Ingredients
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1 cup shredded lettuce
1/2 cup diced tomatoes
1/4 cup sliced black olives
1 lb (450g) ground beef
1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade taco seasoning)
1/2 cup water
1 can (15 oz) refried beans
1/4 cup sliced jalapeños (optional)
Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Tortilla chips, for serving
Instructions
Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a large baking dish.
Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat. Add the taco seasoning and water to the beef, stir, and let it simmer for about 5 minutes until the seasoning is well absorbed.
Prepare the Layers:
Spread the refried beans evenly across the bottom of the greased baking dish.
Top the beans with the seasoned beef mixture.
In a small bowl, combine the sour cream and cream cheese until smooth. Spread this mixture over the beef layer.
Cheese Layer: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses over the creamy layer.
Bake: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Add Fresh Toppings: Once out of the oven, top the casserole with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, black olives, jalapeños, and cilantro.
Serve: Let the casserole cool slightly, then serve with tortilla chips for scooping.
Enjoy.