The BEST Super Nacho Dip

Name: Easy Nacho Dip
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; ½ tbsp onion powder; ¾ cup salsa (jarred); ½ tsp salt; ¼ tsp pepper (ground); 1 16-ounce can refried beans; 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded); 8 ounces sour cream; 1 bag tortilla chips (for dipping)

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This beefy and cheesy Nacho Dip is everything we love in nachos but in a dippable form! It's cheesy, easy, and full of flavor, but what sets this recipe apart from your average nacho dip is how great it is for sharing with family or at your next party!

A skillet of nacho bean dip on the table topped with lettuce, jalalpenos, and diced tomato.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Nacho Dip Ingredients
Variations
How to Make Nacho Dip
Serving Suggestions
Expert Tips
Recipe FAQs
More Delicious Dip Recipes
Get the Recipe

You can have the best nacho dip in just 2 simple steps and 30 minutes. Whether you’re craving a late-night snack or looking to make an easy party platter, this gooey and crispy nacho-inpsired dish is the perfect solution.

From browning the seasoned beef to layering in classic ingredients like refried beans, cheese, salsa, and fresh toppings, this refried bean dip is more than just a snack—it's everyone's favorite, party-ready dish made from scratch right in your own kitchen. Sharing is optional, though highly recommended!

For more nacho recipe ideas, try these Pulled Pork Nachos, Skillet Nachos, or Tater Tot Nachos, for your next get together.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick to Prepare: With just a few classic ingredients, 2 simple steps, and just 30 minutes, you can whip up a cheesy dip with ground beef that is satisfying and requires minimal cleanup.
Crowd-Pleasing: This Mexican bean dip makes the perfect appetizer for parties, game-day get-togethers, or even a Friday night family affair. Everyone will be asking for the recipe—and for more nacho chips for dipping!
Very Versatile: This dish is adaptable to your tastes! Swap the ingredients or experiment with a variety of toppings and sauces, creating flavors you love.

Nacho Dip Ingredients

Ingredients to make nacho refried bean dip on the table before preparing.

Beef: Ground beef is the classic protein for nachos, so of course we use it here! It adds a hearty texture and makes the dish more filling. Don’t have ground beef on hand? Ground lamb, chicken or turkey works just as well!
Beans: Refried beans add moisture and flavor to the dip. Feel free to experiment with other types of mashed beans, bean dip, or even refried black beans when making this dip recipe.
Cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese delivers a tangy flavor and gooey texture, perfectly complementing the other ingredients. You can also use Monterey Jack or Colby Jack for a slightly different flavor profile.
Sour Cream: Adds a creamy, tangy element that enhances the flavor and texture when mixed with the nacho meat and other ingredients.
Salsa: Use your favorite jarred salsa! From classic tomato to more adventurous salsa flavors like pineapple or mango, they all will all work!
Seasoning: Onion powder brings a savory, slightly sweet flavor that amplifies the onion notes, while salt and pepper balance the overall taste, adding a touch of spice.
Tortilla Chips: These crispy chips are the perfect vessel for the meaty nacho mixture, providing the ideal crunch to complement all the delicious filling.

See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts, nutritional information, and detailed instructions.

Variations

BBQ Style: Swap out the salsa for your favorite smoky BBQ sauce, then top with melted cheese and crispy fried onion strings for an extra layer of crunch.
Bold and Spicy: Kick up the heat by mixing in sliced jalapeños, spicy salsa, red pepper, or a dash of Sriracha or hot sauce. For an even spicier punch, try adding shredded Pepper Jack cheese.
Sauté Veggies: Layer on some sautéed bell peppers, onions, or your favorite veggies for added volume, nutrition, and a sweet-savory twist that makes the dip all the more filling. Great as a vegetarian option too!

How to Make Nacho Dip

Making this easy beef nacho recipe is straightforward, simple, and perfect for prepping, cooking, and serving hot at your next party. To get started, preheat your oven to 325°F, grab your 10” cast iron skillet, and gather your ingredients:

Step 1: Cook the Nacho Mixture. Sauté the ground beef in a 10-inch skillet.

Cheese and other ingredients added to the beef in the skillet to make nacho dip.

Step 2: Add Ingredients. Add the onion powder, salsa, salt, pepper, refried beans, and cheese until well mixed.

Sour cream added on top of the beef and bean mixture.

Step 3: Bake and Make Creamy. Bake the skillet at 325°F for 30 minutes, mix in the sour cream,

Step 4: Serve and Dip. Serve up your dip with chips or other dippers.

Hint: A Cheesy Finish

For extra cheesiness, throw on a handful of cheese after stirring in the sour cream and return it to the oven for just a couple minutes to melt the cheese!

Serving Suggestions

Put out your favorite beverages, serve this easy nacho dip with your choice of toppings, garnishes, and side dishes. Then sit back, relax, and enjoy the party! With this beef and bean dip, you’re all set to create a fun and delicious spread:

Make a toppings bar with creamy avocado slices or guacamole, pickled red onions for a tangy contrast, or sliced black olives for a briny, salty kick.
Pair with skillet fajitas, chili lime shrimp, or Mexican chicken sweet potato skillet for a complete Tex-Mex meal.
Serve as part of a fun, festive spread with bacon wrapped smokies and jalapeño poppers at your next gathering.

Expert Tips

Serve Immediately: This dish is best served right out of the oven for the best texture and warm, gooey temperature.
Store Leftovers: Place the dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up up to 4 days. You can reheat in the microwave or the oven before serving with fresh tortilla chips.
Garnish with Fresh Toppings: Add your favorite fresh vegetable nacho toppings before serving. Pico de gallo, sliced jalapenos, shredded lettuce, and diced tomatoes are all great options. I also love freshly chopped cilantro, lime zest, and a squeeze of lime juice for a refreshing, zesty finish and a burst of citrus flavor.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make nacho dip ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the ground beef mixture (before baking) and store it in the refrigerator or freezer in an airtight container. When ready to serve, bake the nacho mixture as instructed and serve hot with the chips for the best texture and results. You may need to cook a bit longer since the mixture is cold from the refrigerator.

Can I make vegetarian nacho dip?

Absolutely! Skip the ground beef and use extra refried beans or you can use a meatless ground beef instead. Make sure to check that you grab vegetarian refried beans.