Ingredients:

  • 1 lb lean ground beef (90/10)
  • 1 packet (28g) taco seasoning
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 can (16 oz) refried beans
  • 4 cups tortilla chips
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
  • 1 cup thick and chunky salsa
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
  • 1/2 cup diced Roma tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup pickled jalapeños
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). In a large 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until no pink remains, breaking it into small crumbles. Drain any excess rendered fat.
  2. Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the meat and stir for 60 seconds to bloom the spices. Pour in the water and half of the salsa, simmering for 2 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
  3. In a 9x13 inch baking dish, spread the refried beans evenly across the bottom. Layer half of the tortilla chips over the beans, followed by the beef mixture and half of the shredded cheddar cheese.
  4. Top with the remaining tortilla chips and the rest of the cheese. Bake in the center rack of the oven for 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and golden.
  5. Remove from oven and top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, pickled jalapeños, green onions, and dollops of sour cream before serving.