Taco Bake – Cheesy Casserole

Easy taco bake has all the delicious flavor of a hard shell taco, with the ease of a casserole. Boldly seasoned ground beef is layered with refried beans, salsa, tortilla chips, and cheese in a hearty crowd pleasing dish.

Easy taco bake has all the delicious flavor of a hard shell taco, with the ease of a casserole. Boldly seasoned ground beef is layered with refried beans, salsa, tortilla chips, and cheese in a hearty crowd pleasing dish.

Vegetarian Crunchwrap Supreme

Looking for a delicious, meat-free meal that’ll satisfy even the pickiest eaters in your family? This Vegetarian Crunchwrap Supreme is your answer! It’s loaded with crispy tofu, fresh veggies, melty cheese, and a zesty sauce, all wrapped up in a warm tortilla. It’s way better (and healthier) than anything you’ll get at a fast food…

The post Vegetarian Crunchwrap Supreme appeared first on Weelicious.

Looking for a delicious, meat-free meal that’ll satisfy even the pickiest eaters in your family? This Vegetarian Crunchwrap Supreme is your answer! It’s loaded with crispy tofu, fresh veggies, melty cheese, and a zesty sauce, all wrapped up in a warm tortilla. It’s way better (and healthier) than anything you’ll get at a fast food chain.

Stack of vegetarian crunchwrap supremes on a plate.

Why I Love This Recipe

  • Easy to make: This crunchwrap might look intimidating, but it’s actually really easy to make (and even more fun to eat!).
  • Perfect Texture: The crunchy tortilla in the middle adds texture, and the cheesy, seasoned tofu filling is so satisfying that even meat-lovers will be coming back for more!
  • Customizable: Like many of Mexican-inspired recipes like Mexican Lasagna or Vegetarian Chimichangas, this recipe is easily customizable. Make this crunchwrap vegan, add your favorite veggies, or switch up the proteins to suit your preferences.
  • Kid-friendly: This recipe is great for kids because it’s fun to make and easy to eat since it’s hand held! Mine all love to assemble their own personal crunchwrap so they can have their favorite veggies wrapped inside.
  • Fast food alternative: When it comes to healthy meals for my family, fast food doesn’t usually make the list. I love creating healthy homemade versions of fast food favorites, and this Vegetarian Crunchwrap Supreme is a perfect alternative to the traditional fast food crunchwrap!

The Ingredients

Vegetarian crunchwrap supreme ingredients.

For the Crunchwrap:

  • Tofu: Extra firm tofu is a great meat substitute. Make sure to drain and press it well for the best texture. Looking for more recipes with tofu? Try my Sweet Gingery Tofu, Mapo Tofu and delicious Chocolate Tofu Pudding!
  • Tortillas: You’ll need both a large flour tortilla and a small corn or flour tortilla for that perfect crunch.
  • Cheese: A mix of Mexican shredded cheese like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, and cheddar adds a melty, flavorful layer. Swap for vegan cheese if needed.
  • Taco seasoning: Adds all the classic Mexican flavors to the tofu.
  • Lettuce and tomato: Fresh and crunchy toppings to balance the richness.
  • Olive oil: Used to crisp up the tortillas and cook the tofu.

For the Sauce:

Crunchwrap supreme sauce ingredients.
  • Sour cream and mayo: Creamy base for the sauce. Use dairy-free options to make it vegan.
  • Hot sauce: For a little heat (optional, of course).
  • Garlic powder and paprika: Give the sauce a savory depth.
  • Lemon juice: Brightens up the flavors and adds a fresh kick.

Variations and Substitutions

There are so many ways to make this crunchwrap your own! Here are a few ideas:

  • Make it vegan: Swap out the cheese, sour cream and mayo for your favorite vegan alternatives, and you’ve got a completely plant-based meal.
  • Switch the protein: Not a fan of tofu? Try black beans, refried beans, or another meat substitute like plant-based taco meat if you prefer.
  • Add more veggies: Load up on extra veggies like sautéed bell peppers, avocado, or corn for added nutrition and flavor.

How to Make a Vegetarian Crunchwrap Supreme

Cubed tofu in small bowl.

Step 1: Cut the tofu into 1/2 inch cubes.

Sautéing tofu with taco seasoning in pan.

Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp oil in a small sauté pan over medium/high heat add the tofu and sprinkle with salt and taco seasoning. Cook for 4-5 minutes stirring occasionally or until golden. 

Small tortilla in sauté pan.

Step 3: Heat 3 tbsp oil in a large sauté pan over medium/high heat and cook the small tortilla for 3-4 minutes, flipping halfway through or until crispy and golden. Drain on a paper towel to remove excess oil. 

Cruchwrap supreme sauce in small bowl.

Step 4: While the tortilla is sautéing, whisk together the sauce ingredients.

Building crunchwrap supreme.

Step 5: Place the large tortilla on a work surface. Top with tofu, 1/2 the sauce, 1/2 the cheese and the crispy tortilla.

Unwrapped crunchwrap supreme on countertop.

Step 6: On top of the crispy tortilla, add the lettuce, tomato, remaining cheese.

Folded crunchwrap supreme before being cooked.

Step 7: Fold the large tortilla up and around the crispy tortilla and filling folding in a clockwise manner until you have 5-6 folds and flip over fold side down. 

Completed crunchwrap supreme on plate.

Step 8: Heat the large sauté pan over medium/high heat and place the tortilla in the pan fold side down. Cook the crunch wrap for 3 minutes on each side or until golden. Serve with remainder of sauce for dipping.

