If you’re looking for the ultimate game day, potluck, or party appetizer, Texas Trash Dip is where it’s at. This warm, gooey, ultra-flavorful dip layers refried beans, cream cheese, sour cream, green chiles, taco seasoning, and melty cheese into a bubbling casserole of Tex-Mex joy.
The first time I tried this was during a backyard football gathering—everyone crowded around the dish like it was treasure (hence the name). One bite, and you get creaminess, spiciness, a cheesy pull, and bold taco flavor in every scoop.
Ready in under an hour, easy to double for a crowd, and always a guaranteed hit, this dip doesn’t just deliver—it disappears.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love It
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Creamy, cheesy, spicy indulgence in every bite
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Feeds a crowd—perfect for gatherings and parties
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Easy to prep and bake in one dish
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Flexible heat level with optional spice adjustments
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Pairs perfectly with tortilla chips, veggies, or even spoonfuls over nachos
Ingredients (Serves ~10–12)
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Cooking spray
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1 (8-oz) package cream cheese
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1 cup sour cream
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2 (15-oz) cans refried beans
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1 (4.5-oz) can chopped green chiles, drained
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1 (1-oz) envelope taco seasoning (approx. 3 tbsp)
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½ tsp kosher salt
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¼ tsp smoked paprika
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¼ tsp chili powder
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¼ tsp onion powder
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⅛ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for a kick)
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1 (16-oz) package shredded Mexican blend cheese (about 4 cups), divided
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¼ cup thinly sliced scallions
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Tortilla chips, for serving
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 13×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Soften the Cream Cheese
In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the cream cheese and sour cream. Microwave on high for about 90 seconds until the cream cheese is soft. Stir until smooth and creamy.
3. Mix in Flavor
Add refried beans, chopped green chiles, taco seasoning, salt, smoked paprika, chili powder, onion powder, and cayenne (if using). Stir until everything is well blended. Fold in 2 cups of the shredded cheese.
4. Assemble the Dip
Spoon the mixture into the greased baking dish. Smooth it out evenly with a spatula. Sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of shredded cheese on top to cover.
5. Bake to Perfection
Bake for 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove from the oven and sprinkle scallions on top for a fresh finish.
6. Serve
Serve immediately while warm, with plenty of tortilla chips or even veggies for dipping. It’s best eaten hot and gooey!
Chef’s Tips
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Microwave your cream cheese: A quick zap saves time and makes it easy to blend
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Don’t skip the spices: Even small amounts of smoked paprika and cayenne deepen the flavor
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Switch it up: Add black beans, corn, or chopped jalapeños to customize
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Double the batch: Feeding a big group? This recipe scales up easily—just use two dishes
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Make ahead: Assemble the night before, refrigerate, and bake just before serving
Storage Tips
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Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days
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Reheat: Warm individual servings in the microwave or reheat the full dish in the oven at 325°F until heated through
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Freezing not recommended: Due to the dairy, texture may change when thawed
Final Thoughts
Texas Trash Dip is everything you want in a party dip: bold, creamy, rich, and totally addicting. With minimal prep, maximum flavor, and easy cleanup, it’s a no-fuss dish that gets devoured every single time.
Whether it’s game day, a potluck, or a weeknight splurge, this recipe always delivers. You might want to make a double batch—trust me, it’ll go fast.

Texas Trash Dip
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 13×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the cream cheese and sour cream. Microwave on high for about 90 seconds until the cream cheese is soft. Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Add refried beans, chopped green chiles, taco seasoning, salt, smoked paprika, chili powder, onion powder, and cayenne (if using). Stir until everything is well blended. Fold in 2 cups of the shredded cheese.
- Spoon the mixture into the greased baking dish. Smooth it out evenly with a spatula. Sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of shredded cheese on top to cover.
- Bake for 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove from the oven and sprinkle scallions on top for a fresh finish.
- Serve immediately while warm, with plenty of tortilla chips or even veggies for dipping. It’s best eaten hot and gooey!