Category: Sour Cream

Taco Salad

This taco salad recipe is super customizable without compromising on its hearty and satisfying flavors. It’s the ultimate meal prep salad!

The post Taco Salad appeared first on Budget Bytes.

Listen, I love Taco Tuesday as much as the next gal, but Taco Salads are really where it’s at. I have always said that salad is the ultimate “fast food”, and I’m sticking to it. Think about it, they’re quick, easy, and almost always require very little cooking. When you want a little extra somethin’ special, this taco salad with lean ground beef is it. You can make taco salad at home for a fraction of the price and have enough salad to meal prep all week long.

overhead view of taco salad with creamy white dressing and corn chips in a white bowl.

What Is Taco Salad?

Taco salad is everything you love about crispy beef tacos but in salad form! I’ve made sure it’s jam-packed with lettuce and extra veggies to keep you full all day long.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this taco salad:

  • Sour Cream: Forms the creamy and tangy base of the dressing.
  • Lime: The juice and zest of two limes adds acidity and bright citrus flavor to the dressing.
  • Garlic: Adds a balancing earthiness to the dressing.
  • Seasonings: Salt, chili powder, and sugar balance out the flavor of the dressing.
  • Olive Oil: Helps to emulsify the dressing.
  • Ground Beef: The classic choice for a taco salad. You could easily swap for ground chicken or turkey if you prefer. I used a lean ground beef, so I didn’t have to strain off any fat from cooking, saving me a little time. Vegetarian? No problem! This salad is crazy flavorful with or without the meat.
  • Taco Seasoning: Adds that classic Mexican flavor.
  • Vegetables: Red onion, tomato, corn, avocado, and jalapeño add freshness, crunch, and a touch of spice.
  • Black Beans: Add creaminess and extra protein.
  • Corn Chips: Add saltiness and crunch.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Adds creamy, cheesy flavor.
  • Iceberg Lettuce: The perfect neutral crunchy base lettuce to let the veggies shine.

What Else Can I Add?

I love that this is a great recipe to clean out those leftovers from the fridge. Here are some ideas:

Recipe Tip!

This salad is a crowd-pleaser! If I’m entertaining and have guests or family members who don’t eat certain ingredients, I keep everything separate so everyone can build their own perfect taco salad! I like mine without the ground beef and always use extra beans… yum! I love that everyone can enjoy this salad together with a wide range of toppings and feel full and content.

three-quarters view of taco salad in a white bowl.
overhead view of taco salad with creamy white dressing and corn chips in a white bowl.
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Taco Salad

This taco salad recipe is super customizable without compromising on its hearty and satisfying flavors. It's the ultimate meal prep salad!
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Total Cost ($17.89 recipe / $2.98 serving)
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 6 salads (about 2 cups each)
Calories 804kcal
Author Jess – Budget Bytes

Ingredients

Dressing

  • 4 oz. sour cream $0.49
  • 2 limes, juiced and zested $1.00
  • 1 clove minced garlic $0.05
  • 1/4 tsp salt $0.01
  • 1/4 tsp chili powder $0.03
  • 1/2 tsp sugar $0.01
  • 4 Tbsp olive oil $0.80

Ground Beef Mixture

Additional Toppings

  • 1/2 red onion, julienned $0.37
  • 2 roma tomatoes $0.60
  • 1 cup corn kernels $1.66
  • 1 15-oz. can black beans, drained and rinsed $0.89
  • 1 avocado, diced $0.99
  • 1 cup tortilla chips, crushed $1.44
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar (about 1/2 of an 8-oz. block) $1.25
  • 1 jalapeno, sliced into thin rings $0.30
  • 1 head iceberg lettuce, chopped into bite-sized pieces $1.79

Instructions

  • Gather and prep all topping ingredients: julienne red onion, chop tomato, defrost frozen corn, drain and rinse black beans, dice avocado, crush tortilla chips, shred cheddar cheese, and slice jalapeno. Set aside or mix together in a large serving bowl.
  • Chop iceberg lettuce into bite-sized pieces.
  • Combine sour cream, juice and zest from limes, minced garlic, salt, chili powder, sugar, and oil in a small mixing bowl. Whisk to combine.
  • Add lean ground beef and taco seasoning packet to skillet. Break apart the ground beef with a spatula and mix in the taco seasoning. Cook until all of the ground beef has turned brown.*
  • Top chopped lettuce with prepped veggies and cooked ground beef. Toss all ingredients together.
  • Drizzle a generous helping of dressing over the top with crumbled tortilla chips! Serve and enjoy.**

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Notes

*I used a lean ground beef, so I added my seasoning and beef at the same time. I didn’t have any fat to strain off at the end, which saved me a little prep time.
**If you are meal prepping, keep the wet ingredients (like the beef and salad dressing) separate so your veggies and lettuce do not wilt and the tortilla chips do not get soggy. Just dress and toss when you’re ready for lunch.

