I’ve always been a fan of bean dips. Texas Caviar and this Chili Cheese Dip are some of my favorites, but I really love a good Seven Layer Bean Dip. Over the years, I’ve paid attention to the different ways I’ve seen it made. For this recipe, I’ve taken all the elements I love and put them together in this Ultimate Seven Layer Bean Dip.
First of all, stirring salsa into the refried beans gives them an extra layer of flavor. Second, using your favorite store-bought guacamole is a huge time-saver and adds amazing flavor. Thirdly–and I think this is my favorite tip–use a Hidden Valley Fiesta Ranch Dip packet in the sour cream to really add a punch of flavor.
Having each layer bursting with flavor makes for a delicious bite with every chip you dip! Your friends and family will be so excited to see you show up at your next shindig with a giant pan of Ultimate Seven Layer Bean Dip! I can’t wait to hear how you like it!
More Summer Recipes for a Crowd
- Frog Eye Salad
- Mediterranean Couscous Salad
- Classic Macaroni Salad
- Creamy Crouton Summer Salad
- Five Minute Orange Fluff Jello Salad
- Classic Broccoli Salad Recipe
Step-by-Step Pictures for how to make Ultimate Seven Layer Bean Dip
Frequently Asked Questions for how to make Ultimate Seven Layer Bean Dip
Does it matter what type of refried beans I use? Fat-Free? Regular?
I personally don’t really like the flavor of the fat-free refried beans, so I always use regular. It’s totally up to you. I have also used homemade refried beans before and they added even more flavor because they are cooked with onions and garlic.
What should I do if I can’t find store-bought guacamole?
You can either make homemade guacamole or you can just add some diced-up avocado under the sour cream layer. Putting the guacamole or avocados between the beans and sour cream is important so that it doesn’t turn brown because of exposure to oxygen.
Can I substitute something for the tomatoes?
If you aren’t a fan of tomatoes, just leave them off or only put them on half if you think others eating the dip might like tomatoes. This could go for onions or olives, too.
Can I halve this recipe?
Yes. It is easy to halve and works well. Just put it in an 8×8 glass baking dish, if you choose to halve it.
What’s the Best Way To serve this in individual Portions?
If you need to serve this in individual portions, it works great to put the dip in clear plastic cups that are about 1 cup capacity. Make sure you will have space to refrigerate them after preparing them. To prepare, evenly portion the beans into the bottom of 16-20 cups, and then do the same thing carefully with each layer. This will definitely take more time but is a cute and fun way to make individual portions of the dip.
chef’s tools:
More Delicious Dips
- 2 (15 ounce) cans refried beans or 4 cups of homemade refried beans
- 1 cup salsa, I used chunky style Pace
- 2 cups guacamole (Wholly Guacamole or any store-bought guacamole works great for this.)
- 1 (16 ounce ) container sour cream or 2 cups
- 1 envelope Hidden Valley Fiesta Ranch Dip
- 1-2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 3 Roma tomatoes, diced
- 1 can of olives, sliced
- 3-4 green onions, thinly sliced
- Large bag of your favorite corn chips
- In a medium-sized bowl combine the refried beans and the salsa. Mix until well blended and spread in the bottom of a glass 9x13 baking dish.
- Spread the guacamole over the layer of beans.
- Mix the fiesta ranch packet into the sour cream, and then spread that layer over the guacamole.
- Sprinkle cheese evenly over the sour cream layer.
- Next, add the sliced olives, tomatoes, and green onions.
- Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Serve with your favorite corn chips.
- Enjoy!
Summer Drinks
What’s a “package” of sour cream?
hmmm, I’m not sure why I chose the word package, I changed it to container for you.
Hi, I made this today for a horseshoe tournament tomorrow. I used jalapeno refried beans with hot chunky picante, everything else the same. Will see how everyone likes it.
Thank you
Awesome! Sounds delicious!
#julygiveaway
Had this at yours sisters house at Christmas. Delicious
# February giveaway
Added 4 oz soften cream cheese and a pinch of Chipotle powder, mixed. Then I put the Salsa avacado-not in beans. No tomatoes on top. Offers Pico de gallo on the side. Went over well.
Yum! That sounds really good!
Followed directions, but when I served it it was very liquidy. What could have gone wrong?
hmm, that is very strange. What type of refried beans did you use? Was it the bottom that was liquid-y or the whole dip? How far in advance did you make it?
This dip is so good! I couldn’t find the fiesta ranch so, I used the regular hidden valley ranch mix and added some chili powder. I also didn’t have any ripe avocado so I used a jar of Tostitos avocado salsa. Sometimes, you’ve got to improvise! I am totally saving this recipe! Thank you for sharing!
Those are great substitutions! Sounds delicious!
recipe sounds great, will be making it for Christmas potluck dips —everyone brings their favorite dip and chips. you have a neat family…..much… taller than you
like my family. they look like they are very happy including your husband , that’s the main part to a happy home with love. thank you for the recipe.
Thanks Marvin, I hope you dip potluck turned out great. That is such a fun idea! And thank you for the compliment on my family. It is pretty funny to realize that I will definitely be the shortest person in the family..sooner than later.
I couldn’t find fiesta ranch so I add some taco seasoning to the ranch mix and sour cream 🙂
Awesome, great idea!
This is the absolute best Seven Layer Bean dip I have ever had! Is it wrong to want to make it to snack on all week? Because I absolute could have it every single day! Thanks for the great recipe!
I am so glad you like it Cathy, and no it is not wrong at all! I love it too!
I made this recipe, but without the guacamole because I don’t like it. Instead, I added 1lb of ground beef with taco seasoning and it was delicious 😋 Thanks for a great recipe!
Oh Yum! That sounds awesome!