Tips and Tricks

  • Folding the crunchwrap: If your large tortilla isn’t big enough to fully fold around the fillings, you can add a small piece of another tortilla to cover the gap before cooking.
  • Get creative with fillings: Feel free to add whatever you like inside—avocado, salsa, beans, or even rice would all be delicious. Just try not to overfill so you can still fold the tortilla.
  • Another Tortilla Hack: If you don’t want to buy two different sizes of tortillas, just use the large burrito-sized ones. You can cut a smaller tortilla out of it using a sharp knife or even a large cookie cutter. Use the leftover pieces to make homemade tortilla chips!
Two vegetarian crunchwrap supremes. One cut in half to display the fillings inside.

More Vegetarian Mexican Recipes

If you’re looking for a new meatless meal to add to your repertoire, Vegetarian Crunchwrap Supremes should surely make the list. They’re delicious and a fun, family activity that everyone can get involved in! Let me know what you think by leaving a comment and rating below!

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Vegetarian Crunchwrap Supreme

This Vegetarian Crunchwrap Supreme is loaded with crispy tofu, fresh veggies, melty cheese, and a zesty sauce, all wrapped up in a warm tortilla. It's way better (and healthier) than anything you'll get at a fast food chain.
Course Main Dish
Cuisine Mexican
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 6 minutes
Total Time 16 minutes
Servings 1 serving
Calories 1465kcal

Ingredients

For the Crunchwrap

  • 4 ounces extra firm tofu, make sure to drain all the water off and squeeze to remove
  • 5 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon taco seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 small 4-5 inch corn or flour tortilla
  • 1 large 10-12 inch flour tortilla
  • 3/4 cup Mexican shredded cheese or mix of Monterrey Jack, mozzarella and cheddar or favorite vegan cheese (if you want to make the recipe vegan)
  • 1/2 cup shredded lettuce
  • 1 small tomato, seeded and diced

For the Sauce:

  • 1/4 cup sour cream (or dairy free sour cream for vegan option)
  • 1 tablespoon mayonnaise (or vegan mayonnaise)
  • 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Spanish sweet paprika
  • juice from 1/2 lemon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  • Cut the tofu into 1/2 inch cubes.
  • Heat 2 tbsp oil in a small sauté pan over medium/high heat add the tofu and sprinkle with salt and taco seasoning. Cook for 4-5 minutes stirring occasionally or until golden. 
  • Heat 3 tbsp oil in a large sauté pan over medium/high heat and cook the small tortilla for 3-4 minutes, flipping halfway through or until crispy and golden. Drain on a paper towel to remove excess oil. 
  • While the tortilla is sautéing, whisk together the sauce ingredients.
  • Place the large tortilla on a work surface. Top with tofu, 1/2 the sauce, 1/2 the cheese and the crispy tortilla. On top of the crispy tortilla, add the lettuce, tomato, remaining cheese. The extra sauce is used for dipping at the end.
  • Fold the large tortilla up and around the crispy tortilla and filling folding in a clockwise manner until you have 5-6 folds and flip over fold side down. 
  • Heat the large sauté pan over medium/high heat and place the tortilla in the pan folds side down. Cook the crunch wrap for 3 minutes on each side or until golden. 

Notes

  • Folding the crunchwrap: If your large tortilla isn’t big enough to fully fold around the fillings, you can add a small piece of another tortilla to cover the gap before cooking.
  • Get creative with fillings: Feel free to add whatever you like inside—avocado, salsa, beans, or even rice would all be delicious. Just try not to overfill so you can still fold the tortilla.
  • Another Tortilla Hack: If you don’t want to buy two different sizes of tortillas, just use the large burrito-sized ones. You can cut a smaller tortilla out of it using a sharp knife or even a large cookie cutter. Use the leftover pieces to make homemade tortilla chips!

Nutrition

Calories: 1465kcal | Carbohydrates: 50g | Protein: 39g | Fat: 126g | Saturated Fat: 34g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 20g | Monounsaturated Fat: 65g | Trans Fat: 0.03g | Cholesterol: 120mg | Sodium: 3096mg | Potassium: 693mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 3152IU | Vitamin C: 28mg | Calcium: 871mg | Iron: 5mg

The post Vegetarian Crunchwrap Supreme appeared first on Weelicious.

Cowboy Casserole

Cowboy casserole is a hearty dish made with beef, corn, beans, and tater tots, all topped with melted cheese. This comforting recipe is perfect for a satisfying family meal that everyone will love.

Cowboy casserole is a hearty dish made with beef, corn, beans, and tater tots, all topped with melted cheese. This comforting recipe is perfect for a satisfying family meal that everyone will love.

Sheet Pan Quesadillas

Try this quick and tasty recipe for sheet pan quesadillas made in the oven. It’s a simple quick fix for a weeknight dinner or a hot lunch, and so easy to make. Try it as an appetizer with an array of Mexican inspired dips and toppings!

Try this quick and tasty recipe for sheet pan quesadillas made in the oven. It's a simple quick fix for a weeknight dinner or a hot lunch, and so easy to make. Try it as an appetizer with an array of Mexican inspired dips and toppings!

Shrimp Tacos

This easy to make recipe for shrimp tacos features juicy, seasoned shrimp and a crisp cilantro slaw, all wrapped in warm corn tortillas for a fresh, flavorful meal. Ready in 30 minutes for a new weeknight favorite!

This easy to make recipe for shrimp tacos features juicy, seasoned shrimp and a crisp cilantro slaw, all wrapped in warm corn tortillas for a fresh, flavorful meal. Ready in 30 minutes for a new weeknight favorite!

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

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

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

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!

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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…