This 7 Layer Bean Dip Recipe is the ultimate party starter. Loaded with bold Tex-Mex flavors and thick layers of your favorite fixings, it’s the kind of dip that disappears in minutes. Don’t be surprised if you’re scraping the bottom of the dish before halftime hits!

Jump to:
When it comes to game day, backyard cookouts, or family gatherings, nothing grabs attention quite like this classic layered bean dip recipe. One scoop and youโve got creamy beans, cool sour cream, zesty guacamole, chunky salsa, shredded cheese, and moreโall stacked in one pile-high bite.
This version sticks to the classic ingredients but ups the game with thick portions and a flavorful homemade guacamole that stands out. Itโs quick to throw together, easy to make ahead, and guaranteed to disappear fast!
Looking for more dips that bring the party? Try our Enchilada Dip, Jalapeรฑo Cilantro Dip, or Cheesy Corn Dip next!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- My Homemade Guacamole: Not your average guac! Made with 8 bold ingredientsโincluding a dash of Slap Ya Mama for some extra kickโitโs zesty and easy to make your own.
- No Utensils Needed: Every scoop onto a chip, bell pepper, or tortilla delivers a little bit of everythingโno forks, no fuss, just bold Tex-Mex flavor.
- A Crowd Favorite: Whether it’s game day, family fun night, or a friendly potluck, this old fashioned 7 layer dip is always the first to disappearโso go ahead and double the batch!

Ingredients
- Refried Beans: The creamy, slightly sweet base that gives the refried bean dip recipe its hearty texture and provides a sturdy foundation for all the other ingredients.
- Rotelยฎ and Salsa: My favorite brand of diced tomatoes with green chilies adds a zesty, tangy kick with a touch of heat. Chunky salsa or diced tomatoes work well also to bring bursts of freshness and acidity, balancing out the richness.
- Cheeses: Sharp cheddar gives a bold, tangy flavor, while Monterey Jack adds a mild, buttery note to the Mexican bean dip.
- Sour Cream: Smooth and cooling, this layer adds creaminess and helps mellow out the spicier ingredients.
- Olives and Onions: Black olives bring a brininess and finely diced red onion adds a sharp, savory bite and a bit of colorโespecially in the guacamole.
- Avocados: Creamy and rich, theyโre the main ingredient of the guacamole, bringing a silky texture and healthy fats that tie the whole dish together.
- Lime Juice: Bright and zesty, it balances the richness of the avocado, helps enhance the other flavors, and slows browning in the guacamole.
- Herbs and Seasoning: Fresh cilantro brings an herby pop of color, while Slap Ya Mama seasoning adds a spicy Cajun twist. Garlic salt and black pepper round everything out with savory depth and subtle heat.
See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts, nutritional information, and detailed instructions.
Variations
- Boost the Protein: Add in seasoned ground beef, chicken, turkey, or chorizo between the beans and sour cream for a heartier, more filling dish.
- Lighten it Up: Swap in Greek yogurt or light sour cream, use reduced-fat cheese, and opt for whole black or pinto beans to keep things a little more wholesome.
- Make them Mini: Assemble the layers in small cups or jars for easy, mess-free servings at your next gatheringโno double-dipping here!
- Add More Veggies: Mix in sweet corn, sautรฉed bell peppers, or even chopped spinach for extra texture and nutrients in this layered bean dip.

How to Make 7 Layer Dip
Ready to make this 3-step, Mexican layer dip? After a quick heat-up and a little mashing, itโs all about building those tasty layers. Grab a 13″x9″ dish, a medium saucepan, and your ingredientsโand letโs get cooking:
- Step 1: Heat the Base. Warm the refried beans and Rotelยฎ together in a medium sauce pan, until hot. Then, remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Step 2: Mash the Guacamole. Mash the avocados with red onion, lime juice, salsa, cilantro, seasoning, and pepper in a medium bowl, until creamy and well combined.
- Step 3: Layer and Serve. Spread the cooled bean mixture into your baking dish. Add layers of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, followed by sour cream, guacamole, black olives, diced tomatoes or salsa, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. Top with extra cheese, if you likeโthen serve with your favorite chips and dig in!
Serving Suggestions
Before you grab a chip to scoop up all this deliciousness, check out a few tasty ways to round out the party spread. That way, when this layered dip with refried beans disappears (and it will), your crowd stays happy while you whip up round two!
- Offer a variety of chip choicesโclassic tortilla, blue corn, pita chipsโand fresh veggie dippers like bell pepper strips, cucumber rounds, celery sticks, and carrots. All options are great for scooping!
- Serve this cold bean dip on a hot day alongside chicken taquitos, mini beef tacos, or Southwest tater tot casserole for a full Tex-Mex inspired meal.
- Build a party platter with jalapeรฑo poppers, steak quesadillas, and hot corn dip for a snack spread that disappears as fast as the dip does!

Expert Tips
- Cool Before Layering: Let the heated bean mixture cool before adding the other layers. This keeps the sour cream and guac from becoming runny.
- Use Ripe Avocados: Soft to the touch, but not mushy, avocados make the creamiest guacamole. If they are to hard or firm, they won’t mash and blend as smoothly with the other ingredients.
- Storing: Store the leftover layered refried bean dip covered tightly in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to press plastic wrap directly onto the surface before sealing to help minimize discoloration of the guacamole.
Recipe FAQs
You can somewhat prep ahead. You can heat the beans the day before and store them separately. Prep the guacamole and assemble the dip just before serving for the freshest results.
I don’t recommend it. Freezing will change the texture of the sour cream, guacamole, and other ingredients, plus make it watery when thawed.

More Delicious Appetizer Recipes
If you try this recipe and love it, please be sure to leave a 5 โญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธ rating below and comment! You can also pin it to save it for later. Also, you can follow us on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. Remember to “like” or “follow” us on all social media.

7 Layer Bean Dip
Ingredients
- 2 cans refried beans
- 10 oz can Rotelยฎ
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- 1ยฝ-2 cups sour cream
- 1 can black olives, sliced
- 1 cup chunky salsa or diced tomatoes
- ยฝ cup cilantro, chopped
For The Guacamole
- 3 avocados
- 2 tablespoon red onions, diced
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon chunky salsa
- ยฝ teaspoon Slap Ya Mamaยฎ seasoning
- ยฝ teaspoon garlic salt
- ยผ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
For The Guacamole
- In a medium bowl, add avocados, red onions, lime juice, salsa, cilantro, seasoning and pepper.
- Mash all ingredients together until combined.
For The 7 Layer Bean Dip
- Using a medium saucepan, heat refried beans and Rotel until hot
- Once cooled, spread bean mixture into a 9×13 baking dish.
- Top with both types of cheese.
- Add sour cream.
- Spread guacamole over sour cream.
- Top with black olives, salsa or diced tomatoes and cilantro.
- Optional: Top with extra cheese, if desired.
Notes
- Cooling is Key: Let the bean layer cool before adding other ingredients to keep your dip from getting runny.
- Which Avocado Matters: Use ripe avocados for the smoothest, creamiest guacamole.
- Minimize Browning: Store leftovers with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the guac to minimize browning.












We really loved this! It’s such a classic and so easy. I whipped it up in no time.
I love this dip. It’s my favorite kind, and it’s so easy. I made it last night for no other reason than that I just wanted it. That’s how easy it is.