The Ultimate Spicy Seven Layer Dip for Game Day

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game day dip

What’s Up, Hungry People!

Chips and dip is probably my biggest weakness. Seriously, what’s more satisfying than the crunch of a tortilla chip paired with a killer spicy guacamole or salsa? And with the Super Bowl just around the corner—let’s be real, I’m all about the food, not the game—I found myself craving an epic seven-layer dip.

layered tailgating dip

I kicked things off with a base layer of chipotle cream cheese, up next was taco meat (or refried beans for a vegetarian twist), followed by a layer of cheese. Then I got creative and whipped up a homemade jalapeno and avocado sour cream blend. Oh, and it wouldn’t be complete without diced tomatoes, a sprinkle of fresh iceberg lettuce, and yes, even more cheddar cheese on top. Trust me, it’s as amazing—and spicy—as it sounds.

This recipe is a breeze to make and won’t break the bank. Perfect for that last-minute game day spread or, let’s be honest, a dinner dish. I’ve been munching on this all week. Pro tip: it gets even better the longer it chills. But don’t worry, it’s just as good at room temperature.

ingredients for layered dip

Here’s What You Need

  • Ground Beef: Provides the hearty, savory base layer, adding depth and protein to the dish.
  • Cumin: Adds earthy, aromatic flavors to the ground beef and the avocado spread for cohesion.
  • Cayenne Pepper: Gives the dish a spicy kick, particularly enhancing the ground beef.
  • Coriander: Complements the cumin with its citrusy, nutty notes in the beef seasoning.
  • Paprika: Brings a smoky touch to the beef, adding complexity to its flavor profile.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Adds a bit of heat and texture variation to the beef.
  • Salt: A basic seasoning to elevate all flavors in the dish.
  • Avocados: Make up the creamy, rich base for the avocado sour cream layer.
  • Sour Cream: Adds tang and creaminess, working in tandem with avocados for a smoother texture.
  • Roma Tomato: Offers a fresh burst of juiciness and acidity in the avocado mixture.
  • Red Onion: Adds a zesty crunch and color contrast to the avocado layer.
  • Green Onions: Bring a milder, herbaceous onion flavor and visual appeal.
  • Lime: Adds citrusy brightness to the avocado mixture.
  • Lemon: Complements the lime, balancing the fats in the avocado and sour cream.
  • Jalapenos: Increase the heat level while adding a green, somewhat fruity note.
  • Garlic Powder: Adds a quick and easy burst of garlic flavor without the bite.
  • Cilantro: Introduces a herby, aromatic note, particularly in the avocado mixture.
  • Diced Tomatoes: Add freshness and acidity as one of the layers in the dip.
  • Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce: Brings smoky heat and depth to the cream cheese layer.
  • Cream Cheese: Serves as a tangy, rich base layer that pairs well with spicy flavors.
  • Fresh Parsley: Adds a pop of fresh green color and a slightly peppery flavor.
  • Refried Beans: Adds a hearty, earthy layer that complements the meat layer or can replace it.
  • Iceberg Lettuce: Provides a crunchy, refreshing top layer to balance the richer, heavier ingredients below.
  • Colby Jack Cheese: Melts well and adds a creamy, mild tanginess to bind the layers together.
  • Pepper: Fine-tunes the seasoning across various layers, enhancing overall flavor.
ingredients for guacamole in blender

I used my go-to easy guacamole recipe but added a dollop of sour cream to make it easier to spread and to slightly tone down the heat from the jalapenos. I got out my trusty food processor to whip it all into a creamy consistency. If chunky guac is more your style, just chop everything up by hand!

smooth guacamole

Getting Prepped

While your guacamole chills in the fridge, get your cream cheese ready. It’s way easier to work with when it’s at room temperature. Mix in those smoky chipotle peppers and parsley until the cream cheese is fully incorporated, leaving few to no white chunks behind.

chipotle peppers on cream cheese

Layer it Up!

