Once upon a time in a land far, far away, there lived a pale princess with hair dyed to resemble spun gold. She was no ordinary princess, this one. She was older, wiser, slightly neurotic, with a click of OCD, and a fierce desire to make people happy through food. This last trait was a particularly tricky one, considering current dietary restrictions, food allergies, and personal taste preferences. In another life though, she cared naught for these things and would willingly feed her guests pesticide laden, steroid ridden food substances so long as it tasted good. Times have changed for our sweet heroine though, and she is now more conscious about the food she serves to others.
Alright enough with this fairy tale business. I can’t sustain it for more than a paragraph anyway. Besides, while sweet and simple, they are not the building blocks of reality.
Case in point, if you lose a shoe at the stroke of midnight, it’s probably because you consumed too many cocktails and no longer care about hiding your twisted toes from the world. While tragic of course, you’re not saving the one remaining pump, hoping Prince Charming will suddenly appear with its mate. Instead, you’re ditching its counterpart five minutes after you lost the first one and relishing in the fact your feet can suddenly breath again.
Here’s the real deal, the more direct story and probably the one I should have opened with. My friends, bless their hearts, have been begging me for years to make and bring my world-renowned (a slight exaggeration) Layered Taco Dip to the annual Super Bowl Party. Much to their dismay, their requests have fallen on deaf ears.
Once upon a time…see, this is how the fairy tale business started.
Anyway, back in the day, I would bring a certain taco dip to every event, and it was always a huge hit with multiple recipe requests. The pie plate would be licked clean and the people were happy, although they left with bellies full of packaged goods and processed foods, oozing ingredients I couldn’t pronounce. Oh the horror, followed swiftly by the inevitable shame.
Now before you think I’ve become all holier than thou with my healthy eating (maybe just a smidge), let me just say the meat portion of this dip came from a can. It also retained the shape of the can so when you pulled it out, it looked like a giant gelatinous can shaped bubble of beef, and it would stay that way until you spread it out with a spoon. Can you say “gag me with that very same spoon.” I’m fairly certain this was the proverbial straw which pushed me towards my veggie loving ways. Suffice to say, I’ve seen better looking dog food, which is why I simply couldn’t stomach making this any longer. Nor could I, in good conscience, feed it to my friends.
Despite my refusal to make this dip ever again, the requests continue to come, year after year after year after year. Which is why I finally caved and decided to recreate it, using quality ingredients this time around: organic ground beef, obtained through my food share, coupled with tomatoes I canned over the summer, and ooey gooey cheesy goodness.
While I can’t personally vouch for the actual flavor of my elevated dip, I can tell you it smelled great. I also know the Hubby put down half the pie plate in a matter of minutes and the sample ramekin I gifted one of my friends came back sparkling clean and with a glowing review. Hence the reason I’m now sharing this recipe with all of you. If you have carnivores in your life, they will thank you. Just be prepared to make this dish an annual tradition.
- -----Base Layer: Cheese-----
- 4 ounces plain Greek Yogurt
- 4 ounces plain Cream Cheese
- -----Second Layer: Meat-----
- 1 pound, organic Ground Beef
- 1/4 cup Water
- 1 tsp. Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp. Onion Powder
- 1/2 tsp. Red Pepper Flakes
- 1/2 tsp. Cajun Seasoning
- 2 tsps. Paprika
- -----Third Layer: Tomato Salsa*-----
- 14.5 ounces Crushed Tomatoes (or canned tomatoes if you have them).
- 1/2 Onion
- 2 cloves Garlic
- 1/2 tsp. Salt
- 1/2 tsp. Pepper
- 1/4 tsp. Red Pepper Flakes
- -----Final Layer: More Cheese-----
- 6 ounces Chipotle Cheese, shredded**
- 2 Green Onions, chopped (optional)
- Tortilla Chips, for dipping.
- -----Base Layer: The Cheese-----
- In a small bowl, mix Greek yogurt and cream cheese until thoroughly combined. Spread out on the bottom of a 9.5 inch pie plate. This is your base layer.
- -----Second Layer: The Meat-----
- Place ground beef in a skillet and cook until meat is fully browned, stirring occasionally. Once meat is cooked through, drain any grease if necessary and place skillet back on the burner on low heat. Add water and stir in seasonings. Simmer for another 10 minutes until seasonings are fully absorbed. Spread this layer on top of your cream cheese mixture.
- -----Third Layer: Tomato Salsa-----
- Combine tomatoes, onion, garlic and seasonings in a blender. Blend for thirty seconds. Spread this layer on top of the meat.
- -----Final Layer: More Cheese------
- Toss shredded cheese on top of the dish and then bake in 350 degree oven for 10 to 15 minutes until cheese has melted.
- Top with chopped green onions and serve warm alongside your favorite tortilla chips.
- *Tomato Salsa: you could make your own or you could use a jar of quality salsa.
- **Chipotle Cheese: if you prefer this to be less spicy, use a Colby Jack cheese instead.
Do you have a dish you make on repeat for parties and functions?
Holy yum! This looks too good. I used to be the potato salad queen and the cheesecake queen. I got sick of making both, and might not ever bake a cheesecake again! The potato salad is worth it in the summer though.
Michele @ paleorunningmomma recently posted…Weekend Recap – Snow + Sleep + a Half Marathon
I say potato salad is always worth it. Then again, I’m partial to the spuds.
Meghan recently posted…Layered Taco Dip Recipe
Ohh day-umm..carnivore in the house and I am all about this recipe- looks fab, Meg! Like you I have a couple of no-fail recipes I always whip out when guests arrive. Lately that has included a lotus root & ponzu salad along with a Mediterranean quinoa salad. Gah now I am so craving Mexican…not too late to switch up dinner!