Nutrition

Serving: 1salad | Calories: 804kcal | Carbohydrates: 56g | Protein: 28g | Fat: 55g | Sodium: 1228mg | Fiber: 13g
overhead view of a serving of taco salad on a white plate.

how to make Taco Salad – step by step photos

overhead view of chopped veggies on a cutting board.

Gather all topping ingredients. Julienne 1/2 red onion, chop 2 roma tomatoes, defrost 1 cup frozen corn, drain and rinse 1 can black beans, dice 1 avocado, crush 3 cups of tortilla chips, shred 1 cup cheddar cheese, slice 1 jalapeno. Set aside or mix together in a large serving bowl.

chopped lettuce in a white bowl.

Chop 1 head of iceberg lettuce into bite-sized pieces.

dressing ingredients in a white bowl.

Combine 4 oz sour cream, juice and zest from 2 limes, 1 clove of minced garlic, 1/4 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp sugar, and 4 Tbsp oil in a small mixing bowl.

creamy white dressing in a white bowl.

Whisk to combine.

raw ground beef and spices in a frying pan.

Add 1 pound lean ground beef and 1 packet of taco seasoning to skillet. Break apart the ground beef with a spatula and mix in the taco seasoning.

cooked seasoned ground beef in a frying pan.

Cook until all of the ground beef has turned brown. I used a lean ground beef, so I added my seasoning and beef at the same time. I didn’t have any fat to strain off at the end, which saved me a little prep time.

overhead view of taco salad with ingredients separated in a white bowl.

Top chopped lettuce with prepped veggies and cooked ground beef.

tossing taco salad in a white bowl.

Toss all ingredients together.

drizzling dressing over taco salad in a white bowl.

Drizzle a generous helping of dressing over the top with crumbled tortilla chips! Serve and enjoy.

overhead view of taco salad with creamy white dressing in a white bowl.

This hearty taco salad is sure to satisfy!

More Southwest-Inspired Recipes

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Tostadas

These tostadas made with mashed pinto beans are piled high with salsa, veggies, and cheese for a satisfying (and fun!) weeknight meal.

The post Tostadas appeared first on Budget Bytes.

With the sun working overtime during these hot summer months, I’ve got tacos on my mind (and tortillas in my fridge) 24/7. I love how balanced and fresh Mexican-inspired cuisine can be, and these tostadas are no exception! Crispy tortillas are piled high with mashed pinto beans, salsa, veggies, and cheese for a different spin on your typical taco night. Plus, I love that I can use up any leftover tortillas I have on hand so nothing goes to waste! These are super customizable based on your family’s preferences, so you can add or omit just about anything you want.

close up of a hand holding a tostada.

What Is A Tostada?

The word “tostada” translates to “toasted” in reference to the crispy toasted tortilla shell that serves as the base of the dish. It’s sort of like a flattened taco piled high with filling. It’s also a great way to use up the last of those leftover tortillas that are starting to go stale!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these tostadas:

  • Onion: I used white onion because it was on sale, but yellow or Vidalia will also work well in this recipe.
  • Jalapeño: Adds a bit of heat to the filling.
  • Olive Oil: Helps the filling cook without burning. Neutral cooking oils like canola or vegetable also work well.
  • Pinto Beans: Create a mushy, refried bean-like texture. If you have some leftover, our favorite (Not) Refried Beans can also work well in this recipe!
  • Taco Seasoning: An easy way to add classic Mexican flavors.
  • Water: Helps make the beans easier to mash.
  • Salsa: Adds freshness to the tostadas. I love this Fire Roasted Salsa, but store-bought works just fine.
  • Tostada Shells: These small, crunchy corn tortillas are like a flat hard taco shell. A Mexican open-faced sandwich, if you will!
  • Radishes: Add a delightful, fresh crunch!
  • Slaw Mix: A cheap and easy hack to add extra veggies to this dish.
  • Sour Cream: Adds creaminess and tanginess.
  • Cilantro: Adds a pop of freshness and color.
  • Avocado: Adds a creamy texture. Guacamole also works well.
  • Queso Fresco: Can’t find queso fresco or cotija cheese? Cheddar cheese will do just fine, or omit it altogether.

What Is the Difference Between A Tostada and a Tortilla?

A tostada is a tortilla that has been baked or fried until it is crispy. You can purchase ready-made tostada shells from popular brands like Old El Paso, or you can make your own by baking 6-inch corn tortillas until toasted and crispy.

