This hearty Hot Refried Bean Dip is a classic party favorite rooted in mid-century American entertaining, when crock pots became a staple for easy, crowd-pleasing dishes. Combining creamy refried beans, seasoned ground beef, and melted processed cheese, this dip delivers rich, savory flavor with a Tex-Mex influence. The addition of taco sauce and spices gives it a gentle kick, while slow cooking allows everything to meld into a warm, scoopable consistency perfect for gatherings. It’s beloved for its simplicity, affordability, and ability to stay warm for hours, making it ideal for game days, potlucks, and casual get-togethers.
Ingredients
- 16 oz refried beans (drained and mashed)
- ½ lb ground beef (lean )
- 3 tbsp bacon fat
- 1 lb processed cheese (cubed)
- 1 to 3 tbsp taco sauce
- 1 tbsp taco seasoning
- garlic salt (to taste)
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Meat
- Cook the ground beef in bacon fat over medium heat until fully browned.
- Drain excess grease if needed.
Step 2: Combine Base Ingredients
- Add the browned beef and refried beans to the crock pot.
Step 3: Add Flavorings
- Stir in taco sauce, taco seasoning, and garlic salt.
Step 4: Add Cheese
- Add the cubed processed cheese to the mixture.
Step 5: Cook on High
- Cover and cook on high until the cheese melts (about 1–2 hours).
- Stir occasionally to ensure even melting.
Step 6: Keep Warm & Serve
- Turn to low and keep warm for up to 6 hours.
- Serve hot with corn chips.
Tips
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey for a lighter version
- Add diced jalapeños for extra heat
- Stir in sour cream for a creamier texture
- Use cheddar instead of processed cheese for a sharper flavor
- Add black beans or corn for extra texture
- Top with green onions before serving
- Serve with tortilla chips, veggies, or toasted bread
- Make it vegetarian by omitting meat and adding more beans
Nutrition
Calories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 18gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 55mgSodium: 820mgPotassium: 420mgFiber: 4gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 2.5mg
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