When I was little, I used to always enjoy cooking with my parents. But, some recipes were too complicated for me to help as much as I wanted to, so my mom simplified one of my favorite recipes so that I could (almost) do by myself when I was 9. I've used this recipe for a culinary demonstration with the Girl Scouts in my aunt's troop as well, and they all thought it was really fun and simple. It was a big hit with the moms at the meeting as well.

After that demonstration, I realized that many people really enjoy my mom's recipe for taco dip both because of how simple it is and how good it tastes. So, I've decided to show others how to make my mom's taco dip using Instructable.

Supplies

Tools:

Pairing Knife
Chef Knife
Cutting Board
Pan (to cook meat)
Hand Mixer and Mixing Bowl OR Stand Mixer
Deep Pan (for finished product)
Stove Top
Rubber Spatula

Ingredients:

16 oz of Meat of Choice (I personally use beef but you could use chicken or pork as well)
1 packet of Taco Seasoning
16 oz of Cream Cheese
16 oz of Sour Cream
1 packet of Ranch Powder
2 cups of Cheese of Choice (I either use Taco Blend or Colby Monterrey Jack) (Optional)
1 1/2 to 2 cups of Lettuce (Optional)
1 Tomato (Optional)
1/2 cup of Black Olives (Optional)
1 Small Onion (Optional)

Step 1: Cream Cheese Mixture

The first layer is made by combining the cream cheese, sour cream, and ranch powder. I used to use a microwave to heat the cream cheese, but you can also do it on a stove top. Heat the cream cheese until it is very soft, then scoop it into a mixing bowl. Add the sour cream and ranch powder to the mixing bowl, then start mixing on low until the ranch powder is combined, then set mixer to medium speed until the mixture is thoroughly combined. Use a rubber spatula to scrape the cream cheese mixture into your deep pan and spread it evenly.

Step 2: Meat

The second layer is your meat. Heat a skillet on medium heat. If you're using chicken or pork, add a small amount of oil to your skillet as well. Once the skillet it hot, add your meat. Cook your meat thoroughly, then drain any grease or remaining oil from the pan. Add your taco seasoning as the packet instructs. Once the meat is done, add it to the deep pan, making sure it is evenly spread out.

Step 3: Cheese

Sprinkle your cheese evenly over the meat.

Step 4: Toppings

This is where you'll add any toppings you chose. My usual toppings are lettuce, tomatoes, black olives, and onion.

Step 5: Enjoy the Finished Product!

Your taco dip is complete! Scoop with a large serving spoon onto plates and serve with tortilla chips. Or you can come up with new ways to enjoy it. My dad's adaptation was to scoop it into hard taco shells or soft tortillas.