Khushboo recently posted…What I typically eat in a day
I had Mexican on Saturday, along with a handful of margaritas. Delicious.
Meghan recently posted…Layered Taco Dip Recipe
Alright, this is the third cheesy/taco/nacho type recipe to show up in my feed this morning. I’m taking this as a sign that I need to whip up something cheesy soon.
Ha, everybody is getting their Super Bowl party recipes out there. You should totally make mine though.
Meghan recently posted…Layered Taco Dip Recipe
That sassy heroine sounds like my kind of people. The beef from a can image is now burned into my brain, and I pray that the apple I am eating right now can help magically wash away that image. I love that you made this recipe much healthier. You deserve a golden cane to slam on the ground and have magically things happen.
Brittany recently posted…My Moment
I want this golden cane to match my dyed golden spun hair. Where does one buy such a thing?
I can’t unsee the beef from a can imagine. It’s seared in my memory.
Meghan recently posted…Layered Taco Dip Recipe
Holy SMOKES. I don’t just want to eat it, I want to do a swan dive into the middle and backstroke through the cheese with my mouth hanging open. I could eat this stuff for breakfast! You rule.
Suzy recently posted…Mileage Monday: Route 66
The Hubby did eat it for breakfast!!!
Meghan recently posted…Layered Taco Dip Recipe
Layered dip…. Wow you do not see these kinds of things in the UK… But I am so happy to read this!
Clean ingredients, lots of cheese, meat, more cheese… Seriously what more could you ask for!!!
Jen @ Chase the Red Grape recently posted…CrossFit – Dip up and down!
I figure you can never go wrong with more cheese. 🙂
Meghan recently posted…Layered Taco Dip Recipe
I usually associate dip with triceps dips on rings. I am such a hopeless CrossFitter. When I look at this, I simply want you to live around the corner, so I can break in your place with a bottle of champagne, the pink edition of SATC, spreading on the couch with you, Oscar, the wine and that Taco Dip. Oh that would be blissful. I would also listen to your versions of fairytales, cause it seems like these are way more my taste.
Lucie@FitSwissChick recently posted…If we were at Happy Hour I wouldn’t/couldn’t tell you about my Plan B.
There’s a place up for sale right around the corner from me. Shall I give them your name? You’d be welcome to show up on my door anytime so long as you bring champagne. I’ll tell you more fairy tales.
Meghan recently posted…Layered Taco Dip Recipe
Ho.ly.SNAP does this ever look epic. People normally beg me to bring my desserts to get togethers, buuuuut I have a feeling they wouldn’t complain if I were to switch to a dip like this. Love it. Love you. And love the story. Although I could have done without the beef in a can image. Think happy thoughts. Think happy thoughts. Think happy thoughts.
<3
Amanda @ .running with spoons. recently posted…. link love 1/25 .
I will never be able to unsee the beef in the can. I still shudder at the thought.
Meghan recently posted…Layered Taco Dip Recipe
I am known for my desserts. All the cookies and bars and sometimes, when I am feeling really into it, cake truffles.
meredith @ The Cookie ChRUNicles recently posted…Taking It Too Seriously
I could absolutely see you being known for delicious desserts. It’s fitting. That and roasted veggies.
Meghan recently posted…Layered Taco Dip Recipe
Oh my gosh, that meat from a can sounds hilarious/disgusting. But THIS looks amazing. I love a good layered taco dip.
I’m known for always baking for people on their birthdays. I don’t have a standard dish that I make, but it’s usually cupcakes or cookie bars or something!
Chelsea @ Chelsea’s Healthy Kitchen recently posted…Taste of Burlington Winter 2015 Launch
I would like cupcakes for my birthday, extra frosting please. 🙂
This sounds REALLY good! And much better ingredients for sure haha! The meat from a can freaks me out, but it’s something I would have TOTALLY used forever ago!!
AJ @ NutriFitMama recently posted…Chocolate Covered Strawberry Crispy Treats {Gluten Free, Vegan}
The meat from a can still freaks me out. I’m scarred by the memories.
Meghan recently posted…Riddle Me This
Dude, I don’t care if the meat came from a can or was substituted for dog food….this looks INSANE and at first I thought it might have legumes but nope. You’ve hit a home run. I legit need this. I NEEED TO MAKE IT.
….I don’t think I can wait until May 😉
Arman @ thebigmansworld recently posted…The Reader’s Challenge- 3 months, 3 diets
No beans, all meat baby. Just for you. And my friends of course who’ve been asking for it for years.
Meghan recently posted…Riddle Me This
YUM!!!
Glad you liked it.
Meghan recently posted…Riddle Me This
Holy yum. My dish that I use to poison my friends with was cheesecake featuring 5 bricks of cream cheese. Since I am no longer in the heart attack business… my party treats often consist of a blend of dates and nuts and probably chocolate because that is love. 🙂
Jessica recently posted…Momentum Monday: Single Leg Workout
I love using dates for sweetness. They’re so versatile and delicious.
Meghan recently posted…Riddle Me This
i’m so glad you decided to bring it back, and love the updated version. Greek yogurt makes it creamy! and well. love the layers.. all of it. Swan dive face plant..bam, i’m diggin in!
Lindsay recently posted…The Business of Blogging and Branding
I’m thrilled you’re digging it. It’s not often I post a meat recipe…or like ever actually. Ha.
Meghan recently posted…Riddle Me This