Texas Trash Dip

Texas Hot Bean Dip Ingredients

A complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.

Ground beef or sausage: Adds hearty flavor and makes the dip feel more like a meal.
Refried beans: Create a thick, creamy base that holds the layers together.
Cream cheese: Brings richness and helps the dip stay smooth. Use full-fat cream cheese for the creamiest result.
Sour cream: Lightens the bean mixture and adds tang.
Taco seasoning mix: Seasons the whole pan with classic Tex Mex flavor.
Diced green chilies: Add gentle heat and extra flavor without overpowering the dip.
Cheddar cheese: Melts into the dip and adds sharp cheesy flavor.
Monterey Jack cheese: Gives extra melt and a mild creamy cheese layer on top.
Jalapeños: These bring fresh heat on top for spice lovers.
Black olives: Add briny pops of flavor if you like them.
Fresh cilantro: Brightens the rich dip right before serving.
Tortilla chips: Provide a sturdy crunch for scooping.

How to Make Cheesy Texas Trash Dip

For more detailed instructions with weights and measurements, jump to the printable recipe card.

Mix the base: Stir together refried beans, cream cheese, sour cream, taco seasoning and green chilies until the mixture looks smooth.
Add the meat: Fold in the cooked drained beef or sausage along with part of the shredded cheese.
Fill the dish: Spread the bean and meat mixture into a baking dish in an even layer.
Top with cheese: Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the surface so it covers the dip.
Bake until bubbly: Slide the dish into the oven and bake until the dip is hot and the cheese has melted.
Rest briefly: Let the pan sit for a few minutes so the dip thickens slightly.
The finishing touches: Add jalapeños, black olives and cilantro across the top and serve warm with tortilla chips.

Substitutions and Variations

Meat choices: Use ground beef, pork sausage or leave the meat out for a vegetarian version.
Cheese swap: Try a Mexican blend cheese, pepper jack cheese or all sharp cheddar cheese if that’s what you have.
Bean variation: Use vegetarian refried beans if you want to skip added fat from lard.
Homemade ingredients: Feel free to use homemade traditional refried beans and/or homemade taco seasoning mix to control the salt and heat.
Change the spiciness: Use two cans of chopped green chilies for extra spice or add some chopped fresh serrano peppers. If you want a milder dip, you can omit the chilies altogether.
Gluten-free variation: Choose certified gluten-free refried beans, taco seasoning and tortilla chips so the whole pan stays gluten-free.
Dairy-free variation: Use dairy-free cream cheese, dairy-free sour cream and dairy-free shredded cheese while keeping the beans and meat the same.
Slow cooker version: Transfer the mixed dip to a slow cooker, cover and heat until hot, then sprinkle cheese on top and let it melt before serving.
Tasty toppings: Add sliced green onions or diced tomatoes on top along with the olives, cilantro and jalapenos, or mix and match some of these to customize the warm bean dip.

Serving Suggestions

With other dips: Why not make a dip trio? My dirty martini dip and pink beetroot hummus would contrast nicely.
With more appetizers: Add some Cajun shrimp deviled eggs and pizza bagel bites to the buffet table. 
Tortilla chip alternatives: Chopped raw veggies like bell peppers and carrots also work for dipping, or you could try crusty bread or pretzels.

How to Store

Store: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Freeze cooled Texas trash dip in a freezer safe container for up to 2 months.
Thaw: Thaw in the refrigerator until fully chilled and defrosted.
Reheat: Reheat in the oven or microwave until hot and the cheese has melted again.