Crowd-Pleasing 7-Layer Mexican Bean Dip for Dinner or Parties

This 7 Layer Mexican Bean Dip is always the first thing to disappear at parties 🧀. It is creamy, cheesy, and loaded with flavor in every bite. You can serve it as an appetizer or even make it dinner like we do. With guacamole, beans, cheese, and more, it is simple to make and easy to love. Grab your chips and get scooping!

Plate of 7 Layer Mexican Bean Dip served with tortilla chips, showing cheesy layers with guacamole, sour cream, beans, and diced tomatoes.

Confession: I am a bean dip junkie. I am addicted to bean and cheese combinations, and they’ve been a part of my life since I was little. Whether it’s a bean and cheese burrito or this 7-layer Mexican bean dip, I just can’t resist. My dad still tells the story of how the first thing I ever ordered on my own at a restaurant was a bean and cheese burrito when I was just 2.

I admit to hovering around the appetizer table, practically guarding the bean dip. I take more than my fair share, and when no one is looking, I’ve even been known to lick my plate. Clearly, I have an issue, but it’s one I’m perfectly happy to embrace. In fact, I confess that sometimes I even make this 7-layer bean dip for dinner! And once you try this recipe, you’ll understand why!

How to Make the 7-Layer Mexican Bean Dip

For my 7-layer Mexican bean dip, I first start with a 16 oz container of reduced-fat sour cream and a package of taco seasoning. I simply mix the two together. Oftentimes, I use my recipe for homemade taco seasoning rather than a packet. The homemade version has significantly less salt and no preservatives, so I think it tastes better. I usually use about 2 tablespoons worth.

Taco seasoning being mixed into sour cream in a white bowl, the second step in creating the flavorful layers of 7 Layer Mexican Bean Dip.

Step 1: Layer the Base

Now I layer all the yummy Mexican ingredients into a 13×9 glass casserole dish:

  • 2 14.5 oz cans of refried beans: The creamy and flavorful base that holds everything together.
  • The sour cream taco seasoning mixture: A tangy and slightly spiced layer that adds richness.
  • 8 oz shredded sharp cheddar cheese: A savory layer of cheese that melts beautifully.
  • 2 cups of guacamole: Creamy and fresh, I use my recipe for chunky restaurant-style guacamole for the best results.
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes: Adds a juicy, refreshing pop of flavor.
  • 1/2 cup chopped onions: A little crunch and sharpness to balance the richness.
  • Another 8 oz of shredded sharp cheddar cheese on top: Because there’s no such thing as too much cheese!

Once all the layers are in place, this dip starts looking almost too good to eat… almost! The combination of these simple ingredients creates a dish that’s always a crowd-pleaser.

Top-down view of a glass dish filled with colorful layers of 7 Layer Mexican Bean Dip, featuring shredded cheese, tomatoes, and guacamole.

Step 2: Let the Kids Help

It’s as simple as that! In fact, it is so easy that my six-year-old can make this 7-layer Mexican bean dip! Nevaeh likes to help me in the kitchen, and this is an easy dish for her to be a part of. As I admitted earlier, we sometimes make this for dinner. I set the bean dip in the middle of the table with a bag of chips, and I heard nothing but crunching for about 20 minutes.

Young girl smiling while holding a dish of 7 Layer Mexican Bean Dip, showing how kid-friendly and easy this recipe is to help prepare.

Step 3: Customize Your Layers

Of course, this 7-layer Mexican bean dip is not limited to 7 layers! You can add nearly anything you want! I often add homemade cilantro lime salsa, green onions, cilantro, and olives. All you have to do is pop it into a 350-degree oven for about 30-40 minutes and wait until the cheese is melted and bubbly. It is soooooo irresistible!

A serving of 7 Layer Mexican Bean Dip on a plate surrounded by tortilla chips, topped with chopped cilantro, cheese, and cherry tomatoes.

Why 7-layer Mexican Bean Dip Is Always a Hit

If you have any holiday parties coming up, this 7-layer Mexican bean dip is always a popular choice. When I bring it to a potluck, it is always the first thing to go! Two other tried-and-true appetizers I use around the holidays are Crockpot spinach artichoke dip and bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers. Both are major crowd-pleasers and are really easy to make.

Second plate of 7 Layer Mexican Bean Dip with tortilla chips, showing creamy guacamole, beans, tomatoes, and cheese in each colorful scoop.

What is your favorite appetizer to serve? What is your go-to potluck dish? Drop me a line in the comment section below, and please share this recipe with your friends! If you need more ideas, please follow my Pinterest boards below or visit my recipe index. Happy cooking, y’all!

Close-up of 7 Layer Mexican Bean Dip in a glass dish with cheese, tomatoes, guacamole, and onions layered for a colorful appetizer.
Heidi Davison

Head Baker & Owner

Hi, I'm Heidi, Head Baker and Owner of Heidi's Bakery in Knoxville, TN.

What began as a blog to share family recipes has become a thriving bakery, thanks to community support.
Many recipes here are from my family’s cookbook. Give them a try and leave a comment below!

Heidi Davison the Owner of Heidis Bakery

1 comment

  • Loved this recipe. Truly kids do love it as Heidi said! I made it plant-based using Kite Hill Greek-style plain almond milk yogurt instead of sour cream. I also used Daiya non-dairy Mexican style cheese.

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