How to Eat A Tostada

Tostadas are finger foods, so use your hands, not a fork and knife! I like the two-handed method of holding the edges of the tostada and taking bites like a slice of toast. I also like to crack the tostadas into smaller pieces and eat it in smaller bites that way.

side view of tostadas on a piece of parchment paper on a blue table.
holding a tostada over a table topped with tostadas.
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Tostadas

These tostadas made with mashed pinto beans are piled high with salsa, veggies, and cheese for a satisfying (and fun!) weeknight meal.
Course Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 535kcal
Author Jess – Budget Bytes

Ingredients

  • 1 Tbsp olive oil $0.20
  • 1/2 white onion, diced $0.45
  • 1 jalapeño, seeded and diced $0.24
  • 1 1-oz. packet taco seasoning $0.59
  • 2 15-oz. cans pinto beans, drained and rinsed $1.78
  • 1 cup water $0.00
  • 8 tostada shells $0.88
  • 1/2 cup salsa $0.49
  • 3 radishes, julienned $0.37
  • 1/2 14-oz. bag pre-chopped slaw mix $0.99
  • 1/4 cup sour cream $0.31
  • 2 Tbsp chopped fresh cilantro $0.12
  • 1 avocado, sliced $0.99
  • 2 Tbsp crumbled queso fresco $0.35

Instructions

  • Add the olive oil, onions, jalapeño, and taco seasoning mix to a skillet. Stir to combine and cook over medium heat until the onions are soft and glossy.
  • Add the drained and rinsed pinto beans to the skillet with 1 cup of water and simmer for 5-8 minutes, until the beans start to dissolve and break down and the liquid reduces to about 1/2.
  • Remove from the heat and mash the bean mixture together. Set aside.
  • Crumble queso fresco, julienne or slice radishes, mince cilantro, thinly the avocado, and gather your premixed cabbage and salsa of choice.
  • Spread out tostada shells on a cookie sheet and toast in the oven at 350°F for 5 minutes. This makes the tostadas extra crunchy!
  • Assemble tostadas: The tostada shell will be on the bottom, topped with mashed pinto beans.
  • Then, add all other toppings; divide the pre-chopped slaw mix, salsa, sour cream, chopped fresh cilantro, avocado, and crumbled queso fresco between all tostadas. Enjoy!

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Notes

This recipe is easily made vegan by leaving off the sour cream and cheese. There are amazing vegan substitutes available for both of those ingredients nowadays, too!

Nutrition

Serving: 2tostadas | Calories: 535kcal | Carbohydrates: 69g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 24g | Sodium: 1649mg | Fiber: 19g

how to make Tostadas – step by step photos

onion, jalapeno, and taco seasoning in a frying pan.

Add the 1 Tbsp olive oil, 1/2 diced white onion, 1 seeded and diced jalapeño, and 1 oz. packet of taco seasoning mix to a skillet. Stir to combine and cook over medium heat until the onions are soft and glossy.

step 2: add beans and water

Add the 2 cans of drained and rinsed pinto beans to the skillet with 1 cup of water and simmer for 5-8 minutes, until the beans start to dissolve and break down and the liquid reduces by about 1/2.

step 4: mash the beans

Remove from the heat and mash the bean mixture together.

step 6: chopped veggies on cutting board

Crumble 2 Tbsp queso fresco, julienne or slice 3 radishes, mince 2 Tbsp cilantro, thinly slice the avocado, and gather your premixed cabbage and salsa of choice.

step 6 lay out tostadas and toast

Spread out 8 tostada shells on a cookie sheet and toast in the oven at 350°F for 5 minutes. This makes the tostadas extra crunchy!

step 7: add beans to tostatdas

Assemble tostadas: The tostada shell will be on the bottom, topped with mashed pinto beans.

8 add all the toppings 1 by 1 to tostadas

Then, add all other toppings; divide the 1/2 bag of pre-chopped slaw mix, 1/2 cup salsa, 1/4 cup sour cream, 2 Tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, 1 sliced avocado, and 2 Tbsp crumbled queso fresco between all tostadas. Enjoy!

overhead view of tostadas on a piece of parchment paper on a blue table.

More Recipes with Tortillas

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Taco Dip

This 4-ingredient Taco Dip is creamy, super easy to make, and has the perfect amount of spice. It’s great for parties or to treat yourself!

The post Taco Dip appeared first on Budget Bytes.

I’m that person who always chooses queso or spinach dip when I go out to my favorite restaurants. Dips are my absolute favorite appetizer and they’re perfect for sharing at parties and family gatherings. This 4-ingredient Taco Dip is creamy, super easy to make, and has the perfect amount of spice. Toppings are optional but I loved adding some tomatoes, jalapeños and sliced green onions on top of mine. And you don’t have to wait until the next big event to make this taco dip recipe…treat yourself this weekend to some chips & dip, you deserve it!😉

Overhead view of a serving bowl full of taco dip, topped with cherry tomatoes and jalapenos and chips served on the side.

