In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Make sure to break it up into small crumbles as it cooks. Drain any excess fat, if necessary. Add the taco seasoning and follow the instructions on the packet, usually adding a bit of water to help the spices mix in. Stir to combine and let it simmer for a few minutes until fully flavored.

While the beef is cooking, take a medium bowl and mix the cream cheese and sour cream together until smooth. This will be the creamy layer that makes the dip rich and indulgent. You can use a hand mixer or just a spoon to blend it, but make sure there are no lumps for the perfect creamy texture.

In a serving dish (a 9x9-inch baking dish works great), spread the creamy mixture evenly at the bottom. Then, layer the cooked beef on top. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the beef, and top with the diced tomatoes. For an added crunch, finish with a layer of shredded lettuce.

Now comes the fun part! Grab your tortilla chips (or any dipping option you prefer), and dig in. You can serve this dip warm, straight from the oven, or chilled if you prefer. Either way, it’s a hit!