Go Back

Lean and Protein Packed Baked Taco Dip

Sure, you can eat this with chips, but it's also great to eat in a bowl with a spoon - or wrapped in a tortilla with any favorite topings
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time45 minutes
Course: Appetizer, lunch, Snack
Cuisine: American, High Protein, Tex-Mex or Taco Inspired!
Keyword: high protein, lower fat, taco bowl, Taco Dip, taco meat
Servings: 4

Equipment

  • 1 Skillet
  • 1 Deep baking dish Baking time below is for 9" Square. A large cast iron skillet would work well with this too - I just didn't feel like cleaning melted cheese off of mine today.

Ingredients

  • 1-1.5 lb Ground chicken or turkey Really, any good quality lean meat. I choose to go ultra lean on this because I will be adding so much cheese, guacamole, and sour cream later. For my plant-based pals, this would be really great with Quorn crumbles, seitan crumbles, TVP, etc.
  • 1 packet Taco Seasoning
  • 1 tsp Taijn Seasoning I love the "Clásico Seasoning with Lime"
  • 1 can Refried beans
  • 1 cup Shredded medium cheddar, colby-jack, or pepper-jack Or your favorite cheese or cheese substitute (will check with a friend to see how this goes with Daiya)
  • 1 cup Salsa Your favorite brand or homemade
  • 1-2 cups Guacamole This is personal preference, I love guac, so I added a LOT. Use your favorite brand or homemade - https://giryagirl.com/guacamole-day/
  • 1 cup Sour cream (optional)
  • Fresh cilantro (optional)
  • Sliced black olives (optional)

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350 Fahrenheit
  • Brown your choice of ground meat or crumbles until not-raw, add taco seasoning as per the package instructions
  • Transfer the seasoned meat to the baking dish, spread it evenly in the pan.
  • Add the refried beans in spoonfuls evenly across the top of the seasoned meat before smoothing it out into a single layer. Top with an even sprinkling of the Tajin seasoning.
  • Add shredded cheese evenly over the top.
  • Bake for about 20 minutes
  • Optional Bonus Step: Broil the top for a few minutes to brown the cheese slightly.
  • To serve, scoop the mixture into bowls and add large dollops of guacamole, sour cream, salsa, and any of your favorite toppings (cilantro, black olives, hot sauce, pickled jalapeños etc.)