What’s In Taco Dip?

When I say this dip recipe is super easy, I really mean it. It’s one of those recipes you can memorize after making it one time and it’s easy to keep all the ingredients on hand for whenever you want to whip up a quick batch. For this taco dip we simply used cream cheese, sour cream, taco seasoning, and a little bit of salsa. That’s it! You can customize it by adding your favorite toppings or keep it simple and enjoy with lots of tortilla chips!

Can I Add Meat?

Oftentimes you may see taco dip made similar to our 7 layer dip recipe with ground beef added and layered with lots of veggies. I opted for a simpler version that can be made quickly with fewer ingredients, but still packs in lots of those Mexican-inspired flavors that I love. With that being said, you can definitely add some seasoned taco meat if you want to make this dip more filling. I suggest adding ½ lb. of seasoned ground beef on top of the cream cheese layer, then finish with your favorite toppings.

Topping Ideas

I love adding my favorite nacho-style toppings to this creamy dip. You can keep things simple like we did with a few tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, and sliced green onions or have fun adding any of these toppings listed below:

Making It Ahead & Storing Leftovers

You can easily make this taco dip ahead of time and just wait to add on any extra toppings. Follow the recipe listed below then cover the dip tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. Store any leftovers covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Side view of a hand scooping some taco dip with a tortilla chip.
Overhead view of Taco Dip in a serving bowl with a chip scooping some out.
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Taco Dip

This 4-ingredient Taco Dip is creamy, super easy to make, and has the perfect amount of spice. It’s great for parties or to treat yourself!
Course Appetizer, Dip
Cuisine American
Total Cost $3.98 recipe / $0.40 serving
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings 10 (about 1/4 cup each)
Calories 128kcal
Author Marsha – Budget Bytes

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 8 oz. cream cheese, softened* $1.85
  • 1 cup sour cream $1.12
  • 2 Tbsp taco seasoning** $0.59
  • 1/4 cup salsa $0.42

Instructions

  • In a large bowl combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, taco seasoning, and salsa.
  • Using a hand mixer blend all the ingredients together until completely smooth and the cream cheese is fully incorporated.
  • Add the taco dip to a serving dish and top with your favorite toppings. I topped mine with some grape tomatoes, sliced jalapeño, and sliced green onions. Enjoy!

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Notes

*Make sure your cream cheese is softened so the ingredients can blend easily and smoothly.
**You can use our homemade taco seasoning recipe or a store-bought taco seasoning packet. The store-bought packets are about 3 Tbsp of seasoning mix. You can use the entire packet for a more intense flavor or measure out 2 Tbsps and save the rest for later. I tested this recipe with 2 Tbsp of seasoning mix vs. the entire seasoning packet, and 2 Tbsp was definitely the way to go!

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 128kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 12g | Sodium: 161mg | Fiber: 0.2g

How to Make Taco Dip – Step by Step Photos

Taco Dip ingredients in a white bowl.

In a large bowl combine 8 oz. softened cream cheese, 1 cup sour cream, 2 Tbsp taco seasoning, and 1/4 cup salsa. I like using chunky mild salsa.

Taco Dip mixed together in a white bowl.

Using a hand mixer blend all the ingredients together until completely smooth and the cream cheese is fully incorporated.

Taco Dip spread out in a serving bowl.

Transfer the taco dip to a serving dish or bowl and top with your favorite toppings. I topped mine with some grape tomatoes, sliced jalapeño, and sliced green onions.

Overhead view of Taco Dip in a serving bowl with a chip scooping some out.

Now just grab a bag or tortilla chips and enjoy by yourself or with your family and friends!

More Tasty Dip Recipes

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White Chicken Enchiladas

Chicken enchiladas with homemade red enchilada sauce are a classic Mexican dinner. We make them all of the time, but sometimes we like to mix things up and make White Chicken Enchiladas. The enchiladas are filled with shredded chicken, cheese, and a cr…

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Beef Stroganoff

Beef stroganoff is a savory dish made with juicy, tender beef and hearty mushrooms that are coated in a creamy sauce that is made with sour cream. The sauce is rich, flavorful, and similar to gravy. This classic dinner is satisfying, comforting, and a …

Beef stroganoff is a savory dish made with juicy, tender beef and hearty mushrooms that are coated in a creamy sauce that is made with sour cream. The sauce is rich, flavorful, and similar to gravy. This classic dinner is satisfying, comforting, and a family favorite. It is the perfect meal for busy weeknights because…

Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins

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I love making muffins because they are easy to make, easy to share, freeze well, and are SO delicious! A few of my favorite muffin recipes include: blueberry muffins, raspberry muffins, banana muffins, and chocolate chip muffins. I also LOVE these Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins. The muffins are light, tender, sweet, and bursting with lemon…

Potato Casserole

Make those potatoes go the extra mile with this cheesy potato casserole! Fit to serve a crowd, this casserole is the ultimate comfort food.

