Thanks to Mezzetta for sponsoring this post.
Traditions….they’re wonderful aren’t they? Now that I have kids of my own I’ve tried to create some of my family’s own holiday traditions. Of course food plays a big role in that. There are so many wonderful memories associated with food.
I love to think back at my childhood and the things I used to look forward to during the Holidays. Christmas Eve was so magical. I will always have such vivid memories of getting dressed up to go to the candle light service at church, coming home to the fire and snacking on our yummy appetizers before tearing into the gifts. The night ended with calling friends to chat about what was under the tree and then waking up to our stockings left by Santa.
But the food was always such a highlight. Growing up we had hearty appetizers on Christmas Eve and a huge sandwich platter with all different cold cuts, rolls and cheeses. And there was always dips. One of my favorites was this baked taco dip that made it to the table year after year.
When Mezzetta asked me to create a Holiday-inspired recipe with you guys, I immediately thought of this dip. I have not made it for my kids yet and I know they’ll love it! It’s a very 80’s dip, much like the popular 7 layer dip. This time I added in some of Mezzetta’s sweet peppers and jalapeños to the mix which made it even better.
And it’s so easy! You can customize it however you want- add more or less of any of the ingredients. My kids don’t like sour cream so next time I will leave a portion without.
I think this dip might resurface as part of our Christmas Eve tradition of enjoying hearty appetizers and spending family time by the tree and fire.
My house is full of Mezzetta products which is why I was so excited about this post. Capers, olives, pasta sauce and all the pickled things you can find…..are in my pantry. No joke.
I love these delicious condiments and they make the perfect things to have on hand for Holiday recipe creations- you can turn them into dips, tapanades, add them to pasta, chicken or seafood dishes. So many options.
Mezzetta is giving away a daily gift basket throughout the month of December! Each day one lucky winner will receive a gift basket full of tasty Mezzetta products- enter to win HERE.
If you are inspired to get cooking now, go grab a $.50 cent off downloadable coupon on your next Mezzetta purchase HERE!
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- ⅓ cup diced onion
- 1 pound lean ground turkey
- For the turkey seasoning:
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 2 pinches of salt
- ¼ cup water
- 1 large can (30 ounces) refried beans
- ⅓ cup diced pickled hot jalapeños, such as Mezzetta brand
- ⅓ cup diced pickled sweet peppers, seeds removed, such as Mezzetta brand
- 2 cups sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup sliced black olives
- ⅓ cup sliced green onions
- ¾ cup diced tomatoes
- chopped cilantro (optional)
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large non-stick skillet add the oil, onions and ground turkey. Using a wooden spoon break up the meat until small crumbles have formed. Cook for about 5 minutes. Next add the taco seasoning (chili powder, cumin, onion powder, garlic powder and salt) and stir well. Add ¼ cup water, bring to a boil, then simmer until done, another 5 minutes. Transfer meat to a colander and let it drain (or else you will have too much liquid in your dip).
- In a 8x13 casserole dish, layer beans, drained turkey meat, add a layer of the jalapeños and peppers. Spread 2 cups sour cream over the top. Top with cheddar cheese and olives. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until hot and bubbly. Garnish with green onions and fresh tomatoes (cilantro optional). Serve warm with tortilla chips.
Angela @ happy fit mama says
That screams 80s and I love it! I think I’d have this year ’round. My favorite holiday food memory is Christmas morning pancakes. Always so much better that day!
Angela @ happy fit mama recently posted..What to Wear for Winter Running
Melanie says
I know, all food tastes better around the Holidays, right?
Madeline @ Food Fitness and Family says
Taco dip is one of my favorite appetizers! SO flipping good haha. Love the sweet pepper addition!
Madeline @ Food Fitness and Family recently posted..Weekend Recap
Melanie says
You can’t go wrong with a mexican dip! 🙂 Thanks Madeline!
Linz @ Itz Linz says
our chanukah parties with families!
Linz @ Itz Linz recently posted..Hello, Monday
Melanie says
Fun! Almost time!
Elizabeth @ Enjoy Every Bite says
This dip looks delicious!! I love holiday food memories and creating healthier (or not healthier) versions to make with my own family!
Elizabeth @ Enjoy Every Bite recently posted..Basil & Mozzarella Grilled Cheese
Chrystal @ YUM eating says
Taco dip is such a weakness of mine. I could eat it allllllll yum
Chrystal @ YUM eating recently posted..Olive, You Crazy? { Olive Bites, Siracha Mary, Olive Love…..}
Susan L says
Hi Melanie – do you post nutrition facts for your yummy recipes?
Thanks