Warm Multi-Layer Enchilada Dip
perfect for Super Bowl Sunday
Hey, it’s Arash 👋
With the Super Bowl coming up tomorrow, I wanted to share a simple way I think about days like this.
Not as “cheat days.”
Not as days I need to earn or undo.
Just days where, with a little intention, I can enjoy the food, the people, and the experience without feeling off track.
Here’s how I think about things:
1. Think ahead (starting in the morning)
For me, that usually means prioritizing protein, fiber, and staying hydrated earlier in the day. Not to restrict later, but so I’m not showing up starving and reactive. When I anchor breakfast and lunch with satisfying, protein-forward meals, I feel fuller and steadier, and naturally have more room to enjoy what I want during the game (instead of attacking a bag of chips or plate of wings like I’ve never seen food before).
2. Get some movement in (even 15 minutes counts)
Sure, the movement might burn a few calories. But for me, what matters more is what happens emotionally. When I show up, even for 15 minutes, I feel good. There’s a quiet sense of confidence that comes from keeping a promise to myself, and that momentum carries through the day.
And on Holidays or days like the Super Bowl, that feeling matters. I go in grounded and in control, able to enjoy the food without getting swept up by it.
3. Lead with protein and fiber
Not because carbs are bad. They’re not. But I know myself. I’ve never actually gotten full from chips, pretzels, or cookies (those were my weakness when I was 340 pounds.) When protein and fiber lead the way, I feel satisfied. When they don’t, I end up mindlessly snacking long after I’m done eating. This just helps keep things steady so the food doesn’t start running the show.
Which brings me to today’s recipe: a warm, multi-layer enchilada dip that’s perfect for sharing and fits right into days like this.
Let’s make it 👇
Warm Multi-Layer Enchilada Dip
A cheesy, layered enchilada-style dip with seasoned beef, refried beans, creamy adobo queso, and fresh toppings. A guaranteed crowd-pleaser served warm.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients
For the Dip
1 lb ground beef (I prefer lean)
1½ tbsp taco seasoning
1 can refried beans (pinto or black)
8 oz salsa or enchilada sauce
For the Adobo Queso
16 oz cottage cheese
2 adobo peppers
1 tbsp adobo sauce
2 small garlic cloves
½ tbsp onion powder
½ tbsp paprika
For the Creamy Lime Sauce
3 tbsp mayonnaise
2 tbsp sour cream or Greek yogurt
Juice of 2 limes
1 handful cilantro
1 small jalapeño
1 garlic clove
Salt, to taste
Optional Toppings
Avocado
Olives
Jalapeño
Cilantro
Directions
Preheat the oven to 400°F.
Cook the ground beef with the taco seasoning in a skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up well, until browned and finely crumbled. Drain excess fat if needed.
Spread the refried beans evenly into the bottom of an oven-safe baking dish. Top with the cooked beef, then pour the salsa or enchilada sauce evenly over the top.
In a blender or food processor, blend the cottage cheese, adobo peppers, adobo sauce, garlic, onion powder, and paprika until completely smooth. Spread this mixture evenly over the beef layer.
Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top and bake uncovered for 15 minutes, until hot and bubbly.
While the dip bakes, blend the mayonnaise, sour cream (or yogurt), lime juice, cilantro, jalapeño, garlic, and salt until smooth.
Drizzle the sauce over the baked dip and finish with your favorite toppings before serving.
Final Note
Days like the Super Bowl don’t need to be overthought.
For a long time, what held me back was the idea that a day like this meant everything was out the window. If certain foods were around, I felt like I had to go all in. And all in, I went!
That mindset made these days heavier than they needed to be, far more than any single meal ever did.
Just because the food is there doesn’t mean it has to run the show.
Enjoy the game, enjoy the dip, and enjoy life.