The post Potato Casserole appeared first on Budget Bytes.

Make those potatoes go the extra mile with this creamy, cheesy potato casserole! Fit to serve a crowd, this potato casserole recipe is comfort food at its best. The crunchy, cheesy topping is a little sweet, a lot savory, and makes this the perfect side for Easter, Thanksgiving, or Christmas.

What is Potato Casserole?

Diced potatoes are blanketed in a sauce made from cheddar cheese, milk, and sour cream; seasoned with onions and garlic; and topped with crunchy corn flake cereal. It’s the ultimate cheesy, creamy, and crunchy side dish. So grab a 5 lb. bag or potatoes and get cooking!

Ingredients for Potato Casserole

  • Yukon Gold Potatoes: These potatoes are in between starchy and waxy, making them perfect for this casserole since they hold their shape well. You’ll need 3 lbs. or about 6 medium potatoes.
  • Butter: Unsalted butter adds a rich flavor to the dish and helps prevent the onions and garlic from burning in the pan.
  • Onion and Garlic: These alliums add a classic earthy and sweet flavor that adds depth to this dish.
  • Salt: Kosher salt enhances the natural flavor of the potatoes.
  • All-Purpose Flour: A little bit of flour helps to thicken up the sauce.
  • Milk: Milk adds moisture to the sauce. You can use any kind of milk you have on hand, including plant-based.
  • Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese: We love the flavor of extra sharp, but any kind of cheddar works well.
  • Sour Cream: Sour cream adds a touch of brightening tanginess and richness to the dish.
  • Corn Flake Cereal: Crushed corn flakes create the perfect slightly sweet, super crunchy topping for this casserole. You can also use Panko breadcrumbs or crushed butter crackers if that’s what you have on hand.

What Else Can I Add To Potato Casserole?

This is a great recipe for using up leftovers. Got some bacon or ham burning a hole in your refrigerator? Throw it in! You can swap the sour cream for Greek Yogurt if that’s what you have on hand. And feel free to top it with any leftover herbs you have lying around– parsley, chives, or scallions would all be delicious!

How to Serve Potato Casserole

Serve this creamy, cheesy potato casserole with Air Fryer Chicken Breasts, Classic Homemade Meatloaf, or some Turkey Meatballs. It’s also great for breakfast with Fried Eggs or Maple Sage Breakfast Sausage.

How to Store Leftovers

Store leftover potato casserole tightly covered with aluminum foil in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or you can wrap it in a double-layer of plastic wrap and aluminum foil to store in the freezer for up to 3 months. You can reheat it covered with foil in a 350°F oven for 20-30 minutes, or until warmed through and bubbly.

close up view of a wooden spoon in potato casserole.
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Potato Casserole

Make those potatoes go the extra mile with this cheesy potato casserole! Fit to serve a crowd, this casserole is the ultimate comfort food.
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Total Cost $9.06 recipe / $0.90 serving
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings 10
Calories 459kcal
Author Krista – Budget Bytes

Ingredients

  • 3 lbs. Yukon gold potatoes $3.00
  • 1/4 cup butter $0.53
  • 1/2 onion $0.16
  • 2 cloves garlic $0.16
  • 1/2 tsp salt $0.02
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour $0.05
  • 2 cups milk $0.96
  • 3 1/2 cups extra sharp cheddar cheese, divided $3.21
  • 1/2 cup sour cream $0.53
  • 1 cup crushed corn flake cereal $0.44

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F. Peel and dice the potatoes, finely chop the onion, and mince the garlic.
  • Add the potatoes to a large pot of water. Bring to a boil, cooking for 8-10 minutes until fork tender. Strain in a colander. Then, transfer the potatoes to a greased 9×13 casserole dish.
  • While the potatoes are boiling, melt the butter in a large saucepan or pot over medium heat.
  • Add in the onion and salt, and cook for a few minutes until softened. Add in the garlic and cook for a minute. Then, stir in the flour.
  • Slowly pour in the milk while whisking to incorporate.
  • Add in 2 cups of cheese and the sour cream. Stir until melted and incorporated.
  • Pour the cheese sauce over the potatoes. Gently combine until the potatoes are fully coated.
  • Top with the crushed cereal and the remaining 1 1/2 cups of cheddar cheese.
  • Bake for 20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly.

