Easiest Classic Seven Layer Dip
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What’s Up, Hungry People
It’s football season (apparently), and while I may not care much about the sport, I certainly get pumped up about the food served at kickoff parties and tailgating events! One dip certainly rises above the rest: seven layer dip. It’s hard to fumble this recipe and it’s sure to score a touchdown with all your sport-loving friends and fam. Okay, I promise I’m done with the football puns…
Starting Strong: The Base Layers
When I think of the ultimate seven layer dip, I’ve crafted a few in my time. But this rendition? Hands down, it’s the most straightforward. The beauty lies in its simplicity: most ingredients are store-bought, and the only kitchen action needed is a little browning of the meat and a quick onion chop.
Here’s What You Need:
- Ground beef: Adds meaty flavor and texture – key protein layer.
- Guacamole: Creamy avocado layer – adds richness and freshness.
- Sour cream: Tangy layer – balances out richer ingredients.
- Refried beans: Thick base layer – provides earthy, bean flavor.
- Nacho cheese: Creamy, spicy layer – gives the dip a kick.
- Taco sauce: Adds spiciness and tang – enhances overall depth.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melty, cheesy barrier – helps seal in guacamole.
- Shredded lettuce: Adds crunch and freshness – breaks up the creaminess.
- Green onions: Mild onion flavor – provides a pop of color.
- Red onion: Sharp onion bite – contrasts creamier layers.
- Onion powder: Boosts savory depth – amplifies meat seasoning.
- Garlic powder: Adds aromatic flavor – complements beef and beans.
- Chili powder: Spiciness and warmth – adds to the overall kick.
- Black olives: Salty bite – complements the overall dip, optional.
- Salt & pepper: Seasoning staples – enhance and balance flavors.
Kick off by spreading refried beans as the base. Given the consistency and weight of these beans, they form a sturdy foundation. To showcase the vibrant layers, I opted for a transparent dish. It just adds that visual wow factor. Next, comes the nacho cheese, smoothly followed by the taco sauce, and finally, that perfectly browned hamburger.
Middle Magic: Creamy Delights and Cheese Dreams
Slather the sour cream over that beefy layer, paving the way for the guacamole. Quick tip: to prevent our beloved guac from turning a sad shade of brown, make sure the following layer (in our case, cheese) seals it in snugly. I took the liberty of ensuring every inch of guac was blanketed with shredded cheese.
Finishing Touches: Fresh Veggies and Optional Add-ons
Cap off your dip with crispy shredded lettuce and a colorful mix of chopped red and green onions. My guy has a soft spot for black olives, but since they’re a hit or miss among our pals, I dotted the top of the dip with just a few. The final flourish is totally in your court—garnish as you please!
Dishing on the Seven Layer Dip: Tips and Tricks
- Transparent dish: Using a see-through dish showcases the layers, making the dip visually appealing.
- Cooling the meat: Letting the hamburger meat cool before layering ensures the cheese doesn’t melt prematurely.
- Preventing brown guacamole: Ensuring the guacamole is sealed with cheese helps maintain its green hue.
- Using a clean spatula: Wiping the spatula between layers keeps the layers distinct and prevents mixing.
- Veggie dippers: Serving with carrots and celery offers a healthier, crunchy dipping alternative to chips.
- Layer consistency: Keeping each layer even ensures a taste of every component in each bite.
Our seven layer dip truly is a game-changer for any sporting event, tailgating party, or just a regular ol’ Saturday evening with friends. It brings together flavors, textures, and the sheer joy of digging in with a crispy chip. And let’s face it, who doesn’t adore layers of savory ground beef, tangy taco sauce, and creamy guacamole? This dip isn’t just food; it’s a conversation starter, an ice-breaker, and most definitely a crowd-pleaser. Next time you’re wondering what to serve up at a gathering, remember this dish and watch those hungry faces light up!
Ultimate Seven Layer Dip
Ingredients
- 8 oz ground beef cooked & crumbled
- 1 cup guacamole
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup refried beans
- 1 cup nacho cheese
- ¼ cup taco sauce
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 3 green onion chopped
- ¼ cup red onion chopped
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- ½ tablespoon chili powder
- ¼ cup black olives slices, optional
- salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the hamburger meat until brown and crumbled. Rinse with cold water and let cool completely. Season with onion powder, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- In a glass dish, spread the refried beans in an even half-inch layer. Pour the nacho cheese on top, followed by half of the taco sauce.
- Spread the cooled hamburger on top of the taco sauce, then pour the remaining taco sauce in an even layer on top of the hamburger.
- Gently spread the sour cream across the hamburger using a spatula, ensuring not to mix the hamburger into the sour cream. Wipe the spatula clean and then use it to spread the guacamole in an even layer on top of the sour cream.
- Cover the guacamole completely with shredded cheese to prevent it from browning. Layer the shredded lettuce on top of the cheese.
- Finish with a garnish of black olives, chopped red onion, and green onions. Serve with chips, carrots, and celery during your next sporting event. Enjoy!