Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the dip will be perfectly hot and bubbly when it’s time to serve.
2. Cook the Meat
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat. If using sausage, cook until browned. Add the ranch seasoning mix and stir to combine.
3. Combine Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked meat, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes (with their juices), softened cream cheese, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
4. Spread in Baking Dish
- Transfer the dip mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly. Top with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese.
5. Bake
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the dip is hot, bubbly, and the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
6. Garnish and Serve
- Once baked, remove the dip from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving. This dip is best served warm with tortilla chips for dipping.
Tips for Success
- Make it Ahead: This dip can be prepared ahead of time. Simply assemble it in the baking dish, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if it’s going in cold.
- Customize the Heat: If you like a bit of spice, consider adding jalapeños or using spicy sausage in place of the ground beef.
- Experiment with Cheeses: Feel free to mix in other types of cheese, such as pepper jack for an extra kick, or mozzarella for a milder flavor.
Conclusion
Texas Trash Dip is a fantastic addition to any gathering, providing a cheesy, savory experience that guests will love. With its rich flavor and creamy texture, it’s perfect for dipping with crunchy tortilla chips. Whether you’re hosting a football watch party, a barbecue, or just a cozy night in, this dip will surely be the star of the show. So gather your ingredients, whip up this crowd-pleaser, and get ready for compliments!