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 459kcal | Carbohydrates: 51g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 22g | Sodium: 615mg | Fiber: 4g

how to make Potato Casserole – step by step photos

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Peel and dice 3 lbs. Yukon gold potatoes, finely chop 1/2 onion, and mince 2 cloves garlic.

Add the potatoes to a large pot of water. Bring to a boil, cooking for 8-10 minutes until fork tender. Strain in a colander. Then, transfer the potatoes to a greased 9×13 casserole dish.

While the potatoes are boiling, melt 1/4 cup butter in a large saucepan or pot over medium heat. Add in the onion and 1/2 tsp salt, and cook for a few minutes until softened. Add in the garlic and cook for a minute. Then, stir in 1/4 cup all-purpose flour.

Slowly pour in 2 cups milk while whisking to incorporate.

Add in 2 cups of cheese and 1/2 cup sour cream. Stir until melted and incorporated.

Pour the cheese sauce over the potatoes. Gently combine until the potatoes are fully coated.

Top with 1 cup crushed corn flake cereal and the remaining 1 1/2 cups of cheddar cheese.

Bake for 20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly.

This savory and cheesy potato casserole is the perfect side dish for your next brunch or dinner party!

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7 Layer Dip

This easy 7 Layer Dip is the perfect appetizer for parties, football games, and gatherings. No cooking needed and it feeds a large crowd!

The post 7 Layer Dip appeared first on Budget Bytes.

When you need a quick party appetizer that tastes good, is easy to make, and feeds a large crowd…this 7 Layer Dip is the one to make! It has all of my favorite Tex-Mex flavors in one dish and it’s perfect for serving at potlucks, football parties, and family gatherings. I’m always down for any type of chips and dip, but this 7 layer dip takes dips to a whole new level! I’m not sure which part I love the most, the fact that I don’t have to cook anything over a stove to make this recipe or that it comes in at just over $1 per serving. Either way, I highly recommend adding this 7 layer dip recipe to your Super Bowl menu this weekend.😉

Overhead view of 7 layer dip in a glass casserole dish with a napkin, chips, and lime wedges on the side.

What Is 7 Layer Dip?

7 layer dip is an easy party appetizer that’s made by building layers of creamy, flavorful, ingredients like refried beans and guacamole into a 9×13” dish. It’s fun to serve at football parties and family gatherings, there’s no need to heat up a stove, and it’s perfect for feeding a crowd!

Ingredients For 7 Layer Dip

Here’s everything you need to make this easy 7 Layer Dip:

  • Refried Beans: You can certainly make your own refried beans, but to make things easy we used canned refried beans and seasoned it with a few spices.
  • Guacamole: We made a quick batch of our homemade guacamole recipe, but to save time you can easily substitute with your favorite store-bought guacamole.
  • Sour Cream: No need to overthink this layer, just grab a tub of regular sour cream to spread on top of the guacamole. It adds the perfect creamy and tasty flavor to balance the beans and guacamole.
  • Cheddar Cheese: We used medium cheddar cheese but you can certainly use mild or a different flavor cheese if you prefer. And we highly recommend buying the cheese in block form and shredding it yourself for this recipe.
  • Tomatoes: Diced Roma tomatoes or vine-ripe tomatoes both work well and are added on top of the cheese layer.
  • Black Olives: Black olives add wonderful color, texture, and flavor to the dip. Because olives tend to be salty and tangy with bold flavors, you’ll only need a few of them for this 7 layer dip.
  • Green Onions: The final layer is a sprinkle of sliced green onions which add not only great flavor, but also a beautiful vibrant color to the dip!

Recipe Variations

  1. Use taco seasoning – If you happen to have a batch of taco seasoning in your panty, use 1 ½ tablespoons of it instead of the chili powder, cumin, and salt to season your refried beans. This will give the beans even more flavor! You can also mix a little bit in to your sour cream to give it an extra boost of flavor.
  2. Add seasoned ground meat – You can make this 7 layer dip even more filling by adding a layer of taco seasoned ground beef or ground turkey. I would add it right after the refried beans layer.
  3. Add salsa – Your favorite thick salsa also works really well with this dip recipe. If you want to add it as a layer, just make sure to drain any excess liquid from the salsa to keep the dip from getting too soggy.

Storing LEftovers

This dip is definitely best served and eaten the same day it’s made, but if you happen to have leftovers, just store any leftovers covered tightly in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. The guacamole may start to brown slightly and the dip may get a bit watery around the edges, but it will still taste delicious!

