TOUCHDOWN TACO DIP (Recipe Adapted from Life as a Lofthouse)

I fixed a half version of this dip, to test it before the tailgate, a few weeks ago, and let me just say this: my husband and I liked it so much, that it ended up being our dinner one night! I chose to make my own taco seasoning however. The store bought mixes just aren’t very good.

1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened (I use Neufchatel = 1/3 less fat, but equally good)
1 cup sour cream (again, I go with light)
2 cans (16 ounces, each) refried beans (I always use fat free)
1 packet taco seasoning (See Note below)
2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
2 cups monterey jack cheese, shredded

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix together cream cheese and sour cream in a large bowl.

Mix in refried beans until combined.

Stir in one packet of taco seasoning (or use my recipe for homemade taco seasoning – see below).

Spray a 9×13 baking pan with cooking spray. Spread mixture evenly into the bottom of the baking dish.

Sprinkle the top with both cheeses.

Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until cheese in melted and slightly browned. Serve with tortilla chips. Yum!

My taco seasoning mix

2 teaspoons hot chili powder
1 1/2 teaspoons paprika
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon oregano
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
1 pinch cayenne pepper (or more if you like it hotter)
1 pinch red pepper flakes

Mix chili powder, paprika, sea salt, garlic powder, cumin, oregano, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and red pepper flakes in a bowl. Makes the equivalent of one packet of store bought taco seasoning mix.

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