Cheesy Taco Bean Dip

So, this was my first time making bean dip, and it was super easy. It was also my first time eating it, and it was quite tasty, if I do say so myself. I used this recipe from the blog Life as a Lofthouse.

Here's what you need:

1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese
1 (8 oz.) package sour cream
1 tablespoon taco sauce (optional)
1 packet taco seasoning
1 large can (about 31 oz.) refried beans
1 (8 oz.) package (or 2 cups) shredded cheddar cheese*
1 (8 oz.) package (or 2 cups) shredded monterey jack cheese*

You'll also need some tortilla chips to serve this bean dip with!

*I actually used a 16 oz. package (4 cups) of "fiesta blend" shredded cheese, which contained both types of cheese called for in the recipe plus a couple of others.

Go ahead and preheat the oven to 350ᵒF and spray a 9"x13" glass casserole dish with cooking spray. You'll need a large mixing bowl and a utensil of choice (like a large spoon or a rubber spatula). First, mix together the cream cheese and sour cream (you'll probably want to soften the cream cheese; I was in a hurry and didn't do this, which resulted in small lumps of cream cheese throughout the mixture), then add the packet of taco seasoning and taco sauce and mix them in well. I personally went for a mild bean dip, using "cheesy" taco seasoning and mild sauce, but I'm sure you could spice it up with a hotter variety if you like. ;)

Next, add the can of refried beans and thoroughly incorporate it into the cream cheese mixture.

Then transfer the refried bean mixture to your casserole dish, making sure to spread it evenly.

Last, but certainly not least, top the bean mixture evenly with the shredded cheeses...

... and bake at 350ᵒF for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is nice and melted with a bit of a golden brown color to it. Voila! You have bean dip.

The layer of cheese is a bit thick, so you may need a spoon to break into the dip at first. You'll probably break your tortilla chip if you go straight in with it. =P Anyway, this recipe is easy, yummy, and perfect for get-togethers with friends or family. Enjoy!

Your Cupcake,

~Jesia <3