Ingredients:

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 2 tbsp taco seasoning
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 tsp lime juice
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
  • 1 cup diced Roma tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup diced red onion
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 2 tbsp sliced pickled jalapeños

Instructions:

  1. Heat a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until mahogany-colored and crumbly.
  2. Drain the excess fat thoroughly from the skillet.
  3. Stir in the taco seasoning and water, simmering for 3-5 minutes until the liquid reduces to a thick glaze. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  4. In a medium mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, lime juice, and garlic powder. Beat with a spatula until smooth and velvety.
  5. Spread the creamy base evenly across the bottom of a 9x13 inch glass serving dish.
  6. Spoon the seasoned ground beef over the cream cheese layer, pressing down lightly to secure it.
  7. Finish by sprinkling the shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, and jalapeños across the top in colorful bands.