Side view of 7 layer dip with a hand holding a chip and scooping some out.
Overhead view of 7 layer dip in a glass casserole dish with a napkin, chips, and lime wedges on the side.
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7 Layer Dip

This easy 7 Layer Dip is the perfect appetizer for parties, football games, and gatherings. No cooking needed and it feeds a large crowd!
Course Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine Mexican, Southwest
Total Cost $16.72 recipe / $1.11 serving
Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 15 (1/2 cup each)
Calories 170kcal
Author Marsha – Budget Bytes

Ingredients

  • 2 tomatoes $1.46
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese $1.87
  • 1/2 cup sliced black olives $2.19
  • 3 green onions $0.45
  • 2 16oz. cans refried beans $2.38
  • 1 Tbsp chili powder $0.30
  • 1/2 tsp cumin $0.05
  • 1/4 tsp salt $0.02
  • 2 Tbsp water $0.00
  • 2 1/2 cups guacamole $6.25
  • 1 1/2 cups sour cream $1.75

Instructions

  • Dice the tomatoes, shred the cheddar cheese, drain the black olives, and slice the green onions. Set these ingredients to the side.
  • In a medium bowl add the refried beans along with the chili powder, cumin, salt, and water. Mix these ingredients together until well combined.
  • Spread the seasoned refried beans into the bottom of a 9×13” casserole dish.
  • Next spread the guacamole evenly on top of the refried beans. Then spread the sour cream evenly on top of the guacamole mixture.
  • Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly on top of the sour cream.
  • Now add the diced tomatoes, black olives, and green onions on top. Make sure everything is spread as evenly as possible.
  • Serve immediately with tortilla chips or cover and place in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 170kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 15g | Sodium: 204mg | Fiber: 3g
Side close up view of 7 layer dip in a glass casserole dish.

How to Make 7 Layer Dip – Step by Step Photos

7 layer dip ingredients on a cutting board.

Dice 2 tomatoes, shred 1 1/2 cups of cheddar cheese, drain 1/2 cup black olives, and slice 3 green onions. Set these ingredients to the side.

Refried beans in a white mixing bowl with seasoning on top.

In a medium bowl add 2-16oz. cans of refried beans along with 1 Tbsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp cumin, 1/4 tsp salt, and 2 Tbsp water. Mix these ingredients together until well combined.

Refried beans spread evenly in a glass casserole dish.

Spread the seasoned refried beans into the bottom of a 9×13” casserole dish.

Guacamole spread evenly on top of refried beans in glass casserole dish.

Next spread 2 1/2 cups of guacamole evenly on top of the refried beans.

Sour cream being spread on top of guacamole with a black spatula.

Then spread 1 1/2 cups of sour cream evenly on top of the guacamole mixture.

Shredded cheese added evenly on top of sour cream layer.

Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly on top of the sour cream.

Chopped tomatoes, black olives, and sliced green onions added and spread out evenly on top of shredded cheese layer.

Now add the diced tomatoes, black olives, and green onions on top. Make sure everything is spread as evenly as possible.

Overhead view of 7 layer dip in a glass casserole dish with a napkin, chips, and lime wedges on the side.

Enjoy this tasty appetizer dip immediately with tortilla chips or cover and place in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

More Party Dip Recipes

The post 7 Layer Dip appeared first on Budget Bytes.

7 Layer Dip

Whenever I need an appetizer to take to a party or potluck, I like to make 7 Layer Dip. It is the PERFECT party dip and always a crowd pleaser. This classic dip is layered with the best ingredients- refried beans, sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt), gu…

Whenever I need an appetizer to take to a party or potluck, I like to make 7 Layer Dip. It is the PERFECT party dip and always a crowd pleaser. This classic dip is layered with the best ingredients- refried beans, sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt), guacamole, salsa, cheese, and toppings! Serve with tortilla…

Homemade French Onion Dip

This creamy and tangy French Onion Dip is full of caramelized onions and perfect for parties, game day, or as a burger or sandwich spread.

The post Homemade French Onion Dip appeared first on Budget Bytes.

Caramelized onions are one of my favorite flavors EVER, so even though you can make a quick French Onion Dip made with just a packet of onion soup mix and sour cream, you know I’m going to try to make it from scratch instead! And this homemade French Onion Dip recipe is surprisingly easy! It only takes a few ingredients and it really lets the flavor of those caramelized onions shine. This dip is creamy, tangy, sweet, savory, and perfect for all your crunchy chips and crackers. Plus, it also makes an ah-maz-ing sandwich and burger spread, so even if you’re not a chip and dip person, you still need to try it!

Overhead view of a bowl of French Onion Dip with a chip in the side and chips all around.

What Is French Onion Dip?

