This Easy Bean Dip is packed with ground beef, taco seasoning, salsa, Velveeta, and refried beans. Creamy, cheesy, and party-perfect in just 15 minutes!
Alright, let’s be real. We’ve all been that person—the one who completely forgets they’re supposed to bring something to a party. That was me last summer.
It was a classic case of overconfidence. I’d RSVP’d “yes” to a game night at my friend’s house, promising to bring something good. And then? I completely blanked on it until about 30 minutes before I had to leave. My options? Show up empty-handed (rude), stop by the store for a sad container of store-bought guac (shameful), or raid my fridge and pray for inspiration.
Thankfully, I had ground beef. And salsa. And—because I hoard cheese like it’s a survival necessity—a block of Velveeta. So I did what any rational person in crisis mode would do: dumped everything into a pot, stirred like my life depended on it, and hoped for the best.
Not to be dramatic, but this dip basically saved my reputation. People were hovering around the bowl like seagulls fighting over fries. I had multiple people ask me for the recipe. Someone even said, “Wait, did you buy this?!” which, I’ll be honest, felt like both an insult and a compliment.
So yeah. If you ever need a last-minute, foolproof, hilariously easy appetizer that will make people low-key obsessed with you, this is the one.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Bean Dip Recipe?
- It’s stupid easy. Like, dump, stir, melt, done easy. If you can turn on a stove, you can make this.
- It’s fast. 15 minutes from start to finish. That’s less time than it takes to scroll TikTok and realize you forgot to do something productive.
- It’s ridiculously good. Cheesy, meaty, slightly spicy, and dangerously addictive.
- It feeds a crowd. Unless you invite my friends, in which case, double the batch.
- You can tweak it however you want. Spicy? Extra cheesy? Meatless? You literally can’t mess this up.
Ingredient Notes:
Let’s break down the magic behind this dip. Every ingredient pulls its weight, and together, they make something so much greater than the sum of their parts.
What You Need:
- Ground Beef – Adds that savory, hearty bite. You could swap it for turkey or go meatless, but honestly? Beef is the move here.
- Taco Seasoning – Because plain beef is sad. This little packet makes life easier and more flavorful.
- Salsa – The real MVP. It adds a little heat, some acidity, and that classic Tex-Mex vibe. Chunky salsa gives the dip more texture; smoother salsa makes it extra creamy.
- Velveeta Cheese – Listen. I know some people have thoughts about Velveeta, but trust me—it melts like a dream. If you must swap it, use a mix of shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack, but you’ll lose that ultra-creamy texture.
- Refried Beans – The glue that holds it all together. They give the dip its thick, smooth consistency and that rich, savory flavor.
Pro Tip: Want to give your dip some oomph? Use a fire-roasted salsa for a smoky kick or throw in a splash of hot sauce for heat.
How To Make Easy Bean Dip?
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in your ground beef and break it up with a spatula. Cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Drain any grease (because nobody wants a greasy dip).
Step 2: Season It Up
Sprinkle in the taco seasoning and stir. This is where the magic starts happening—suddenly, that plain beef transforms into something way more interesting.
Step 3: Dump Everything In
Want To Save This Recipe?
Enter your email below and we'll send the recipe straight to your inbox.
Now, grab a big pot and toss in:
- The cooked ground beef
- Salsa
- Cubed Velveeta (cut it smaller so it melts faster!)
- Refried beans
Step 4: Melt & Stir
Set the pot over low heat and start stirring. The cheese will slowly melt, blending everything into a creamy, dreamy, ridiculously good dip. This takes about 10 minutes—which is just enough time to get your chips ready.
Step 5: Serve & Watch It Disappear
Scoop it into a serving bowl, grab a chip (or just a spoon, I won’t judge), and dig in.
Storage Options:
This dip miraculously reheats perfectly, so if you do manage to save some, here’s how to keep it just as good as day one.
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat: Microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, or warm on the stove over low heat. Add a splash of milk if it gets too thick.
Variations and Substitutions:
What I love about this recipe is that you can switch it up in a million ways. Here are some ideas:
- Make it spicy – Add jalapeños, use a hot salsa, or throw in some cayenne.
- Go vegetarian – Skip the beef and add black beans or extra refried beans.
- Try different cheeses – Use shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack instead of Velveeta.
- Add some extras – A dollop of sour cream or some chopped green onions never hurt anybody.
What to Serve with Easy Bean Dip?
You could just eat this straight off a spoon, but if you insist on dipping, here are some A+ options:
- Tortilla chips – The obvious choice. Go for the scoop-style ones for maximum efficiency.
- Fritos – Because sometimes, you need extra crunch.
- Warm flour tortillas – Turns this dip into an instant burrito.
- Veggies – If you want to pretend to be healthy. Bell peppers, carrots, celery—it all works.
- Tater tots – Trust me on this. Life-changing.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yep! Brown the beef first, then toss everything in a slow cooker on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Absolutely. Just refrigerate it and reheat before serving. Somehow, it tastes even better the next day.
Can I double the recipe?
You should double this recipe. Trust me, it goes fast.
And that’s it—an easy, cheesy, ridiculously good bean dip that will make you the hero of any party. Try it out, and let me know if it disappears as fast in your house as it does in mine!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:
Easy Bean Dip
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 1-ounce package taco seasoning mix
- 1½ c salsa
- 1 16-ounces package Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 1 28-ounces can refried beans
Instructions
- Start by browning a pound of ground beef in a skillet and remove any fat.
- Next in a pot mix the beef with one ounce of taco seasoning.
- Combine one and a half cups of salsa, a package of cubed Velveeta cheese (16 ounces) and a can of refried beans (28 ounces).
- Cook on low heat stirring occasionally until the cheese melts and the mixture is evenly warm. This usually takes 10 minutes.
- Serve it warm, with your choice of dippers. Enjoy!
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!