When you want a dip that doubles as a meal—and disappears in minutes—this Meaty Texas Trash Dip delivers. Layers of crisped turkey bacon, savory sausage, hearty ground beef, and a creamy, salsa-spiked base come together under a blanket of melted cheddar and Monterey Jack. Finished with jalapeños, cilantro, and green onions, it’s perfect for game day, potlucks, or laid-back gatherings where chips need something substantial to scoop.

Ingredients

For the Meat Layer

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• 8 oz (225 g) beef sausage, sliced into ¼″ rounds
• 2 slices turkey bacon, chopped
• ½ cup (75 g) chicken ham, diced

For the Creamy Base

• 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup (240 ml) sour cream
• 1 cup (240 g) salsa roja (mild or medium)
• 4 oz (115 g) chopped green chiles (canned)

For the Cheese Blend

• 1½ cups (170 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• ½ cup (55 g) shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Toppings & Garnish

• ½ cup (75 g) sliced jalapeños (fresh or pickled)
• ¼ cup (15 g) chopped fresh cilantro
• 2 Tbsp chopped green onions
• Tortilla chips, for serving

STEPS

1. Cook the Turkey Bacon & Sausage
   In a large skillet over medium heat, add the chopped turkey bacon. Cook for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it starts to crisp. Add the beef sausage rounds and continue cooking until both are golden brown. Transfer to a paper-towel–lined plate and set aside.

1. Brown the Ground Beef
   Using the same skillet (leave the rendered fat in place), increase heat to medium-high. Add the ground beef, season lightly with salt and pepper, and cook—breaking it up with a spatula—until no pink remains, about 5–6 minutes. Drain any excess grease if needed.

1. Combine the Meat Layers
   Return the turkey bacon and sausage to the skillet with the browned ground beef. Stir to mix thoroughly, then remove the pan from heat and set aside.

Creamy Base, Layering, and Baking

STEPS

4. Prepare the Creamy Base
   In a medium bowl, use a hand mixer or sturdy spoon to beat the softened cream cheese and sour cream until smooth and lump-free. Fold in the salsa roja and chopped green chiles until fully incorporated.

4. Layer the Dip
   In a 9″ (23 cm) pie dish or oven-safe skillet, spread the creamy mixture into an even base layer. Make sure it reaches all the way to the dish’s edges to support the subsequent meat layer.

4. Top with Meat
   Spoon the combined turkey bacon, sausage, and ground-beef mixture over the creamy base. Distribute it evenly so each bite of dip has a hearty portion of meat.
5. Add the Cheese Blend
   Sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses over the meat layer, covering edge to edge. A uniform cheese blanket ensures even melting and a golden crust.
6. Bake Until Bubbly
   Preheat your oven to 350 °F (175 °C) if you haven’t already. Place the assembled dish on the middle rack and bake for 15–18 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted and bubbling around the edges.
7. Garnish & Serve
   Remove the dip from the oven and let it rest for 2 minutes. Top with sliced jalapeños, chopped cilantro, and green onions. Serve immediately with tortilla chips for scooping.

FAQs and Conclusion

Q1: Can I prepare this dip ahead of time?
Yes. Complete through Step 4 (the creamy base) and Step 3 (meat mixture), then cover both components separately and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, layer and bake as directed, adding an extra 2–3 minutes if the dish is cold.

Q2: How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Allow any leftover dip to cool, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350 °F oven for 8–10 minutes or until warmed through, or microwave individual portions, topping again with fresh cilantro and green onions.

Q3: What if I want to make it less spicy?
Use mild salsa roja and omit the jalapeño topping. You can also substitute chopped mild green chiles for the canned variety, or reduce their quantity by half.

Q4: Can I add refried beans or other layers?
Absolutely. For extra heartiness, spread a thin layer of refried beans or black beans over the creamy base before adding the meat. Layering beans under the meat adds fiber and another creamy dimension to the dip.

Q5: Is there a way to make this vegetarian?
Replace all meats with seasoned crumbled tofu or sautéed mushrooms and use a vegetarian sausage substitute. Ensure your salsa and other ingredients are vegetarian-friendly.

Conclusion

This Meaty Texas Trash Dip is the ultimate party pleaser: a creamy, salsa-bright layer crowned by generous portions of bacon, sausage, beef, and cheese. With simple prep and make-ahead flexibility, you can assemble it in minutes and bake just before guests arrive. Whether you’re watching the game, hosting a potluck, or craving a hearty snack, the blend of textures and bold flavors makes this dip a guaranteed winner. Serve with sturdy tortilla chips or toasted baguette slices, and watch it disappear!

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