I absolutely love this 7-layer Tex-Mex dip because it’s a flavor-packed party in every bite, mixing perfectly seasoned beans, creamy guacamole, and zesty salsa with cheesy goodness. Plus, it’s super easy to make and always a hit at any gathering—nothing beats seeing my friends dive in with tortilla chips!
Treat yourself to my favorite party treat, the Tex-Mex 7-Level Dip. In its most basic version—a riot of flavor and texture—you layer, in a large shallow dish, 1 can of refried beans that have been spiced up (just to keep things interesting) with a packet of taco seasoning, a cup of creamy guacamole, a cup of almost-sour-divine sour cream, and then slather on, as generously as you like, somewhat store-bought, somewhat homemade-fresh salsa.
Beneath a flurry of bright tomatoes, green onions, and shredded cheddar lies a black-olive-scented breakfast burrito waiting to happen.
Ingredients
Refried Beans
Rich in protein; high in fiber; velvety smooth in texture.
Taco Seasoning Mix
Contributes intense, spicy, flavorful enhancement.
Guacamole
Rich, creamy, and healthy with the nutrients in avocados.
Sour Cream
Imparts rich, luscious creaminess.
Salsa
Offers bright, sharp, and zesty flavor.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese
Contributes a smooth mouthfeel and rich, umami flavor.
Chopped Tomatoes
An ingredient that is fresh, juicy, and full of vitamins.
Ingredient Quantities
- 1 can (16 oz) refried beans
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- 1 cup guacamole
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup salsa
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup chopped tomatoes
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives
- Tortilla chips, for serving
Instructions
1. In a medium bowl, mix the taco seasoning and the refried beans until combined.
2. Evenly spread the refried beans that have been seasoned on the bottom of a large, shallow serving dish or platter.
3. Layer the guacamole over the refried beans with care, and spread it out evenly.
4. Spread the sour cream atop the layer of guacamole, using a spatula to smooth it out.
5. Pour the salsa evenly over the layer of sour cream, and spread it out.
6. Evenly distribute the layer of salsa over the shredded cheddar cheese.
7. Sow the diced tomatoes over the layer of cheese.
8. Add the chopped green onions to the surface of the tomatoes.
9. Top with a layer of sliced black olives.
10. Accompany this dish with tortilla chips so that your guests can use them to scoop up the dip. You and your guests can enjoy a 7-layer Tex Mex dip!
Equipment Needed
1. Medium bowl
2. Mixing spoon
3. Large, shallow serving dish or platter
4. Spatula
FAQ
- Q: Can I make this dip ahead of time?Q: Can I prepare the dip a day in advance?
A: Yes, you can prepare the dip a day in advance. Just cover tightly and refrigerate until ready to serve. - Q: Can I substitute the cheddar cheese with another cheese?A: Absolutely! Monterrey Jack or a Mexican blend cheese work well as substitutions.
- Q: Is it possible to make the dip spicy?A: Indeed, if you want more heat, think about using a spicy salsa or incorporating very finely chopped jalapeños.
- Q: How can I make this dip vegetarian-friendly?A: The dip is vegetarian-friendly because it contains no meat.
- Q: How should I store leftovers?A: Keep any remaining food in a sealed container in the fridge for no more than 3 days.
- Q: Can I omit the black olives?A: Certainly! You can leave out any layer that does not suit your taste.
- Q: What type of tortilla chips are best for serving?A: The layers of the dip are best when served with a thick, hefty tortilla chip.
Substitutions and Variations
Black bean dip can be used instead of refried beans, if you want a texture that’s a little chunkier. Until recently, even supermarket chains offered only a couple of brands of organic canned beans. If you tend to eat a lot of canned beans, it would save you some money during the salad season.
Use a homemade seasoning in place of the taco seasoning mix. To prepare the taco fixings, I used a variant of a recipe from that blog that calls for lentils instead of beans. The bean variant was my go-to for a long time. The lentil version was more akin to what we used to eat if we went the vegetarian route.
Use a combination of smashed avocado and lime juice in lieu of guacamole.
Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream to make it healthier.
Replace shredded cheddar cheese with Monterey Jack cheese for a milder flavor.
Pro Tips
1. Chill for Better Flavors Once all the layers are assembled, cover the dish with plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 1-2 hours before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and makes the dip easier to scoop.
2. Use Fresh Ingredients For a fresher taste, consider using homemade guacamole and salsa, as this can greatly enhance the overall flavor of the dip compared to store-bought versions.
3. Add a Protein Layer For an extra boost, consider adding a layer of cooked and seasoned ground beef or shredded chicken between the refried beans and guacamole. This adds a hearty element to the dip.
4. Prevent Browning To prevent the guacamole from browning too quickly, squeeze a little lime juice over it after spreading. This adds a zesty flavor and keeps it fresh-looking.
5. Serve with Assorted Chips In addition to tortilla chips, consider offering a variety of dippers like sliced bell peppers or pita chips to cater to different tastes and dietary preferences.
Aperitivo Tex Mex De 7 Niveles Recipe
My favorite Aperitivo Tex Mex De 7 Niveles Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Medium bowl
2. Mixing spoon
3. Large, shallow serving dish or platter
4. Spatula
Ingredients:
- 1 can (16 oz) refried beans
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- 1 cup guacamole
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup salsa
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup chopped tomatoes
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives
- Tortilla chips, for serving
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, mix the taco seasoning and the refried beans until combined.
2. Evenly spread the refried beans that have been seasoned on the bottom of a large, shallow serving dish or platter.
3. Layer the guacamole over the refried beans with care, and spread it out evenly.
4. Spread the sour cream atop the layer of guacamole, using a spatula to smooth it out.
5. Pour the salsa evenly over the layer of sour cream, and spread it out.
6. Evenly distribute the layer of salsa over the shredded cheddar cheese.
7. Sow the diced tomatoes over the layer of cheese.
8. Add the chopped green onions to the surface of the tomatoes.
9. Top with a layer of sliced black olives.
10. Accompany this dish with tortilla chips so that your guests can use them to scoop up the dip. You and your guests can enjoy a 7-layer Tex Mex dip!