7 Layer Bean Dip (20-Minute Recipe) - Chef Savvy (2024)

This easy 7 layer bean dip is packed full of mouthwatering Mexican flavors! Complete with fresh guacamole, pico de gallo, shredded cheese, olives, sour cream AND refried beans! Serve this bean dip with homemade tortilla chips for an easy appetizerat your next party. This is also perfect for Cinco de Mayo!

Looking for more easy appetizers? Try my Baked BLT Dip, Homemade Pretzel Bites or my Avocado, Corn and Black Bean Salsa!

Mexican-Style 7-Layer Bean Dip

This Easy 7 Layer Bean Dip is always my go to appetizer to bring to parties, get togethers, or game days. It’s super easy to make, travels well, and everyone loves it!

Packed with your favorite Mexican ingredients, this dip starts with refried beans mixed with taco seasoning and is then layered with guacamole, sour cream, shredded cheese, black olives, tomatoes and green onions. Trust me when I tell you to buy solid, sturdy tortilla chips to scoop all of the delicious goodness.

The great part about this dip is that it can be as store-bought or homemade as you prefer. Most of the ingredients can be found in your pantry or any grocery store isle, but you can also make your own fresh guacamole, homemade pico de gallo and homemade tortilla chips to customize your recipe even more.

Either way, this 7-layer bean dip is a guaranteed crowd pleaser and instant family favorite!

Ingredients

• Refried beans: Use store bought or try my homemade Refried Black Bean Recipe.
• Taco Seasoning: You can make your own taco seasoning at home or use a pre-made packet.
• Sour Cream: For a lower calorie version, substitute half of the sour cream for greek yogurt.
• Guacamole: My Spicy Chipotle Guacamole or Healthy Greek Yogurt Guacamole are both great options! You can also use store bought guacamole to save on time.
• Salsa: Jarred or fresh salsa work — I love making fresh Pico De Gallo and adding it to the dip.
• Lettuce: I like to use shredded romaine lettuce, but butter lettuce or iceberg would also work.
• Mexican Cheese: I like to use a blend of shredded Mexican Cheese, but shredded sharp cheddar or Monterey jack would be amazing as well!
• Black Olives: If you don’t like olives, swap them out with pickled jalapeños or fresh cilantro.
• Tomatoes: I prefer to use Roma or grape tomatoes in this recipe.
• Green Onions: Adds the perfect touch of color! You can swap out fresh cilantro if you have that on hand.
• Red Onions: If the taste of raw red onion is too strong for you, soak the onion in water for 30 minutes to help soften the flavors.

How to make this easy 7-layer dip

• Combine beans and seasoning: First, start by combining refried beans and taco seasoning in a small bowl. Sometimes, I like to add in some drained and rinsed black beans, as well for a different texture!

• Spread the refried bean mixture onto the bottom of a 9 x 13 pan. Then spread on sour cream!

• Next top with guacamole, salsa, shredded lettuce, red onions, diced tomatoes and black olives.

Top with cilantro or green onions and shredded Mexican cheese. Finally, it’s time to enjoy your delicious dip! Serve with tortilla chips or veggies for dipping, or if you’re not eating it right away, cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate.

Tips for making the perfect 7-layer dip

• Make your own tortilla chips. If you have the time, I would definitely recommend making your own homemade tortilla chips. They taste amazing and are a little thicker than your general store-bought brand, which makes them perfect for loading up with all 7 layers of your Mexican dip. Plus, my tortilla chips recipe will only add 3 ingredients and 30 minutes to your kitchen time — totally worth it!
• Add some seasoned ground beef. Some prefer to add seasoned ground beef with the beans for the base layer of the dip. Although this step is not required, it definitely adds extra flavors and can be an easy, more subtle way to add some heat to the recipe.
• Add even more toppings! You do you — if 7 layers are not enough, pile on your favorite toppings to your heart’s desire. So many flavor combinations taste amazing together. On a few occasions, I’ve added pickled red onions, fresh or pickled jalapeños, fresh cilantro, queso and salsa verde to my 7+ layer dip!

Storage instructions

I like to preserve the layers of this easy 7-layer dip, so I usually just cover the dish with plastic wrap then put my leftovers in the fridge. You can also store the dip in an airtight container. Either way, your Mexican dip should last for up to 5 days! Keep in mind that your guacamole will begin to brown, but if it’s fully covered by the other ingredients, like sour cream, it will stay greener longer.

Here are more easy Mexican recipes to try!

• Mexican Pasta Salad
• Slow Cooker Mexican Chicken
• One Pan Mexican Chicken and Rice Bake
• Mexican Kale Salad
• Slow Cooker Stuffed Peppers
• Easy 20-Minute Chicken Tortilla Soup