Start by slathering the cream cheese mixture across the bottom of a glass dish or pan. In my case, I made three sizes: one for a party, one vegetarian option, and another just for me to enjoy throughout the week.

spread layers in dishes

Then, layer on the taco meat, but make sure it’s not hot. You don’t want it melting the cheese and ruining the dip’s integrity. Add a layer of refried beans and a generous sprinkle of cheddar cheese.

dishes with multiple layers

Spread your chilled guacamole over those layers, and then comes the diced tomatoes, green onions, and parsley (or cilantro if you’re a fan—I think it tastes like soap, but that’s just me).

layering dip for tailgating

Finishing Touches

Cap it off with a hearty layer of fresh, shredded iceberg lettuce. You’ll appreciate that refreshing aftertaste to soothe your taste buds after diving into this spicy masterpiece.

lettuce on dip

Add your favorite cheese as the grand finale and then chill that bad boy for at least an hour if you can. The longer, the better. Just remember to add the lettuce and that final layer of cheese right before serving, so everything stays crisp and fresh.

cheese on top

Tips for a Perfect Seven Layer Dip

  • Beef Seasoning: If your ground beef tastes bland, you can always tweak the seasoning even after cooking. Just reheat the meat with additional spices.
  • Avocado Browning: To prevent your avocado layer from turning brown, a good squeeze of lime or lemon juice helps. Make sure it’s well mixed.
  • Cream Cheese Consistency: If your cream cheese isn’t mixing well, it might not be at room temperature. A quick zap in the microwave can help soften it.
  • Vegetarian Alternatives: If you’re accommodating vegetarians, you can swap out the ground beef layer for an additional layer of refried beans or even cooked, seasoned lentils.
  • Cheese Choices: Feel free to experiment with other cheese types. Just aim for cheeses that melt well, like mozzarella or Monterey Jack.
  • Layering Techniques: To create clean, defined layers, use a spatula or the back of a spoon to evenly spread each layer.
  • Too Spicy?: If you find the dip too spicy, a little extra sour cream or cheese can help dial it back.
  • Serving Temperature: While chilling enhances the flavors, this dip can also be served at room temperature. Just keep in mind that the cream cheese layer will soften.
  • Fresh vs. Dried Herbs: Fresh parsley brings vibrant color and flavor, but if you only have dried, reduce the amount by a third.
  • Storing Leftovers: If you have leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge. Just note that the lettuce might lose its crunch.
  • Ingredient Swaps: No chipotle in adobo? A bit of smoked paprika can bring some of that smoky flavor to your cream cheese layer.
chip with dip

Enjoy!

So go ahead, Hungry People, dip to your heart’s content! Feel free to pair it with your favorite tortilla chips or even some veggie sticks. Either way, you won’t be disappointed.

Cheers to a game day spread that’s a total win—even if your team isn’t.

spicy-seven-layer-dip-recipe

Spicy Seven Layer Dip for GAME DAY

The Starving Chef
This spicy seven layer dip is a game day essential, stacking flavors from chipotle cream cheese to a fresh lettuce topping.
Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Chill Time 1 hour
Total Time 2 hours 5 minutes
Course Appetizer, Dips, Snack
Cuisine American, Finger Food
Servings 12 servings

Ingredients
  

Instructions
 

  • Cook and crumble the ground beef and season with cumin, cayenne pepper, coriander, paprika, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt. Make far enough ahead to let cool completely.
  • In a food processor, combine the avocados, sour cream, Roma tomato, red onion, 1-2 green onions, lime juice, lemon juice, jalapenos, garlic powder, cumin, and cilantro. Blend until smooth.
  • In a small bowl, mix together the cream cheese, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, and fresh parsley until no chunks of cream cheese remain.
  • First layer: Spread a thick layer of the chipotle cream cheese across the bottom of the pan.
  • Second layer: Add the cooked ground beef on top of the cream cheese.
  • Third layer: Spread the refried beans, if using, across the top of the taco meat.
  • Fourth layer: Then sprinkle half of the colby jack cheese on top of the beans, along with some fresh parsley.
  • Fifth layer: Spread a smooth layer of the avocado sour cream mixture across the top of the cheese and beans.
  • Sixth layer: Add the diced tomatoes, remaining chopped green onions, and any leftover parsley in a thin layer.
  • Seventh layer: Spread the shredded iceberg lettuce evenly across the top, followed by the remaining colby jack cheese.
  • Serve with tortilla chips, crostinis, veggies, and anything else you can dip. Enjoy!
Keyword avocado, beans, beef, guacamole, lettuce, onion
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!