party Favorite Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 1 (15 ounce) can refried beans (traditional or vegetarian); 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained (like Rotel); 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1 tablespoon taco seasoning; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; Chopped fresh cilantro; Diced jalapeños; A dollop of sour cream; A sprinkle of extra cheese; Tortilla chips

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Introduction

Texas Trash Dip is a gooey, cheesy party favorite with a flavorful Tex-Mex twist. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for game nights or casual gatherings, guaranteed to disappear fast!

A wooden bowl filled with a layered cheesy dip, the top layer melted bright orange and white cheese scattered with browned ground beef, topped in the center with a mix of diced red tomatoes, chopped purple onions, and green herbs. A scoop is being lifted by a woman's hand, showing stretchy melted cheese strings pulling away. Around the bowl, crispy yellow tortilla chips are placed on a surface with a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 (15 ounce) can refried beans (traditional or vegetarian)
1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
1 tablespoon taco seasoning
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Tortilla chips, for serving
Optional toppings: chopped fresh cilantro, diced jalapeños, extra sour cream, or extra cheese

Instructions

Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with the refried beans. Mix thoroughly until smooth and evenly blended.
Step 2: Add the entire can of diced tomatoes and green chilies (including the liquid), taco seasoning, and garlic powder. Stir well to combine, scraping the sides and bottom of the bowl.
Step 3: Fold in the sour cream gently, then add the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Fold the cheeses in until mostly distributed, leaving some streaks for melting.
Step 4: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease an 8×8 inch baking dish or oven-safe skillet. Spread the dip mixture evenly in the dish.
Step 5: Bake for 20-25 minutes, until heated through, bubbly around the edges, and the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
Step 6: Let the dip rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with optional toppings like cilantro or jalapeños if desired. Serve warm with tortilla chips.

Tips & Variations

For extra heat, add finely diced jalapeños to the dip before baking.
Swap one cheese for pepper jack to give the dip a spicier profile.
Stir in cooked ground chicken or turkey for added protein and a lighter variation.
Ensure the cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps and achieve a smooth base.

Storage

Store leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through, stirring occasionally to maintain creamy texture.

How to Serve

The image shows a round wooden bowl filled with melted cheese dip topped with cooked ground beef, melted bright yellow and orange cheese, and a center pile of diced red tomatoes, purple onions, and green cilantro. The cheese layer looks smooth and gooey with some crispy browned spots around the edges. A chip is lifting a cheese-covered scoop from the dip, with stretchy melted cheese strings connecting it to the bowl. Around the bowl are many light yellow corn tortilla chips. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make Texas Trash Dip ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the dip completely and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. For best results, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking or add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

What can I do if my dip is too thick?

If the dip is thicker than you like, stir in a tablespoon or two of milk or cream while it is still warm after baking to loosen it without losing flavor.