French Onion Dip is a creamy and tangy dip for chips, crackers, vegetables, and more that has a flavor profile similar to French Onion Soup. The quick way to make French Onion Dip is to simply stir a packet of onion soup mix into a container of sour cream, but if you’re looking for more of a “from scratch” approach with that slow caramelized flavor, we’ve got you covered. And while caramelizing the onions does take a little bit of time, you don’t need many more ingredients to turn them into a really stellar dip!

Ingredients for French Onion Dip

Here’s what you’ll need to make a homemade French Onion Dip from scratch:

  • Onions: I just used plain ol’ yellow onions here, but if you want to get fancy you can go for a sweet onion like Vidalia or a Maui onion.
  • Butter: Butter makes the recipe extra rich and gives a slightly nutty flavor to the caramelized onions.
  • Cream Cheese: Cream cheese is the rich and tangy base for the dip.
  • Sour Cream: Sour cream lightens up the cream cheese just a touch and makes the dip much softer and dippable.
  • Worcestershire sauce: This gives the dip a savory note, similar to French onion soup.
  • Seasoning: I kept the seasonings simple so the flavor of the onions could shine through. All you’ll need is a bit of garlic powder, salt, and pepper. You can experiment with adding beef bouillon, but I found this to overwhelm the flavor of the dish, totally masking the delicately sweet flavor of the onions.

How to Serve French Onion Dip

French onion dip is classically served with potato chips, but it’s great for so much more! You can use it for crackers, on a vegetable platter (in place of ranch dip), or as a spread on sandwiches, wraps, or burgers. Try pairing this dip on a sandwich with thinly sliced roast beef, a slice of Swiss cheese, and spring mix. You won’t be disappointed! Or slather it onto a burger with some sautéed mushrooms. YES PLEASE.

How Long Does it Keep?

Homemade French Onion Dip will stay good in the refrigerator for about four to five days, but is not a good candidate for freezing. If your French Onion Dip has been in the refrigerator for a few days, make sure to give it a good stir before enjoying.

Side view of a chip being dipped into a bowl of French Onion Dip.
Overhead view of a bowl of French Onion Dip with a chip in the side and chips all around.
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French Onion Dip

This creamy and tangy French Onion Dip is full of caramelized onions and perfect for parties, game day, or as a burger or sandwich spread. 
Course Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine American
Total Cost $2.85 recipe / $0.48 serving
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Rest Time 15 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings 6 (¼ cup each)
Calories 193kcal
Author Beth – Budget Bytes

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Dice the onions and place them in a skillet with the butter.
  • Cook the onions over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, allowing them to soften and then slowly brown. Continue cooking for about 30 minutes, or until they achieve a deep copper brown color and jammy texture. If the skillet dries out too much as the onions cook, lower the heat slightly and add a tablespoon or two of water. On the flip side, if the onions are taking too long to cook, increase the heat slightly.
  • Meanwhile, stir together the cream cheese, sour cream, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl until smooth and evenly combined.
  • Once the onions are fully caramelized, stir them into the dip.
  • Allow the dip to sit for about 15 minutes for the flavors to blend, then taste and adjust the seasonings to your liking. Serve with your favorite chips or spread onto a sandwich and enjoy!

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Nutrition

Serving: 0.25cup | Calories: 193kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 18g | Sodium: 237mg | Fiber: 1g

How to Make French Onion Dip – Step by Step Photos

Diced onion and butter in a skillet.

Dice one pound of yellow onions (about two medium onions), then add them to a skillet with 2 tablespoons of butter.

Half-cooked onions in the skillet.

Cook the onions over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, allowing them to soften and then slowly brown. If the skillet gets too dry as the onions cook, turn the heat down slightly and add a tablespoon or two of water to the skillet to help dissolve the browned bits off of the bottom of the skillet. Or, if the onions are taking a very long time to cook down, you can increase the heat slightly.

Fully caramelized onions in the skillet.

When the onions are fully caramelized they should look like this—deep copper brown, translucent, and jammy in texture. The caramelization process should take about 30 minutes.

Dip ingredients in a bowl but not combined.

Meanwhile, combine 4oz. room temperature cream cheese, 1 cup sour cream, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, ¼ tsp garlic powder, ¼ tsp freshly cracked black pepper, and ¼ tsp salt in a bowl, stirring until the mixture is smooth.

Caramelized onions added to the dip in the bowl.

Add the caramelized onions to the dip and stir to combine.

Finished caramelized onion dip in the bowl with a spoon.

Allow the dip to sit for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to blend, then taste and adjust the seasonings to your liking.

Overhead view of a chip being dipped into a bowl of French Onion Dip.

Serve with your favorite crunchy chips and enjoy!

More Dip Recipes

The post Homemade French Onion Dip appeared first on Budget Bytes.