Old El Paso Taco Dip Recipe

The Old El Paso taco dip recipe is an all-time favorite appetizer that brings together the delicious flavors of Mexican cuisine, perfect for any gathering or celebration.

The traditional Old El Paso taco dip recipe includes refried beans, seasoning mix, tomato sauce, and a blend of cheeses, among other tasty additions.

Customize the recipe to your liking by adding your preferred toppings, such as sour cream, guacamole, or shredded lettuce.

Follow my simple steps and enjoy the savory, zesty flavors this recipe has to offer.

How to Make Old El Paso Taco Dip

Ingredients List

• 1 lb lean ground beef (at least 80%)
• 1 package (1 oz) Old El Paso Original Taco Seasoning Mix
• 1 can (16 oz) Old El Paso Refried Beans
• 1 can (4.5 oz) Old El Paso Chopped Green Chiles
• 1/2 cup chunky-style salsa (any variety)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend (6 oz)
• Sliced green onions (for garnish)
• Tortilla chips (for dipping)

Step-by-step process

Step 1

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned.

Drain any excess grease.

Stir in the Old El Paso Original Taco Seasoning Mix and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.

Remove the skillet from the heat and set aside.

Step 2

In a separate saucepan, heat the Old El Paso Refried Beans over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.

Step 3

 In a large serving dish, spread the warmed refried beans evenly along the bottom.

Next, layer the cooked taco meat on top of the beans.

Add the Old El Paso Chopped Green Chiles, spreading them evenly across the taco meat layer.

Pour the chunky-style salsa over the green chiles, and finally, cover the dish with a generous layer of shredded Mexican cheese blend.

Step 4

Sprinkle sliced green onions over the top of the dip for a fresh, colorful garnish.

Serve the perfect taco dip warm with tortilla chips for dipping.

Enjoy!

Side Dishes for Old El Paso Taco Dip

When preparing your delicious Old El Paso Taco Dip, you may be wondering what side dishes can accompany it.

Pairing the right side dish can amplify the flavors and textures of your meal, making it even more enjoyable.

Here are some tasty side dishes that complement the dip and are worth considering:

Tortilla Chips

In addition to corn chips, another popular option is tortilla chips.

Made from corn, wheat, or flour, tortilla chips offer a slightly different texture and flavor, making them a perfect accompaniment to your Old El Paso Taco Dip.

There are various types of tortilla chips available, so you can choose the one that appeals to your taste buds the most.

Cheddar Cheese

Sprinkle some cheddar cheese on top of your taco dip, or serve it as a separate side dish for added richness.

Cheddar cheese is bold and flavorful, which complements the hearty ingredients of the taco dip.

Sometimes, a little extra cheese can make all the difference, and it’s a tasty way for your guests to customize their taco dip experience.

Ingredient Substitutes

Mexican Cheese substitutes 

If you don’t have Mexican cheese, you can use a combination of other cheeses, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Colby cheese.

Just ensure that you still have a similar reliability and texture.

You may also opt for a pre-shredded cheese blend specifically made for tacos or other Mexican dishes.

Homemade Taco Seasoning Mix

In case you run out of taco seasoning mix, you can make your own by combining chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt.

You may also add paprika, oregano, and pepper for a more complex flavor.

The homemade seasoning can be adjusted according to your taste preferences, offering a customizable option for your taco dip.

Sour Cream substitutes 

If you need a substitute for sour cream, you have a few options available.

Greek yogurt is an excellent choice, as it has a similar consistency with a slightly tangier flavor.

Alternatively, you can use cream cheese or even cottage cheese blended until smooth.

These dairy alternatives can still provide a creamy texture to your Old El Paso taco dip recipe while offering a slightly different flavor profile.

By considering these ingredient substitutes, you can easily adapt your Old El Paso taco dip recipe to suit your tastes and the ingredients you have on hand.

Experiment with different combinations and enjoy a delicious, customized taco dip experience.

How to Store Old El Paso Taco Dip

When you’ve made a delicious Old El Paso Taco Dip, proper storage is crucial to maintain its freshness and flavor for later consumption.

Follow these easy steps to store your taco dip effectively:

Use an appropriate container:

Store your taco dip in a refrigerator-safe container equipped with an airtight lid.

This will help retain the dip’s moisture and protect it from absorbing unwanted odors from other foods in the refrigerator.

Refrigerate correctly:

Make sure to place your taco dip container in the refrigerator promptly after serving or preparing.

This ensures that the ingredients remain fresh and safe for consumption.

Monitor the temperature:

The ideal temperature for storing your Old El Paso Taco Dip is between 35°F to 40°F (1°C to 4°C).

Ensure your refrigerator is at the right temperature setting to keep your dip fresh and flavorful for as long as possible.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are the most common mistakes to avoid when preparing Old El Paso Taco Dip Recipe:

Using the Wrong Heat Level

While preparing Old El Paso taco dip, it’s important to cook the ingredients at the correct temperature.

Cooking at too high of heat might cause the ingredients to burn or cook unevenly, whereas too low of heat might result in an undercooked dip.

To achieve the best results, it’s advisable to cook on medium heat as it helps in maintaining the right balance and texture.

Ignoring Depth of Flavor

To ensure your Old El Paso taco dip has a rich and complex flavor, don’t overlook the importance of depth of flavor.

Using the right combination of ingredients, such as Old El Paso taco seasoning mix and quality salsa, can enhance the overall taste of the dip.

Additionally, consider experimenting with other complementary ingredients, like chiles or red pepper, to further customize the flavor profile according to your preferences.

Overlooking Trans Fat Content

When selecting ingredients for your Old El Paso taco dip, always be conscious of the trans fat content in certain items.

High levels of trans fats can be harmful to your health, so opt for ingredients with low or no trans fat content.

For example, choose a cream cheese that has 0g of trans fat to help create a healthier taco dip without sacrificing taste or texture.